Pitt in DC-Brussels: Governance & Policy

 

The political, economic and defense links between North American countries and European countries have created an ever-increasing number of governance and policy issues. Washington D.C. and Brussels, Belgium are the ideal location for this program. This program is designed for undergraduate students interested in Political Science, Foreign Policy and International Relations and Development. On this program students will explore links and relations between the United States of America, the European Union and EU member states. Since the signing of the New Transatlantic Agenda in 1995, the United States and the European Union have launched numerous working groups on trade, security and foreign policy, energy and climate change, and finally the digital market.
This program utilizes lectures by Pitt faculty, local guest lecturers and site visits to government organizations. Students will get opportunities to participate in Q&A sessions with people from various organizations. Students on this 2-week program will earn 3-credits while building a foundational understanding of the key similarities and differences between the United States and European Union member states
If you are a graduate student interested in this program, please contact the program manager for more information.

 

What You'll Accomplish: 

As an engaged and active participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to develop:

  • A sense of the cooperation and governance framework in the Trans-Atlantic Partnership between the United States, European Union and EU member states
  • An understanding of how historical, economic, political and security issues impact relations between the United States and Europe
  • Knowledge on how policies are impacting the partnership in both countries

 

Washington, DC, the capitol city of the United States, is home to most of the governmental agencies, NGOs and think tanks that are central to the areas of commerce, security and immigration within the transatlantic relationship. 

Temperatures and precipitation vary based on the season. In May, the temperatures averages 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Temperatures cool off at night and there’s also always potential for rain. It is a good idea to pack a light, waterproof/resistant jacket. 

 

Brussels, Belgium the capitol of the EU, is its European counterpart. For anyone interested in taking advantage of a rich pool of politicians and practitioners for lectures and site visits, for the enrichment of students in Transatlantic Studies, there are no better choices.

Temperatures and precipitation vary based on the season. In May, the temperatures averages 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Temperatures cool off at night and there’s also always potential for rain. It is a good idea to pack a light, waterproof/resistant jacket.

 

Where You'll Live: 

For the Washington, DC portion of the trip, students will be staying at the: American Inn of Bethesda, MD. It is located just 4 miles from Washington, DC in a comfortable suburban location. You can expect the following with your accommodations:

  • Double-occupancy rooms
  • 24-hour business and fitness center
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • In-room safe/lock box
  • Work desk
  • Continental breakfast included

For the Brussels portion of the trip, students will be staying at:  Martin’s Brussels EU Hotel. Martin’s Brussels EU is a trendy hotel, ideally located in the middle of Brussels’ European district and five minutes by metro from the historic city centre. You can expect the following with your accommodations:

  • Double-occupancy rooms
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • In-room safe/lock box
  • Work desk
  • Hairdryer
  • Coffee & tea

We do our best to provide the most accurate information about housing and amenities but due to the nature of the locations in which we offer programs and limited availability, these items are subject to change.  Contact your program manager with any questions. 

 

What You'll Study: 

You'll earn a total of 3 credits on the Pitt in DC-Brussels Program. Everyone who participates on the program will take the same course. The Transatlantic Governance and Policy course is taught by Pitt professor Gemma Marolda. This course takes place in Washington D.C. and Brussels, Belgium and will include different site visits to explore a number of issue-areas related to historical, economic political and security issues. Students will be responsible for readings and participation during site visits/lectures. In these courses you will study:

  • Relationship between the U.S., the European Union and EU member states
  • How policies are impacting the Trans-Atlantic Partnership on both continents

If you are seeking to count these courses towards a major, minor or certificate, please meet with your academic advisor to discuss this program and what the courses will fulfill for you. Information about how the courses on this program count towards general education requirements for different schools and campuses can be found here.

 

Transatlantic Governance & Policy (PS1349)

In this course students will have the opportunity to take a close look at the cooperation and governance framework in the transatlantic partnership. The course will take students to different sites in Washington, D.C. and Brussels to explore a number of issue-areas, including the impact of the current U.S. administration’s trade and tariff policy on transatlantic relations, and the most recent defense talks within NATO. It will also explore how forces like Brexit and the refuge crisis are testing the sustainability of the EU, and examine the populist and nationalist political movements challenging liberal democracy on both sides of the Atlantic.
Students will be responsible for readings, participation in the talks and q&a at the site visits, participation during the lecture/seminar hours at the hotels, and a final paper.

Syllabus:
Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Tim Crawford

Hi Everyone! I’m Tim, and I am the Assistant Director for Domestic Study Away Programming. I have experience running international study abroad programs and programs here at home in the United States. I was fortunate to have many experiential learning opportunities, both international and domestic, during my college career. Being from a small town in Central Pennsylvania, my experiences opened my eyes to the rest of the world and helped open my eyes to different cultures and career opportunities I’d love to help you take advantage of the numerous experiential learning opportunities here at Pitt. Outside of the office, I’m always looking for the next adventure. I love traveling, hate sitting still and love doing anything outdoors, in all seasons. Personally, my family and I are on a quest to visit as many national parks as possible. I’d love to talk to you more about any of our study away programs, answer any of your questions and help you find the right opportunity. Please reach me via email at timcrawford@pitt.edu

Schedule an appointment

Schedule an appointment with me using Pathways
 
Don't see a time that works for you? Just send me an email at timcrawford@pitt.edu

Your In-Country Contacts: 

Dr. Gemma Marolda

Dr. Gemma Marolda is currently teaching for the Department of Political Science and the European Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh. With 20 years of experience in higher education in the field of International Relations and European Studies, Dr. Marolda has taught extensively on Global Governance and Human Security, International Organizations, Transatlantic Relations, European Union politics, and Asian Regionalism. While a Visiting Fellow (2009-2012) at the Centre for European Union Studies at Chulalongkorn University (Chula) in Bangkok, Thailand, Dr. Marolda became interested in human security issues, and in particular migration, a long-standing challenge for many countries of South-East Asia. A native of Italy, Dr. Marolda is currently working on a project on migration in Europe and its impact on the European security discourse.

  In- State Out-of-State
Expenses Billed by Pitt  $6,100 $6,300
Global Experiences Program Fee $300 $300
Total Estimated Cost $6,400 $6,600

While your program fee will cover most of your expenses, keep in mind that you are also responsible for the following:

  • Transportation to and from Washington D.C. is not included

Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while abroad.  Visit our Budgeting page for more information.

 
What's Included: 

As a part of your program fee, the following are included:

  • Tuition for 3 credits
  • Roundtrip airfare from DC and returning to DC
  • Shared accommodations 
  • Some group meals are included, but not all
  • International travel health insurance
  • Site Visits in DC may Include:
    • U.S. Department of State Visit
    • Department of Commerce Visit
    • Delegation of the EU to the US Visit
    • German Marshall Fund of the United States Visit
    • Department of Defense Visit
    • Peterson Institute for International Economics Visit
    • Department of Homeland Security Visit
  • Brussels Site Visits may include:
    • EU Council Visit
    • European Commission Visit
    • European Parliament Visit
    • Carnegie Europe Visit
    • NATO Visit
    • European External Action Service Visit
    • Bruegel Site Visit
    • European Union Institute for Security Studies
    • Migration Policy Institute Europe
  • Transportation to and from Washington D.C. is not included
What Else You Need to Know: 
  • This program has a very structured schedule. Your free time may be limited to evenings. Most weekends have scheduled excursions and activities (They're to places you would plan to see on your own, and some you may not discover during your own research).
  • Due to the nature of the program, the schedule is subject to change. There may be instances where a guest speaker or visit needs to be rescheduled. We ask for your patience and understanding in advance.
  • This is an academic program and that you should expect to invest the same amount of time and effort on your courses abroad as you would on a course at Pitt. 
  • If you are a graduate student interested in this program, please contact timcrawford@pitt.edu for more information