Study Abroad Opportunities

Go Global!

In 2009, SPP offers opportunities to Mexico, China, and Oxford. Find more information on each program below.

Each academic year, SPP offers opportunities for students to take intensive, short, three-credit elective courses abroad, led by some of the school's most distinguished faculty. All SPP Master's degree students are eligible and encouraged to participate in one trip while earning 3 elective credits towards graduation. Non-degree/non-Mason students can also apply.

Study abroad courses typically are offered in sessions tailored for recesses in the academic year and build on subjects such as policy-making, international trade, regional development, culture, and security. Programs are organized in countries that serve as laboratories for studying the politics and economics of emerging markets. Previous programs have been held in India, China, Turkey, Singapore/Thailand, Mexico, England, South Africa, Europe, and Costa Rica.

Study Abroad Programs provide excellent opportunities to network not only with political leaders, business people, academics, and practitioners but also with other trip participants. Building such relationships can result in added benefits—from job opportunities to lifelong friendships.

SPP encourages students in all its masters programs to take, as an elective, one of its short, intensive, study abroad classes. In general, students may take only one such course for credit toward graduation, but in exceptional circumstances may take a second, with the approval of Dr. Thys van Schaik, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

SPRING 2009 PROGRAM

March 7-15, 2009 Application Deadline January 30, 2009
Click here for more information

Transnational Trade and Governance: A Case Study of Mexico

Course Directors: Professor Desmond Dinan, Jean Monnet Professor, and Michal McElwain Malur, Director of External Programs.

Mexico is among the world's most exciting democracies and one of the most dynamic economies. Twenty years ago Mexico was an inward looking, less developed country in financial crisis, focused on guarding itself from its dominating northern neighbor. Today, Mexico is a vibrant, outward looking member of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Mexico is America's third largest source of imports and second largest export market. It has entered into more than a dozen Free Trade Agreements with 40 countries, including the EU. With GDP growing consistently at 3 to 4 percent, Mexico has become the world's 8th largest exporter. It is a major destination for foreign direct investment. Mexico boasts an oversized portion of the world's richest men; yet, 40 percent of Mexicans live in poverty, and 20 percent in extreme poverty. It is home to world-class companies, while half the workforce labors in the informal economy. Half of all Mexicans are under 26 years of age. One million jobs must be created each year just to keep even with the growing workforce. Massive emigration disrupts communities, the drug trade is growing, and the justice system remains best avoided. Yet, new pockets of manufacturing are growing and technology-based industries are sprouting up. The emerging middle class fuels a robust democracy. It has just survived its second truly contested election, one of the closest of any democracy in history. Immigration from and trade with Mexico will also be issues in America's upcoming presidential election.

Mexico offers perhaps the richest experience possible to a serious student of public policy.

SUMMER 2009 PROGRAM

May 18-31, 2009 Application Deadline January 30, 2009
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Inside the China Miracle

Course Directors: Dr. Lu Wei, Adjunct Professor, George Mason University and the Vice Dean of the Business School University of Science and Technology China; Dr. Robert Rogowsky Adjunct Professor and Director of the US International Trade Commission; and Michal McElwain Malur, Director External Programs School of Public Policy, George Mason University

July 26 - August 7, 2009
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Britain, the European Union and the Challenge of Globalization

Course Directors: Dr. Stuart Kewley, Adjunct Professor, George Mason University and the Continuing Education Department of Oxford University; Dr. Thys van Schaik Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, George Mason University, Michal McElwain Malur, Director External Programs School of Public Policy, George Mason University

Immerse yourself in a two-week summer program in Oxford, England. This program examines some of the most pressing challenges of contemporary globalization in the fields of business, finance, trade, and development. It takes place in beautiful Mansfield College, Oxford University, with a one-day visit to relevant institutions in London. Participants hear new and different perspectives on pressing international issues in a unique academic setting.

The Center for Global Education abroad opportunities can be found at: http://www.gmu.edu/departments/cge/.
Students must obtain approval prior to participating in study abroad opportunities through the Center for Global Education.

For more information, contact Michal McElwain at mmcelwai@gmu.edu 703.993.1577