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 destinations during last year's study tour included Luxembourg, Strasbourg, Paris, Reims, Bruges, 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 — 6 credits

The academic program consists of four weeks of instruction and a study tour to political, economic, and cultural institutions in some of the major European cities within EU institutions. Each student must complete assignments as outlined in their specific course descriptions. Applications for the International Business and Political Science tracks are reviewed and evaluated separately by their respective faculty.

A minimum 2.75 grade-point average is required.

Students must apply to either the International Business track or the Political Science track.

International Business Track

Students must enroll for 6 credits of IB 499 (3 credits of course work and the 3-credit study tour).

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

Prerequisites: ECON 002 or ECON 102 and ECON 004 or ECON 104.

Political Science Track

Students must enroll for 6 credits of PLSC 499 (3 credits of course work and the 3-credit study tour).

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

Prerequisites: Any two of the following — PLSC 003, 014, and 020. Advanced course work in political science, history, or economics may be substituted with the permission of the instructor. 

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, associate 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 2012 Summer Abroad programs.

Estimated Tuition (6 credits)

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 $681 per credit.

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

$4,086 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.

Published rates are effective for fall 2011 and spring 2012.

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. The $1,000 nonrefundable deposit applies to the class fee.

Estimated Total Program Fee

Estimated tuition:	$4,086
Class fee:	$2,695
Total estimated program fee:	$6,781

 
Information Technology Fee: 1 to 4.5 credits, $82; 5 to 8.5 credits, $180; 9 or more credits, $240

Expenses NOT covered are: (American dollars; estimated)

• passport (approximately $125)
• personal expenses
• optional excursions
• round-trip airfare (approximately $1,000 plus tax)
• some meals
• intercity mass transit
• textbooks and supplies

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

Financial Aid

For alternative grant, loan, and minority scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships web page.

Refunds

All cancellations must be received by the 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.

How to Apply

Students are limited to one application in the Summer Education Abroad registration database; however, if dates allow, applicants may participate in more than one program.

If you are interested in having your application "copied" to additional programs, please email summerabroad@outreach.psu.edu. The $1,000 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted for each program in order for the applications to be complete. The deposits are later credited to the class fee or refunded if the student is not accepted. Please email summerabroad@outreach.psu.edu if you have any questions.

Economics of European Integration (International Business Track)
Submit this online application through Penn State Education Abroad. 

Politics of European Integration (Political Science Track)
Submit this online application through Penn State Education Abroad. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 17, 2012

Deposit: The $1,000 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted to complete an application. If the student is not accepted, the deposit is refunded. Otherwise, the deposit is applied to the class fee.

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 planner at 800-252-3592.

Space may be available after the application deadline. Please contact the 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
Email: 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
Email: iqbal@psu.edu

Regarding application process:
Carolyn Andersen
The Pennsylvania State University
128 Outreach Building
University Park PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-5143
Fax: 814-865-3749
Email: 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 scholarship information, visit the Education Abroad Financial Aid and Scholarships web page.