Program Description

This program is an in-depth exploration of the process of European integration. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the history, institutions, and policies of the European Union (EU). They will also explore contemporary issues such as the eastward expansion of the EU and the question of European identity. This is an intensive course in which the students will be immersed in the subject matter through readings, lectures, and class discussions. During the study tour part of the program, the students will have the opportunity to visit a number of the institutions they will have studied during the course work part of the program held in Maastricht. The stops on last year's study tour included Geneva, Strasbourg, Paris, and Brussels.

Maastricht, with a population of 125,000, provides a mix of small-town charm and urban sophistication. Originally situated at a shallow ford on the Maas River, Maastricht was used by the Romans as a crossing point to reach their base in Aachen, Germany. In medieval times Charlemagne incorporated the city into the Holy Roman Empire. In subsequent ages a number of European powers fought for control of Maastricht, due to its strategic location and formidable system of fortifications (still standing in many parts of the city). Today the city is best known for the Maastricht Treaty, which accelerated the process of European integration.

Maastricht is located in the southernmost part of The Netherlands, ensuring easy access to many major points of interest in Europe. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague are three hours to the north. The city is only sixty-four miles from Brussels, and a mere thirty miles from Cologne. Maastricht Central train station provides easy access to all of Europe. In the past, students have used free time on the weekends to take advantage of these opportunities.

Courses Offered

B A 499 Economics of European Integration (3 credits)
B A 499 Study Tour: European Political and Economic Institutions (3 credits)

Prerequisites: ECON 002, ECON 004, B A 241, B A 242, B A 243, or B LAW 243, and M I S 204. Students must enroll for 6 credits (3 credits of course work and the 3-credit study tour). The academic program consists of four weeks of instruction, followed by a thirteen-day study tour to political, economic, and cultural institutions in four major European cities: Frankfurt, Strasbourg, Paris, and Brussels. To receive credit for the study tour, each student must keep and turn in a journal.

A minimum 2.75 GPA is required.

PL SC 499 The Politics of European Integration (3 credits)
PL SC 499 Study Tour: European Political and Economic Institutions (3 credits)

Prerequisites: Any two of the following — PL SC 003, 014, and 020. Advanced course work in political science, history, or economics may be substituted with the permission of the instructor. Students must enroll in 6 credits (3 credits of course work and the 3-credit study tour). The academic program consists of four weeks of instruction, followed by a thirteen-day study tour to political, economic, and cultural institutions in four major European cities: Frankfurt, Strasbourg, Paris, and Brussels. In order to receive credit for the study tour, each student must keep and turn in a journal.

A minimum 2.75 GPA is required.

Eligibility

Applications are considered on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply early, as enrollment is limited. All students must meet the course prerequisites listed under "Courses Offered" and must be interviewed by the faculty member responsible for the application process.

Faculty

Michael Bernhard, associate professor of political science, College of the Liberal Arts, Penn State, will oversee the academic dimension of the political science track in this program. Individual course instruction will be provided by the faculty of the Center for European Studies at Maastricht University.

Austin J. Jaffe, director of International Programs in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State, will oversee the academic dimension of the business track in this program. Individual course instruction will be provided by the faculty of the Center for European Studies at Maastricht University.

Expenses

The total program fee includes two components: tuition (based on the number of credits) and a class fee (based on activities and location). All students will pay in-state tuition for 2008 Summer Abroad programs.

Tuition (6 credits)

$3,318 in-state/out-of-state

The University reserves the right to revise the schedule of tuition and charges without further notice. For more information on tuition, visit http://tuition.psu.edu/.

Class Fee

The class fee of $2,495 includes housing, instruction, and books in Maastricht and all housing, transportation and entrance fees on the study tour.

Total Program Fee

The program fee of $5,813 includes tuition as well as the class fee.

Financial Aid

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarship page.

Refunds

All cancellations must be received by the conference planner, in writing, by mail or fax. Do not use eLion; it does not remove you from the class, and you will be held responsible for all fees. Full refunds minus the $1,000 application fee will be made for cancellations received at least thirty days prior to the first day of the program. Refund requests made after that time will not be honored, and the participant or sponsoring organization will be responsible for the fees.

Expenses NOT covered are:

optional excursion
passport
personal expenses
round-trip airfare (approximately $1,000 plus tax)
meals

Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $53; 5 to 8.5 credits, $106; 9 or more credits, $159

For passport information, visit http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.

How to Apply

The Student Support Initiative for Penn State undergraduates enrolling in our Summer Education Abroad programs will continue for summer 2008. If you would like to be considered for such an award, please indicate this in your short essay, giving the reasons why you should receive financial assistance.*

All applicants must send in the application form. To register, complete the Adobe.pdf printable registration form or the Word.doc printable registration form and return it with:

the $1,000 application fee (nonrefundable unless applicant is not selected) to be applied toward the class fee
*a short essay (course background, previous travel, etc.)
a current, unofficial transcript
a sealed letter of recommendation form from your adviser or a faculty member with whom you have studied

All applicants will be screened by the Office of Judicial Affairs.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 17, 2008

Return all items together to:

Summer Education Abroad Programs
The Pennsylvania State University
225 The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
University Park PA 16802

Cancellation: The University may cancel or postpone any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees but cannot be held responsible for any other related costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.

Access: Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the conference planner at 814-863-5170.

Space may be available after the application deadline. Please contact the conference planner to determine availability and/or to be added to the waiting list.

Contact Us

Regarding business program content:
Dr. Austin J. Jaffe
Smeal College of Business
The Pennsylvania State University
381 Business Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-1938
Fax: 814-865-6284
E-mail: ajj@psu.edu

Regarding political science program content:
Dr. Michael Bernhard
College of the Liberal Arts
The Pennsylvania State University
108 Burrowes Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-3205
Fax: 814-863-8979
E-mail: mhb5@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Judy Meder, Conference Planner
The Pennsylvania State University
225 The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-5170
Fax: 814-863-5190
E-mail: SummerAbroad@outreach.psu.edu

Regarding financial aid:
Office of Student Aid
The Pennsylvania State University
314 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-6301

For alternative grant, loan, and minority and Whole World scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarship page.