Why Political Science Majors Should Study Abroad
By Jeffrey Ashley, Ph.D.
Chair, Political Science
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"Study Abroad is ideal for Political Science majors, both for the general Political Science major and the International Studies Option. The impact of globalization on governance issues, public policy agendas and the complexity of contemporary policy problems means that the experience of studying in another part of the world will yield invaluable dividends for a student’s professional and academic development. "The PLS Department has a well established record of working hand in hand with students to equate Study Abroad coursework with major requirements, and this process no doubt is facilitated by the fact that many courses at EIU-affiliated institutions already include strong political, governmental and/or public policy elements. Furthermore, our faculty’s commitment to the value of the Study Abroad experience is crystallized in undergraduate catalog language that expressly encourages International Studies Option majors to consider Study Abroad coursework as part of their degree requirements." |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Political Science Majors
Australia
Central Queensland University
Rockhampton
Semester or Year
CQUniveristy's main campus is located in Rockhampton, a city of about 60,000. "Rocky", as it is most commonly called, has a small town feel. It is known as the city "where the Outback meets the Reef". CQUniversity has many course options that will help you connect with Australian culture, such as Asian Pacific tourism, scuba diving lessons at the Great Barrier Reef, and indigenous Australian culture courses. PLS 3763, among others, is a course offered at CQU for Political Science majors.
France
University of Lyon (Panrimo program)
Lyon
Summer, Semester or Year
The capital of French gastronomy, Lyon offers eclectic restaurants, cinema, shopping, festivals and more without being spread out like Paris. Downtown Lyon is very compact, with 16th century buildings up and down the streets. Dozens of courses at the University of Lyon are taught in English, including courses on law, human rights, and democracy.
Germany
University of Würzburg
Würzburg
Semester or Year
Würzburg is a young old city, as the people like to say. It is an old city because of its 1400 year old history. Each day, city-goers are surrounded by cultural artifacts dating back to different epochs. Yet, the city is young because Würzburg has one of the highest concentrations of 20 to 30-year-olds in Bavaria and thousands of students come to receive their education here. An Introduction to German Law is a course offered at the University of Würzburg.
Greece
American College of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki
Summer, Semester or Year
Greece -- home of the Olympian gods, sun-filled, passionate -- has been a destination popular with visitors for centuries."Undiscovered" Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece, true crossroads of East and West, and gateway to the Balkans. Founded in 315 B.C, Thessaloniki is now a modern seaport city of 1.5 million inhabitants renowned for its wide avenues, neighborhood squares and tree-lined streets. While at ACT, Political Science majors can take electives and general education courses.
Hungary
Corvinus University of Budapest (API Program)
Budapest
Semester or Year
Budapest has a lively arts, cafe and music scene and is host to a range of cultural and sporting festivals. In the countryside you'll find majestic plains, resort-lined lakes, Baroque towns, horse markets and rustic villages. The fall semester includes excursions to Krakow, Poland and Transylvania, Romania. All courses (besides Hungarian language courses) are taught in English. EU Politics is a course offered at the Corvinus University of Budapest, which is a program available through API.
Ireland
Dublin City University
Dublin
Semester or Year
Established in 1980, DCU has already grown to a student population of over 9,500. Dublin's population has reached over one million people, but the city still retains its charm and village feel. There are many museums, sights, shops, restaurants, theatres, and pubs scattered throughout the city. Additionally, the small coastal towns that many associate with Ireland are easily reached by traveling just outside the city. PLS 3303 is an example of a course offered for Political Science majors at Dublin City University.
Japan
Kansai Gaidai University
Hirakata, Osaka
Semester or Year
You can learn about the political economies in East Asia in this unique program. Since all courses in the Asian Studies Program, aside from those focusing on the Japanese language, are conducted in English, it is possible for students with no previous Japanese training to pursue an in-depth study of Japan and Asia. You have the option of living with a host family or in a dormitory.
South Africa
University of Cape Town
Cape Town
Semester or Year
Due to Cape Town's extensive history as a port city, Cape Town's 3 million people are a blend of African, European, and Asian heritage and tradition. Cape Town is vastly diverse in landscape, people, and activities. You will find no shortage of things to do and learn in Cape Town. UCT is situated on a hillside slope of Table Top Mountain with views of the ocean and easy access to both the mountain and the water. At UCT Political Science education majors and Political Science majors with concentrations in general Political Science, in Public administration and in International studies can take core and core option courses.
South Korea
Ajou University
Suwon
Summer, Semester or Year
Consistent with its emphasis on global education, Ajou University offers a variety of courses taught in English and Korean on a regular basis. These courses provide an excellent opportunity for both international and Korean students to study their chosen fields in an international atmosphere. All EIU students studying at Ajou for a semester or longer receive a free room. Ajou University offers core and core-option courses for Political Science majors.
Sweden
Linnaeus University
Vaxjo
Semester or Year
With 14,000 students, Linnaeus University is similar in size to EIU. The town of Växjö is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Forests, lakes and rivers make it an attractive area for those who love outdoor activities. Växjö is a highly modern town of 76,000 inhabitants. There are excellent sports facilities plus a rich cultural life - with a concert hall, a theater, museums and cinemas. Upper-division core-option and elective courses can be taken at Linnaeus University.
United Kingdom
Harlaxton College
Grantham, England
Semester or Year
Harlaxton Manor is a 100-room Victorian manor house located in the English midlands. Students live and study at the manor along with their faculty members and other Harlaxton staff members. Harlaxton offers lower- and upper-division courses in Political Science.
Harlaxton is a unique experience because you live, dine and study with your professors. This gives it a great community feeling because you interact with your faculty outside of the classroom. --Kayla Blue, Fall 2009
University of Glamorgan
Treforest, Wales
Semester or Year
Glamorgan is located in the small town of Treforest. Treforest is only minutes from the larger Pontypridd and just north of the Welsh capital, Cardiff. World class theatres, museums, galleries, and great football (soccer) matches are all within easy reach of Treforest. Glamorgan's location offers the best of both worlds: a small town feel with big city opportunities available at your doorstep. While at the University of Glamorgan, Political Science majors can take upper-division core option courses.
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