Study Abroad Summer 2016 in

BRUSSELS, BELGIUMPLS 295 Conflict and Cooperation in Europe

Why Brussels?

When and Where?

• Summer 2016, 1st 6 week session (May 16-June 26)

• May 16-31: four class meetings at NVCC Manassas (dates/times TDB)

• June 5-19: in Brussels

• June 22-25: one class meeting at NVCC Manassas (date/time TBD)

Who Can Apply?• Minimum academic requirements to apply:• NOVA & other VCCS students in good academic

standing• Minimum 2.5 GPA• Completed at least one semester of college-level work

• No course prerequisites• Previous courses in European history, international

relations, and/or comparative politics is helpful

• Class capped at 20 students

Program Application• DUE: March 1st

• Components:1.Application form2.Statement of purpose3.Acknowledgement of payment information form4.One faculty member or advisor reference5.Copy of NOVA transcript

All students who have signed up to receive more information will receive an email with links to the application components. To receive an application, send an email to: kheitz@nvcc.edu

Course Topics• European Union• Post- WWII origins and historical

development• Institutions: structure and functions• Current political issues

• Managing conflict among member states

• Security policy (internal and external)

• European identity, immigration, refugee crisis

• Transatlantic Relations

• NATO• Cold War origins and historical

development• NATO after the Cold War; NATO’s

future

• Historical issues• Fall of Napoleon & balance of

power system in Europe• Development of nationalism

in Europe• Post-war settlements in

Europe• The Cold War

• Theoretical Issues• Theorizing inter-state conflict

and cooperation • Theorizing international

institutions

Excursions, Visits, & SpeakersPolitical & Historical:• Waterloo Battlefield site visit• EU Parliamentarium visit and

meeting with MEP• Meeting with European

Commission staff members• Tour of NATO Headquarters• Visit with US Mission to the

EU• Talk from official at UNHCR

Brussels • Guest lectures from European

Studies professors

Cultural:• Brussels city tour (Grand-

Place, Town Hall, Mannekin-Pis, City Museum)

• Royal Museum of Fine Arts• Atomum & Heysel Park• Walking tour of the Matonge

Quarter• Comic Strip Center• Food & Drink (mussels, chips,

waffles, chocolate, beer)• Al lots more …

Course Requirements & Assignments

• Attendance (10%)

• Readings questions (25%)

• Leading discussion (20%)

• Study Abroad journal (25%)

• Final paper or project (20%)

PER STUDENT COSTS

Pay to NVCC:

Program fee $1850-2,125*10-14 students: $212515-19 students: $195020+ students: $1850

Tuition (VA resident) $475

Additional (estimated) costs:Meals (14 L/D) $450

Incidentals $100Airfare 1000

TOTAL ESTMATED COSTS $3875 - $4,150

Note: Airfare, meals, and incidental costs are all estimates

Program fee includes: accommodations, breakfast (included w/ hotel),classroom space, computer access, cultural activity fees, academic visit/talk fees, health insurance, faculty accommodations, welcome dinner, transportation,and local orientation & support.

Application & Payment Schedule

• March 1: Program application due• Decision by March 5

• March 15: $1000 program fee deposit due (non-refundable)• April 15: Rest of fees due, $850-1125*

*Depends on number of program participants

• March 29: Summer 2016 registration begins• April 25: Tuition payment due ($475 for VA

residents)

You pay on your own: airfare, meals, incidentals

Paying for the Trip• NOVA Financial Aid• Your existing financial aid may be applicable towards:• Course tuition (3 credit hours, ~$475 for VA residents)• Program fee ($1850-2125)

• Reimbursement; students must pay first• Must be signed up for at least 6 summer credits

• April 1: Summer financial aid application deadline

• All program fees must be paid in person at the business office at any of the NVCC campuses

Every student’s financial aid situation is different. Talk to someone in the financial aid office ASAP!!!

Paying for the Trip, cont.

• Study Abroad Scholarships• Student loans• Crowdfunding

Specific information and suggestions at:https://goo.gl/50QhnF

Passports & Visas• US Passports (Citizens & LPRs)• Routine Service: 6 weeks, $140 (new or renewal)• Expedited Service: 3 weeks, $140 + $60 fee

*Your passport must be valid for 6 months after date of entry into Belgium.

• Non-US Citizens (& LPRs)• Check with the Belgian embassy to see if you need a

Visa• If you are in the US on a student visa, talk to me!

Who Does Not Need a Visa?Visas are not required by visitors to Belgium from the following countries for visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period: • Albania, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia,

Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela.

Next Steps…• Fill out an application (email kheitz@nvcc.edu to

receive one)

• Find a faculty member to give you a recommendation

• Get/renew your passport

• Figure out how you are going to pay for it

• Talk to financial aid

• Start dreaming about yummy Belgian waffles!