James Madison College is committed to expanding understanding of other countries and cultures by encouraging you to plan an education abroad experience. Education abroad contributes to academic advancement, personal growth and professional development. In addition, you will gain an understanding of cultures and intellectual traditions outside of JMC course material.
Together with Michigan State University’s Office for Education Abroad, JMC sponsors several summer and semester-long education abroad programs, allowing students to fulfill degree requirements (including the Field Experience requirement) while gaining valuable experiences abroad.
In addition to JMC-sponsored programs (offering Madison courses and/or content directly complementary to the Madison curriculum), Michigan State University offers numerous other programs which you might also consider.
For a Madison-sponsored program, please select a destination from the selection below.
For the complete range of MSU-sponsored programs, go to the MSU Education Abroad website.
Faculty-Directed Programs
- Students participate on a program directed by MSU faculty, alongside other MSU students.
- Predominantly offered in the summer.
- JMC courses available.
Held in the Summer Semester (4 weeks)
Designed for students with an interest in international relations, law, political science and international business. Students will participate in lectures, discussions, and field trips to important European Institutions likely including the European Union, NATO Headquarters, and the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers-Europe.
Courses: MC299, MC 324e, MC329, MC399 (8 credits)
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
Summer Semester (6 weeks)
Focused on two powerful and influential cities, this summer program explores ancient, renaissance, and modern Western experiences with Republicanism. Multiple excursions will introduce students to treasures of Rome and Florence and be integral parts of required courses.
Courses: MC272, MC299, MC390, MC399, MC490H (8 credits)
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
Summer Semester even years (4 weeks)
This program is designed to build students’ understanding of critical issues faced by agriculture-based developing societies through field visits with local experts. Knowledge gained through this program will help students interested in pursuing post-graduate studies or careers in international development.
Courses: MC 299, MC 300, MC 399, MC 469, MC 490, CSS 490, CSS 491 (8 credits)
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
Summer Semester odd years (3 weeks)
This program focuses on Krakow's Jewish Community in the early 20th century as a case study in the lives and experiences of Central European Jews. Students will explore topics of religious practices and tensions, politics and policies, and occupation, persecution, and survival, through walking tours of the city, visits to museums and memorials, and visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.
Courses: MC 332, MC 387, MC 390, MC 396 (8 credits)
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
This program is currently on hold.
This program in Jerusalem focuses on Israeli politics and society & investigates the relationship between social and ethnic cleavages, cultural politics, political institutions, and the Jewish state. Levy Scholarships are available to students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Courses: MC290, MC335, MC399, IAH211D, ISS330B (8 credits)
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
This program is currently on hold.
This program explores the cultural, social, and political effects of contemporary globalization on a city that seems to represent the divergent outcomes of today’s capitalism. Students will explore these themes in Dubai as well as visits to other cities in the United Arab Emirates. The program includes experiences Dubai’s famous New Year’s Eve forewords and celebrations.
Courses: MC325, IAH211D, GSAH391 (4 credits)
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
Semester Programs
- Exchanges: MSU students enroll as a visiting student at an international institution but pay MSU tuition, transferring credit back to MSU.
- Direct Enrollment: MSU students enroll as a visiting student at an international university and pay tuition and fees directly to the host institution, transferring credit back to MSU.
- Full semester courses. Variety of courses available
Summer Semester (6 weeks, 8 credits)
This program examines the domestic and international politics of Brazil and analyzes patterns of conflict and cooperation around economic globalization, socioeconomic development, democracy, security, and socio-environmental policymaking. We will focus on the issues of race, ethnicity, class, status, nation building, development, and environment in and beyond Brazil and the United States. Students earn 8 credits on this program, equivalent to two JMC elective courses.
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
Fall/Spring Semesters (Direct Enroll)
Budapest is an exciting city, rich in history and cultural achievement, but also undergoing massive change as Hungary adapts to the challenges of a market economy and a democratic political system in the wake of the fall of Communism. This program gives students the chance to study business, economics, political theory, international relations, and public affairs - all in English.
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
Fall/Spring Semesters (Exchange)
Study international relations in the capital of this strategically important state on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Students will benefit from small classes focused around regional & environmental politics, international development, political economy, ethnicity and nationalism, international trade and finance, energy resources and sustainable development.
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
Fall/Spring Semesters (Exchange)
This program (AKA Sciences Po Lille) focuses on European politics, comparative state and society relationships, political economy, and international relations with a US-European focus in both French and English. Located in northern France, Lille is well-situated with an easy super-fast train commute to Paris, Brussels and London.
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
Fall/Spring Semesters (Exchange)
Spend a semester at one of Scandinavia’s oldest and most prestigious universities and one of the top 100 universities in the world. Lund is a small university town filled with medieval architecture and various historical landmarks. Students will have access to an array of major specific courses taught in English by Lund faculty.
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
Fall/Spring Semesters (Exchange)
Immerse yourself in Danish culture in a city that offers both the attractions of an urban environment and beautiful natural surroundings. During the semester, students will take classes in English at a distinguished state institution and will have ample opportunities to explore local museums, galleries, gardens, and the nearly 400 islands of Denmark.
Learn more via MSU Education Abroad
International Internships
- Students enroll in MSU Field Experience credits (MC400/401) for internship only programs.
- For "Internship + Study" programs, students enroll in courses (internship course + one academic course) from provider organization which will transfer back to count for Field Experience credit (note: academic course from this model will not count towards JMC major requirements and will only satisfy JMC field experience requirement).
- Several locations and wide variety of internship placements available.
View International Internship opportunities.
Ready to explore global opportunities?
Contact Field Experience Coordinator Lauren Michalak to discuss education abroad options and begin planning your international experience. For the complete range of MSU programs, visit educationabroad.isp.msu.edu.
Student View: Comparative Republicanism in Italy
JMC student Sammy Leggett (PTCD and SRP) participated in the "Comparative Republicanism in Rome and Florence" in summer 2025. Read his reflections on the program and traveling through Italy below.
