About Academia Tocqueville | June 21-July 3, 2026
The Chase Center will nominate two students for this program and cover their cost of registration, lodging, transportation to Paris, reading materials, and most meals. During this 12-day seminar in Paris, France, students will study important thinkers in the tradition of French political thought, while also exploring Paris and French culture.
Program History
Excerpted from the Academia Tocqueville:
In 2017, Laurent Frémont was appointed to serve the French Embassy in the United States. While living in D.C., he was struck by the interest many Americans had in France, and in French political thought. But many of his American friends lamented that they lacked formal opportunities to study French traditions.
This gave him an idea. What if we could bring Anglophone students to France to study the best of French political thought? For a long time, this idea sadly remained only a dream. In 2023, this dream finally became a reality, thanks to the tireless dedication of Luke Foster and Nathan Pinkoski.
Committed to the highest academic standards, Academia Tocqueville provides a comprehensive introduction to French political thought. Its curriculum is dedicated to the thinkers neglected by American and British universities. It is an independent program that teaches students what they can learn culturally, politically, and spiritually from France’s intellectual tradition. Their task is to understand the answers French thinkers have offered to the most difficult questions of the modern era.
But the program goes beyond the classroom. Students are introduced to the French political tradition in the fullest sense, connecting culture, history, and religion with politics. They learn to distinguish a Bordeaux from a Burgundy and discover beautiful art and music. They visit the hidden sites of Paris that are closed to tourists. Finally, they forge new transatlantic alliances and friendships that help Western nations learn from each other.
Eligibility
Rising juniors and seniors from The Ohio State University who demonstrate serious interest in French political thought can apply to be considered for this opportunity. Preference will be given to students enrolled in Chase Center courses. French language skill is not required.
How to apply
Step One: Chase Center application
Feb. 6: Deadline to submit one-page statement of interest, résumé, the names and contact information for two references, and one letter of recommendation. Submit these materials and questions to Assistant Director Jonathan Spiegler.
Feb. 23: The Chase Center alerts nominated students
Step Two: Academie Tocqueville application
Feb. 28: Deadline for nominated students to apply to Academia Tocqueville (same application materials as due Feb. 6)
What does the Chase Center pay for?
The two students who are nominated by the Chase Center and subsequently accepted by Academia Tocqueville will receive funding that covers the cost of registration, lodging in central Paris, most meals, reading materials, and an economy round-trip flight and checked baggage from Columbus to Paris. (The flight cost is limited to $1,000). This is a combined value of $6,800.
Students must cover any cost beyond $1,000 of the flights and checked baggage, travel insurance through Ohio State, some meals, and incidental expenses (e.g., ground transportation to/from airports, souvenirs, etc.)
Post-experience report
Students must submit a relatively short report after returning from France explaining what they learned, their assessment of the study abroad program, and recommendations for how the program might be improved in future years.