                |
 |
 |
Study Abroad Opportunities
Study
abroad courses typically are offered in sessions
tailored for recesses in the academic year
and build on subjects such as policy-making,
international trade, regional development,
culture, and security. Programs are organized
in countries that serve as laboratories for
studying the politics and economics of emerging
markets. Previous programs have been held
in India, China, Turkey, Singapore/Thailand,
Mexico, England, Europe, and Costa Rica. SUMMER PROGRAMS
Mexico is among the world's most exciting democracies and one of the most dynamic economies. Twenty years ago Mexico was an inward looking, less developed country in financial crisis, focused on guarding itself from its dominating northern neighbor. Today, Mexico is a vibrant, outward looking member of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Mexico
is America's third largest source of imports
and second largest export market. It has
entered into more than a dozen Free Trade
Agreements with 40 countries, including
the EU. With GDP growing consistently at
3 to 4 percent, Mexico has become the world's
8th largest exporter. It is a major destination
for foreign direct investment. Mexico boasts
an oversized portion of the world's richest
men; yet, 40 percent of Mexicans live in
poverty, and 20 percent in extreme poverty.
It is home to world-class companies, while
half the workforce labors in the informal
economy. Half of all Mexicans are under
26 years of age. One million jobs must
be created each year just to keep even
with the growing workforce. Massive emigration
disrupts communities, the drug trade is
growing, and the justice system remains
best avoided. Yet, new pockets of manufacturing
are growing and technology-based industries
are sprouting up. The emerging middle class
fuels a robust democracy. It has just survived
its second truly contested election, one
of the closest of any democracy in history.
Immigration from and trade with Mexico
will also be issues in America's upcoming
presidential election.
This course examines the political, economic
and security challenges confronting South
Africa today. These include poverty alleviation,
black economic empowerment, the HIV/AIDS
crisis, security, education, and housing.
Classes will take place in Pretoria (on the
campus of the University of Pretoria) and
Cape Town, with presentations by a variety
academic specialists and practitioners. These
formal sessions will be complemented by numerous
site visits to government and non-profit
institutions, as well as private enterprises.
This will enable a full understanding and
appreciation of the rapid change that South
Africa experienced during the last decade
and the multifaceted and dynamic nature of
Africa's emerging powerhouse.
Course
Directors: Dr. Stuart Kewley, Adjunct
Professor, George Mason University and
the Continuing Education Department of
Oxford University; Michal McElwain
Malur, Director External Programs School
of Public Policy, George Mason University
and Dr. Desmond Dinan,
Jean Monnet Professor, Director of Academic Programs,
George Mason University WINTER 2009 PROGRAM
Course
Directors: Ramkishen S. Rajan, Associate
Professor, School of Public Policy, George
Mason University; Michal McElwain Malur,
Director of External Programs, School
of Public Policy, George Mason University The SPP Southeast Asia Study Abroad program focuses on two of the more developed Southeast Asian countries: Singapore and Thailand. Both are highly open economies, which have been very successful in developing and growing rapidly by attracting large-scale foreign direct inflows and becoming significant global exporters in electronics and other areas. Both countries experienced sharp slowdown following the regional financial crisis of 1997-98 but have recovered since then and regained their economic vibrancy. The focus of this program will be to understand the trade and development experiences, paying attention to the key economic and political economy policy challenges facing these two countries and the larger Southeast Asian region in the 21st century. The
Center for Global Education abroad opportunities
can be found at: http://www.gmu.edu/departments/cge/ . For
more information, contact Michal McElwain at mmcelwai@gmu.edu 703.993.1577 |
||||||||||
