SPP’S STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS

This summer, SPP offered two Study Abroad programs which enabled students to earn three credits in two weeks while experiencing a new culture. For the first time, a program of study in South Africa was offered. Entitled, “South Africa: Political, Economic and Security Challenges,” it was directed by Thys Van Schaik, SPP’s Assistant Dean, with the help of Dr. Maxi Schoeman, head of the department of Political Studies at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. The course, which ran from May 23 through June 4, gave students a chance to examine the political, economic and security challenges confronting South Africa today. “The South Africa study program provided an opportunity for the thorough examination of interconnected issues, such as poverty alleviation, black economic empowerment, the HIV/AIDS crisis, education and housing,” says Van Schaik. “The domestic focus was supplemented by viewing issues in a broader regional and continental context. The outstanding quality of the program was assured by presenters predominantly from academia and think tanks, as well as those working directly with related issues.” Classes took place on the campus of the university in Pretoria, and in Cape Town.

Another group of students studied in Oxford, England, from August 7 through the 19th. Their program, called “Britain and the Challenge of the European Union,” was coordinated by Professor Desmond Dinan, who directs SPP’s International Commerce and Policy Program. He worked with Dr. Stuart Kewley, from the Bristol Business School at the University of the West of England. Students learned about Britain’s skepticism towards both the euro and the EU’s new Constitutional Treaty; Britain’s special relationship with the United States; and its wider global responsibilities. Classes were held at picturesque Mansfield College at Oxford University.“Britain is skeptical about further political integration and was relieved when French and Dutch voters rejected the proposed Constitutional Treaty in spring 2005,” says Dinan. “The outcome of those referendums made the program in Oxford especially timely, as did the fact that Britain took over the rotating presidency of the EU in July 2005 (for the next six months). I think that the students really appreciated being in Britain during such an exciting time for the EU, and liked hearing about aspects of Britain's EU membership.”

Thanks to the success and popularity of these two programs, SPP will be offering a total of six foreign study opportunities in 2006–with trips to Turkey, Costa Rica, China, Oxford and two to Mexico. The schedule for 2007, which is currently being drawn up, will include programs in India, South Africa and other countries.

For more information, click here.