Created in 1975 through the initiative of Fernand Braudel, in agreement with the Secretary of State for Universities, Directorate of Higher Education and Research, the Associate Directors of Studies (DEA) program is the oldest international mobility program of the Fondation Maison des Sciences de l'Homme. 

It enables foreign scientific professionals from all continents to be invited for a period of four to six weeks to support their work in the SHS in France, as well as to promote creation of international research networks and contact with researchers on site.

The program is intended exclusively for holders of university professorships or equivalent positions in higher education and research institutions. Applicants must be no older than 65 at the time of their stay. Priority is given to projects requiring fieldwork (surveys, work in libraries or archives, etc.) in France.