DATES:
January 5 - 20, 2013
APPLICATION FEE: $100
PROGRAM FEE:
$4,860
The Program Fee includes tuition and program expenses. Click on Program Fee for details.
International airfare and personal expenses are not included in the Program Fee and are the responsibility of the participant.
Application Deadline
October 5, 2012
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students with a cumulative GPA of 2.25, including students who do not attend George Mason University.
Students should have taken at least one course in International Relations, Government Studies, Global Affairs, Conflict Resolution, Political Economy, or a similar class prior to participation in this program.
CREDITS:
Undergraduate: 3 semester credits in Global Affairs 480, Conflict Analysis 385, or Government 398
Graduate: 3 semester credits in Government 739: Issues in Comparative and International Politics
Housing
Individual rooms
Excursions
Geneva and Strasbourg
CONTACT: Sarah Mournighan via email or by calling 703.993.2106 or toll free at 866.468.1243. The toll free number does not accept calls from the 703 or 571 area code.
Downloadable Documents
University of Fribourg [html]
Syllabus available upon request
Faculty Info
Professor Irina AervitzThis two-week study abroad survey of international organizations based in gorgeous Fribourg, Switzerland provides students with an overview of the goals, functions, and significance of such organizations in today's fast changing global environment.
2012 Program Participants in Front of the United Nations Globe
Download Keeley's testimonial [PDF]
Four full-day site visits in Geneva and Strasbourg will include:
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) pictured above
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)
International Labor Organization (ILO) pictured above
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) pictured below
World Trade Organization (WTO)
European Parliament
European Court of Human Rights
Council of Europe
The course examines the achievements and failures of the world's most important organizations from an interdisciplinary perspective. Using frameworks provided by economics, political science, international relations, and international law, the course will address the following questions:
What are functions of international organizations?
How can international organizations diminish or solve collective action problems? Are they successful in doing so?
What are the main obstacles faced by international organizations?
Fribourg, Switzerland is a very young town and an ancient city - young because 10,000 of the 40,000 inhabitants are the University's students and ancient because of its medieval heritage. It is one of Europe's most beautiful and best preserved medieval ensembles. The University students add vibrant rhythm and atmosphere to the town. Fribourg has a multitude of festivals and cultural events and also numerous little cafés and restaurants that serve first-class delicacies. A fantastic starting point for excursions, it is easily accessible by road, rail, and air from Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, and Bern,the Swiss capital.
2011 Program Participants in Front of the United Nations Globe
Academic Director
Dr. Irina Aervitz holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Politics and International Relations from Miami University of Ohio and taught economic globalization and global affairs at George Mason University for three years. She has experience in project management, market research, and government relations in the US, Russia, and China. Her research primarily focuses on the political economy of China and Russia. She regularly contributes to Russia Profile, a Moscow-based English language magazine covering the economic relationship between the US and Russia. Her reports and analytical pieces have also appeared in Asia Times Online and Voice of America among others.
Dates: January 5 - 20, 2013
You should plan to leave the United States at least one day prior to the program start date to arrive in Fribourg for the first day of the program. You can schedule your return to the United States from Fribourg for the last day of the program or choose to travel independently.
Do not purchase airfare until you are advised by your Program Officer.
Program Fee
$4,860The Center for Global Education Program Fee includes:
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Tuition
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Housing
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Excursions to Geneva and Strasbourg
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Most meals
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Guest lectures
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Pre-departure orientation
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Emergency medical insurance, including medical evacuation and repatriation
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to George Mason students. George Mason students can click here to download the CGE Global Perspectives scholarship application. Mason students may also use financial aid to cover a program's cost. If you are not a George Mason university student check with your study abroad office or office of financial aid to learn more about how to cover the cost of your study abroad.
How to Apply
Consult the How to Apply section for detailed instructions. Start by completing the online application. Pay the $100 application fee.
Note that all supplemental documents are required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Contact the Program Officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.