French University Trains Spies for Global Security

An Unusual University for Spy Training

Sciences Po Saint-Germain, located on the outskirts of Paris, offers a unique training program for French spies. Professor Xavier Crettiez, who oversees the course, admits that he does not know the real names of many students, as they are often intelligence agents on missions. The program, titled Diploma in Global Information and Threats, was developed at the request of French authorities following the terrorist attacks in 2015.

The course includes 120 hours of classes spread over four months and costs approximately 5,000 euros. Its primary objective is to identify and manage threats, covering topics such as organized crime and political violence. In this class, which accommodates both young students and experienced spies, there is a notable increase in interest from the private sector, seeking graduates equipped to handle security and espionage challenges.

This year, out of 28 students, six are spies, and the majority are women, marking a positive shift compared to two decades ago. Students come with diverse motivations and a strong sense of patriotism, eager to contribute to the betterment of the world through their activities.