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JMC Education Abroad

Photo of 5 students in India with a quote from one of the students, Sydney Bayoneto (IR & CCP '25). Sydney states: "My favorite moments of college so far have been while I was abroad. There is something so unique about getting to see your major in action outside of a classroom."

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, James Madison College 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.

Picture from the MDLP Program in India at the Taj Mahal.

In addition to Madison-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 Education Abroad programs, go to the MSU Education Abroad website.

Faculty-Directed

  • Students participate on a program directed by MSU faculty, alongside other MSU students.
  • Predominantly offered in the summer.
  • JMC courses available.

Semester Programs

  • Exchanges: MSU Students enroll as a visiting student at an international institution, 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 (see program page for course lists).

International Internship Programs

  • Internships ranging from 6-10 weeks.
  • 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.

 

To view JMC-sponsored Education Abroad programs, click the drop-down menu for Faculty-Directed, Semester, or International Internship Programs:

  • Faculty-Directed (Summer, Winter Break)

    Click the link in the program title for more information and to apply:

    International Relations in Brussels – Belgium
    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)

     

    Comparative Republicanism in Rome and Florence - Italy
    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) 

     

    Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Sexual Politics in Amsterdam - Netherlands
    Summer Semester (4 weeks)
    Students will study sexual & gender politics, policy, and history at the University of Amsterdam. Working with local scholars, students will explore how Dutch liberalism conflicts and contrasts with the social intolerance of recent, more conservative immigrants. Students will visit world-famous cafes, museums, and canals as well as the European Parliament.

    • Courses: MC388, MC390, WS201, WS202, WS304, WS490, WS492, ENG130 (8 credits)

     

    Global Development in South Asia: Practice and Policy – India
    Summer Semester (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)

     

    The Jews of Poland, 1917-1945 - Poland (*NEW FOR SUMMER 2025!)
    Summer Semester (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)

     

    An MSU Jewish Studies Summer Program at Hebrew University - Israel (ON HOLD)
    Summer Semester (4 weeks)
    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)

      

    Dubai in the UAE: The Globalization of Consumerism and Community – United Arab Emirates
    Winter Break (2 weeks)
    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)
  • Semester Programs (Summer, Fall, Spring)

    Click the link in the program title for more information and to apply: 

    Politics, Culture and Society in Brazil - Salvador, Brazil
    Summer Semester (6 weeks)
    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.

    • Courses: MC 320, MC 385, or equivalent (8 credits)

     

    Corvinus University of Budapest – Hungary
    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.

     

    University of Cambridge International Summer Program – United Kingdom 
    Summer Semester (4 weeks)
    The International Summer program has provided international students a chance to study at the University of Cambridge on short courses since 1923. Renowned for the breadth of courses, the summer school attracts up to 1,000 students each year, creating a strong international community with opportunities such as special lectures and events. Courses are taught by a mixture of leading Cambridge lecturers and specialists from beyond the University.

     

    ADA University – Baku, Azerbaijan
    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.

     

    Public and International Affairs at the Institut d'Etudes Politiques in Lille – France
    Fall/Spring Semesters (Exchange)
    AKA Sciences Po Lille. This program 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. 

     

    Lund University – Sweden
    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.


    Aarhus University – Denmark
    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.

  • International Internship Programs (Summer, Fall, Spring)

    Click the links below for more information and to apply:

    Internships in...(city name):

Education Abroad