Study Abroad: Divided States of Europe: Globalization and Inequalities in the New Europe Spring Semester

Divided States of Europe: Globalization and Inequalities in the New Europe Spring Semester

Location: - Multi-Country: Various cities in each country; Hungary: Budapest; Norway: Oslo; Romania: Bucuresti (Bucharest)

Term: Spring

Dates: Spring

Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs

2233 University Avenue West, Suite 210 St. Paul, MN 55114-1629 United States

Description

Based at the University of Oslo in Norway, Divided States of Europe examines the development of the European Union (EU), including its historical foundations and institutional basis, contemporary democratic and social
challenges and its expansion to include the former communist nation-states of Central and Eastern Europe.

The program explores the relationship between the EU and globalization and in particular questions whether the EU adequately addresses the human dimensions of globalization.

Scandinavia and Romania/ Hungary will be used as case studies throughout the program; Scandinavia because of its strong democratic credentials, relatively evenly distributed wealth and unique range of experiences with the European integration project; Romania and Hungary because of their tumultuous history, recent accession to EU membership, and role as a major supplier of migrant labor within Europe. Scandinavia, Romania and Hungary provide a dramatic illustration of the economic, political and social inequalities that coexist within today's Europe.

The framing questions that guide analysis and exploration throughout the program are:
* What are the dominant ideologies underpinning the European project and how are
they influencing the EUs domestic and global agenda?
* How are these ideologies challenged from below?
* What is the relationship between globalization and European integration?
* What are the gaps, fractures, and continuities in the European project and how do they play out in the Old and the New Europe?

Highlights

Based in Oslo, Norway, a compact, increasingly multicultural city nestled between the Oslo Fjord and the mountains, the Divided States of Europe is associated with the University of Oslo-Norway's oldest and largest university. Significant comparative fieldwork will also be conducted in Hungary (Budapest) and Romania (Transylvania). Budapest is one of Eastern Europes most culturally vibrant cities, with an extremely well developed NGO sector, but also increasing social unrest as allegations of corruption are brought against political elites in the wake of the global recession. A major supplier of migrant labor to Western Europe, Romania offers a unique entry point into the investigation of minority rights, with the regions largest population of Roma and a significant Hungarian minority in Transylvania.

Hands-On Experience
Seminars include a variety of experiential projects outside the classroom where students interact with diverse groups including politicians, community activists, university faculty, and local citizens. In addition to seminars and field excursions, students spend four to six hours one day a week over a selected period at a volunteer placement working with a variety of government and community organizations.

Courses
The program is taken as an integrated whole and provides the equivalent of a semester's worth of credit; i.e., 4 course credits, 16 semester hours, or 27 trimester credits. In addition to class work and field seminars, students will be required to undertake an independent-study project.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$:

Please visit our website for information

Cost Includes:

Cost Include Description:

Credit Available

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements

Apartment/Flat

Participants Travel

in Groups

Application Process Involves

Online Application plus Application Assessment
Transcript
Essay
Letters of Reference

Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs's Mission Statement

HECUA is an organization of 18 liberal arts colleges, universities and associations dedicated to education for social justice. Together we shape academically rigorous, study-abroad and off-campus study programs that address the most pressing issues in our neighborhoods, nations and world. This unique educational collaboration engages students, faculty and practitioners in learning that generates knowledge and tools for social transformation and community building. At HECUA we learn by seeing, reflecting and acting with others. HECUA specializes in integrating theory and practice, bringing together key disciplines that equip students to be active citizens and leaders - locally and globally.