Summer 2008

4 weeks (early July to early August)

Sponsored by James Madison College
In cooperation with Cambridge University

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

The Public Affairs program at Gonville and Caius College – Cambridge University, allows you to earn eight semester credits in the social sciences while studying at one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful universities, rated the best university in the United Kingdom by the London Times in 2002.

The program is taught in small classes by Cambridge faculty members. It is designed especially for undergraduate students with an interest in public affairs – economics, history, international relations, political science, and sociology. It is sponsored by Michigan State University’s residential college in the social sciences, James Madison College. Students from other colleges and universities are welcome to apply through the MSU Office of Study Abroad for credits that may be transferred to their own institutions.

The program runs simultaneously with Cambridge University’s “International Summer School.” This provides an opportunity to meet students from around the world and to attend a number of special lectures and events. The program also overlaps with the Cambridge Festival, an annual celebration featuring art, film, music, and theater.

Where does it take place?

Established in the 13 th century, Cambridge University comprises about 30 residential colleges. Caius College was founded in the 14 th century and is one of the most charming of these ancient institutions.

The university is located in the heart of Cambridge, about an hour north of London by rail. The town is one of the most picturesque in Britain and, like the university, is rich in tradition and history.

London, of course, is one of the world’s greatest cities, the heart of Britain’s public life and its vibrant cultural center. Cambridge is very close to Luton and Stansted airports, central hubs for discount flights to all parts of Europe (transatlantic flights from the U.S., however, fly into Heathrow or Gatwick airports).

What can I study?

The exact mix of courses that will be offered in 2007 is still to be determined. In some years, four James Madison College (MC) courses will be offered, one in each of the college’s majors of International Relations, Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, and Social Relations. Depending on the number of students enrolled, it may instead be the case that students take one MC course and one additional course within Cambridge’s International Summer Schools. For MC students, these courses (with approval from field chairs) can be used to satisfy course and elective requirements or to substitute for the field experience requirement. Students from other MSU colleges or from other institutions should consult with their academic advisors about how these courses can fulfill requirements.

Students will be required to enroll in eight (8) semester credits.

Classes will meet in Gonville and Caius College, located in the center of downtown Cambridge.

What are the requirements?

Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.4 (upperclassmen) or 3.0 (freshman) 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?

Students will be housed at Harvey Court, which is part of Gonville and Caius College. Breakfast and dinner will be served daily as part of the program fee. Students will have access to the university library and the University Centre (Cambridge’s “student union”).

Who can tell me more about this program?

Norman Graham
James Madison College
358 S. Case Hall
Phone: (517) 355-3277 or (517) 353-3372
E-mail: grahamn@msu.edu

You can also find out about this program, as well as other JMC study abroad programs at the following Web site: http://www.jmc.msu.edu/cs/study_abroad.asp

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 http://studyabroad.msu.edu/passports.html

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 http://studyabroad.msu.edu/visas.html

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.

For further health information and recommendations visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/health.html

How much does it cost?

The program fee in 2007 was $4,411 and included the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations with breakfast and dinner
• 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
• ground transportation to Cambridge
• additional 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 http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/studrec/ 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 http://studyabroad.msu.edu/finaid/index.html

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 deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer 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 http://studyabroad.msu.edu/scholarships/index.html

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form by visiting http://studyabroad.msu.edu/applications/index.html

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. You can also read the handbook online at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/abcs/index.html.

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