The European Union, Globalization and Social Change in France and Belgium

Summer 2010

4 weeks (early July to early August)

Sponsored by the College of Social Science

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

It’s about the 21st century! Rising from the death and destruction of WWII, Europe has transformed itself from a place where “the history of Europe is the history of war” to create a European Union where the threat of war has been effectively eliminated. The goal, in Winston Churchill’s phrase, was to provide Europe “with a structure under which it can dwell in peace, in safety and in freedom.” Since its modest beginning in 1956, the European Union has grown to include 25 member states who share a commitment to democracy, human rights and the international rule of law. With a combined population of 490 million and the second largest economy in the world, Europe is positioned to write the rules governing international trade and with the United States, as partner or competitor, shape the 21st century.

During our time in France and Belgium we will:

Review the geopolitical events –World Wars and the loss of colonies in the early 20th century - that led European nations to build a legal, governmental and economic framework that would put an end to war in Europe and the role of the USA in facilitating that process.
Understand the similarities and differences in the European and American approaches to defense, international organizations (e.g. the World Court), treaties (Kyoto, landmines, etc.), and trade in response to globalization.
Study the structure of the European Union, the development of its key institutions, particularly the harmonization of standards to create an internal market and its impact on US business and international trade.
Contrast the European model of dirigisme with the laissez-faire model favored by the US in the economic and social policies and how Europe seeks to maintain them in the face of globalization.
Critically assess the costs and benefits of EU membership on the states and nations within the EU from European and American perspectives.
Examine the implication of having European, national, ethnic and personal identities. What does it mean when someone says “we’re all Europeans now?”

Students are required to participate in all aspects of the program. In general, classes will meet Monday through Thursday mornings, with field trips and other scheduled activities on Monday through Wednesday afternoons leaving Thursday afternoon and the weekends free to travel and explore on your own. Classes will include lecture, discussion, and presentations by guest speakers on topics including health care, education, criminal justice, and, of course, the European Union.

Where does it take place?

Strasbourg: Described as the crossroads of Europe, Strasbourg sits in the Rhine Valley half an hour away from the fabled Black Forest. It is the quintessential European city with strong French and German cultural influences. The architecture is distinctly German and the sweet sauerkraut goes by its French name, choucroute. It is also the legislative and democratic capital of the European Union and home to the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and the Court of Human Rights. The three campuses of the University of Strasbourg give this city of 270,000 a vibrant, youthful character.

Brussels: The capital of Belgium, Brussels is the administrative and executive capital of Europe and the center for many European Union offices and the headquarters for NATO. While in Brussels, students will have the opportunity to visit major institutions of the European Union and have time to explore this city of about 1 million people, which reflects two major cultures: Dutch and French.

What can I study?

Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of eight (8) credits from the following courses:

ANP 490	Anthropology Independent Study: Nations, States and Identity	4 cr.
IAH 221C	Great Ages: The Modern World (I) (pending approval)	4 cr.
ISS 315*	Global Diversity and Interdependence (pending approval)	4 cr.
SSC 496	Field Study Abroad	4 cr.

*Students wishing to enroll in ISS 315 and who have not completed a 200-level ISS course, will need to request an exemption permitting them to take the course out of sequence.

Whatever courses are chosen, students are required to participate in all aspects of the program.

Students wishing to enroll for less than eight credits are limited to last-semester seniors and must be approved by the instructor.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.2 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Housing is being arranged. There are possibilities of dorm rooms, youth hostels, or French host families.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Dr. Philip Handrick
Center for Integrative Studies
5K Berkey Hall
Phone: (517) 355-1882

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program. If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee in 2009 was $3,037 and included the following:

application fee ($100)
deposit ($200)
pre-departure orientation
accommodations
accident and sickness insurance
field trips

Additional costs not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

MSU tuition and fees*
airfare
meals
books and supplies
passport application fee
visa application fees (if applicable)
pre-departure doctor visits
pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
personal spending money

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $5,300 (US09). Students may request a cost sheet which Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.