PLCY Summer study abroad course London, UK and Vienna, Austria

The University of Maryland School of Public Policy is offering a for-credit international graduate level course where students will have unique opportunities to visit international organizations and think tanks working on different policy issues on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and interact with scientists, researchers, and policy makers working on WMD topics.

The course will take place in London, UK and Vienna, Austria on May 27 - June 8, 2019. The course will also include a day trip to Salisbury, UK.

Faculty
- Dr. Kathleen Vogel (Program Director), University of Maryland, College Park;
- Dr. Robert Reardon (Program Co-Director), North Carolina State University
Eligibility
The course is open to all UMD and non-UMD graduate and advanced undergraduate students.


Course Summary
Students in this program will have the opportunity to examine contemporary critical policy
issues on weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including nuclear, chemical, and
biological weapons. During a two-week course in Europe, students will meet policy
specialists, scientists, researchers, and politicians working on the various aspects of this
policy topic. In addition to developing new perspectives and knowledge about this topic of
critical importance (particularly from a European perspective), students will also have the
chance to explore cultural and historical sites in two European cities, and discuss policy
issues with both European specialists and American professionals, as well as students
working across the Atlantic. Students will also gain cultural awareness through spending
time in some of the world’s most diverse cities, and deepen their understanding of
international security issues. Throughout the course students will improve their
international communication, writing, and presentation skills that will give them a
competitive edge in the international policy making world.

The curriculum during the study abroad part of the course will include meetings with
British, Austrian, and American policy practitioners and students as well as numerous site
and field visits. The visits will include U.S. Embassies in both countries, think tanks
working on different aspects of the WMD research field, and the Defense Science and
Technology Laboratory in Porton Down (UK). In addition to the academic activities,
students will also have the chance to visit cultural and historical sites in London,
Salisbury, and Vienna.

Pre-course activities will involve readings, research, and writing on WMD issues.
Students will also prepare a presentation about a course topic of their interest that they
will record and share with other students on the course’s Facebook page. During their
time abroad, students will be expected to keep notes or a journal in which they will reflect
on the new concepts that they are learning as well as on their cultural experiences and
impressions. After the course, students will produce a presentation and a final policy
memo on a topic that will incorporate the knowledge gained from the readings and the
time abroad.


Course Schedule
Students are expected to arrive in London on May 27. Course participants will spend the
first week of the course attending meetings and site visits in London. One day during this
week will be dedicated to a field trip to the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory
in Porton Down and the town of Salisbury.

On June 2 students will fly to Vienna (flight cost is included in the tuition.) Course
participants will spend the second week of the course visiting international organizations,
think tanks, and research institutions in Vienna. The course ends on June 8.
Students are free to extend their time in Europe at their own cost by either arriving early
in London or staying longer after the last day of the course.

Course Credit
Students will receive 3 credits from the University of Maryland upon completion of the course. Non-
UMD students should confirm the transferability of credits with their home institutions.

Course Cost
Application Fee: 50 USD
Standard program fee: $3,895
Enrollment Fee: 75 USD (for non-UMD students only)

The program fee includes registration and administration, tuition, housing, and course-related
activities. Students are responsible for airfare, meals, and other incidental expenses.

Application Deadline & Registration
Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2019.  Because space is limited, early application is
encouraged. To register, visit University of Maryland’s Education Abroad website.

Additional Information & Contact
For further questions or information regarding the course, please contact Dr. Vogel at
kvogel12@umd.edu or course TA Simona Griffith at griffith.simona@gmail.com