Faculty-led, world-focused

Penn State faculty-led programs offer students the guidance of trusted faculty, with the freedom to explore the world. Our faculty will create the ideal itinerary for you.

This program is an in-depth exploration of the process of European integration. The 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. In this intensive course, the students will be immersed in the subject matter through readings, lectures, independent research, 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 study during the course work part of the program held in Maastricht. The stops on last year's study tour included Luxembourg, Strasbourg, Paris, Reims, 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, with 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. The 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

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

Prerequisites: ECON 002, ECON 004, B A 241, and I B 242 or (B A 243 or B LAW 243), and M I S 204. Students must enroll for 6 credits of I B 499 (3 credits of course work and the 3-credit study tour). The academic program consists of four weeks of instruction and a study tour to political, economic, and cultural institutions in four major European cities: previous destinations included Frankfurt, Strasbourg, Paris, and Brussels. To receive credit for the study tour, each student must submit journal entries with responses to specific questions.

A minimum 2.75 grade-point average 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 of PL SC 499 (3 credits of course work and the 3-credit study tour). The academic program consists of four weeks of instruction, and a study tour to political, economic, and cultural institutions in major European cities: Frankfurt, Strasbourg, Paris, and Brussels. To receive credit for the study tour, each student must submit journal entries with responses to specific questions.

A minimum 2.75 grade-point average is required.

Eligibility

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

Faculty

Zaryab Iqbal, assistant professor of political science in the College of the Liberal Arts at 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 (6 credits) and a class fee (based on activities and location). All the students will pay the in-state tuition rate for 2010 Summer Abroad programs.

Expenses NOT covered are:

• passport
• personal expenses
• optional excursions
• round-trip airfare (approximately $1,000 plus tax)
• some meals
• intercity mass transit
• textbooks and supplies

Estimated Tuition

Out-of-state students will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate until the first day of the program. At that time the students’ bursar account will be adjusted to reflect the in-state tuition rate of $613 per credit.

In-state students will pay tuition according to their standing and the Penn State tuition schedule.

$3,678 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  $2,695 includes insurance, housing, instruction, and books in Maastricht and all housing, transportation, and entrance fees on the study tour.

Estimated Total Program Fee

The estimated program fee of $6,373 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 Scholarships Web 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 course, and you will be held responsible for all fees. Full refunds minus the nonrefundable $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.

Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $78; 5 to 8.5 credits, $170; 9 or more credits, $230

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

How to Apply

Financial assistance: The Student Support Initiative for Penn State undergraduates enrolling in our Summer Education Abroad programs will continue for summer 2010. If you would like to be considered for such an award, please indicate this in the required short essay you will submit with your application. Include the reasons why you should receive financial assistance.

Submit your application through Penn State Education Abroad using the appropriate link below:

Economics of European Integration online application

Politics of European Integration online application 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 18, 2010

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 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 814-863-1738.

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
355 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. Zaryab Iqbal
College of the Liberal Arts
The Pennsylvania State University
203 Pond Lab
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-1510
Fax: 814-863-8979
E-mail: iqbal@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Carolyn Andersen, Conference Planner
The Pennsylvania State University
The 329 Building, Suite 213
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-1738
Fax: 814-865-3749
E-mail: ConferenceInfo2@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 Financial Aid and Scholarships page.