Summer 2008 closed

June 29 - July 30, 2008

Sponsored by James Madison College

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

The International Relations program in Brussels is designed for undergraduate students with an interest in political science, international studies, international relations, international law and organizations, and international business.

The program consists of lectures, discussions, tutorials, and field trips to important European institutions located in and around Brussels including the European Union, NATO Headquarters, and the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers-Europe (SHAPE).

NOTE: A companion excursion into Eastern Europe may be taken under our June companion program, “Economic and Political Transition” with emphasis on Hungary, Romania and Turkey (see the separate information sheet on this program).

What can I study?

Two James Madison College courses (which meet the requirements for MC international relations majors) are offered. Students are required to enroll in eight (8) semester credits from the following courses:

Additional seminars on " Europe and the World" will be offered at no additional charge as part of the European Summer School organized by the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). This provides an excellent opportunity for American students to interact with European students, civil servants, and young diplomats.

A companion excursion into post-communist Eastern Europe may be taken under our June companion program, “Economic and Political Transition” with emphasis on Hungary, Romania and Turkey (see the separate information sheet on this program). Students can apply to this add-on program as an independent option or earn up to 16 semester credits in combination with this program. The total cost for the combined “International Relations” and the “Economic and Political Transition” program will amount to a savings of approximately $90 for the two programs (priced separately).

What are the requirements?

Students from Michigan State University, as well as students from other colleges and universities, are eligible to apply.

Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.3 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Housing is mostly in apartments, with most students responsible for their own meal preparation. Apartments are often within walking distance to the ULB campus. Accommodations are arranged through ULB. Most students will have roommates and share kitchen and bath/shower facilities. Classes are held at ULB in association with the Department of International Relations.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Professor Matthew C. Zierler
James Madison College
316 S. Case Hall
Phone: (517) 432-8300

In addition to the MSU faculty leader, the program is enhanced by on-site faculty professors. Dr. Jamie Shea, co-founder of the program, was for nine years the official spokesman and is now Deputy Secretary General for External Affairs at NATO. He is also an adjunct professor of international relations in James Madison College at Michigan State University. He received his doctorate from Oxford University in 1981 and has held numerous teaching and research appointments with major European and American universities, as well as several assignments with NATO. Professor Eric Philippart, currently with the Commission of the European Union, has been a Research Associate at the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique ( Belgium) and Professor at the Department of Political Science (ULB) and the College of Bruges. His many publications on the European Union and its external relations include Ever Closer Partnership: Policy-Making in the U.S. - EU Relations (2001).

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks is usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

See the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook for further health information and recommendations.

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $1,983 and includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• meals
• books and supplies
• passport application fee ($100)
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate, regardless of state of residence.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are February 1st for spring break programs, March 1st for summer, academic year and fall semester programs, and October 15th for winter break and spring semester programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs. We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.