Diplomatic Pouch

SIS Summer Abroad Programs: Spotlight on Italy

from left to right: Teri Bjerregaard, MA IER; Beth Bowditch, MA USFP; Anna Schily, BA Int'l Relations; Kristi Pappalardo, GC CC; and David Homovich (seated), MA USFP.

SIS students have the opportunity to study abroad on an SIS summer program to broaden their perspective on international issues affecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. During the summer of 2007, SIS students traveled to Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates to study a wide range of topics. In Italy students studying European Integration benefited from guest lecturers from both Europe and the U.S. Students participating in the South Korea summer program studied topics ranging from cross-cultural communication to media history at the Sookmyung Women's University in Seoul. In Malaysia, students studied Governance and Human Security, as well as Economic Integration in East and Southeast Asia. Students on the summer program to South Africa saw firsthand some of the most profound challenges of democracy, economic development and social change in Sub-Saharan Africa. The program in the UAE allowed for students to study the political history of the Gulf States, and examine the ideological and socioeconomic dynamics in the Middle East.

Beth Bowditch, M.A. candidate in USFP, participated in the summer program to Italy and had this to say:

The SIS Rome Program is a unique opportunity to hear about the most pressing issues facing the European Union today, directly from the experts. This summer we had inspired lectures from well known EU scholars Andrew Moravscik of Princeton University, Amy Verdun of University of Victoria, and Philomena Murray of University of Melbourne. Giuliano Amato, former Prime Minister of Italy, gave a memorable speech in which he described the nature of EU government structure as a "hermaphrodite." Franco Frattini, Vice President of the European Commission, provided our class with some insight into the European anti-terrorism strategy. These are but a few of the high-caliber speakers that made this program entirely worthwhile. Of course, the chance to interact with the other program participants - graduate students from around the world - over gallons of cappuccino and gelato certainly contributed to the overall value of the experience!

Information for the SIS Summer Abroad programs in 2008 will be made available to students during the fall semester.