Study Abroad

The Schar School’s Global Learning Intensives transform the world into your classroom. In just seven to ten days, you’ll explore pressing global issues while immersed in extraordinary international settings. These faculty-led study abroad programs are designed to combine academic rigor with hands-on experiences that bring international politics, policy, and culture to life.

Along the way, you’ll:

• Earn 3 credits toward your degree (highly recommended as an elective for Schar School students).
• Gain firsthand, comparative insights into global political systems and challenges.
• Connect with influential leaders, policymakers, academics, and experts.
• Earn a Certificate of Completion from distinguished partner institutions such as Oxford University (UK), the University of Pretoria (South Africa), the University of Zagreb (Croatia), and Fudan University (China).

Open to Schar School students, nondegree seekers, and non-George Mason participants, these intensive programs take place during academic breaks and cover themes ranging from security and governance to trade, health, and culture.

Study Abroad Enrollment Information

Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All Schar students are eligible and encouraged to participate in one 3-credit study abroad course as an elective toward graduation.

Please note that enrollment is completed through the links below (not via Patriot Web) and that withdrawal dates may differ from standard university deadlines. Updated withdrawal dates can be found here. 

Join Schar School faculty for a 3-credit study abroad program at the heart of NATO and the EU. Gain insider access to diplomats, security experts, and policymakers shaping today’s global order.

Dates: January 9–18
Country: Belgium
Credits: 3
Instructors: Led by Ellen Laipson, Director of the Master of International Security Program; with Desmond Dinan, Professor, Jean Monnet Chair in European Public Policy; and Michal Malur.
Participants: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students

Explore the UN, WTO, and European Parliament while living in Fribourg, a historic Swiss university town. Gain firsthand insight into how global institutions tackle today’s biggest challenges.

Dates: January 3 - 17
Countries: France, Switzerland
Credits: 3
Instructor: Ann Ludwick
Participants: Open to Schar School undergraduate students only

Study transnational security challenges—from drug trafficking to environmental crimes—while partnering with FLACSO University. Gain firsthand insight into how policy, society, and global issues intersect in Central America. Read details from our most recent class to Costa Rica.

Dates: March 7 - 14
Countries: Costa Rica
Credits: 3
Instructor: Camilo Pardo-Herrera
Participants: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students

Join Dean Mark Rozell in London and Oxford to examine nationalism, democracy, and policy challenges in the UK and U.S. Engage with British students and experts while experiencing two of the world’s most influential academic and political centers. 

Read about last summer’s study abroad experience in the U.K.

Dates: June 14 - 21, 2026
Countries: England
Credits: 3
Instructor: Mark J. Rozell 
Participants: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students

Join Schar School faculty in Budapest to explore populism, nationalism, and the contemporary challenges facing democracy in Central Europe. Engage with Hungarian scholars, journalists, and activists while experiencing one of Europe’s most politically and culturally vibrant capitals.

Dates: June 21 - 27, 2026
Countries: Hungary
Credits: 3
Instructor: Justin Gest
Participants: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students
Application deadline: March 1

Explore Cyprus’ unique role in peacebuilding, security, and geopolitics while earning credits in one of Europe’s safest and sunniest destinations. Read details from our most recent class to Cyprus.

Dates: June 17 - 25, 2026
Country: Cyprus
Credits: 3 
Instructor: Gul Mescioglu Gur
Participants: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students

Mass deportations? Tariffs? Security tensions? Discover the reality behind the rhetoric this summer in Mexico City with the Schar School. Read details from our most recent class to Mexico.

Dates: August 17 - 23, 2026
Countries: U.S. and Mexico
Credits: 3
Instructor: Derek Mills
Participants: Open to undergraduate juniors and seniors, and graduate students. 

For more information, contact:
Michal McElwain Malur
Director of External Programs, Schar School
📧 mmcelwai@gmu.edu

Please note: Schar School study-abroad programs follow the registration and withdrawal policies of the Global Education Office.