Overseas courses

PubPol 480 is an advanced undergraduate seminar designed to challenge public policy majors to consider how policy issues are framed and addressed in a non-U.S. context. It includes traditional coursework and a one-week policy study tour in a country beyond the United States. In 2023 - 24, the course will focus on international politics in Europe and culminate in a trip to Brussels. (Costa Rica has been the focus and location of the study tour in past years, and topics and destinations may vary in future iterations of the program.) Students will study a small number of contemporary policy problems, considering relevant comparative or international political, economic, historical and cultural contexts. The winter break study tour will provide students an opportunity to discuss the policy issues with local stakeholders. Upon their return to Ann Arbor, students will work in groups to produce short, formal policy reports.

Eligibility 

• Ford School undergraduate students.

How to apply

• For more information about this travel course, including application requirements and deadlines, please visit this program's M-Compass brochure: Ford: IPC Global Engagement Seminar in Belgium.

Questions?

• If you have any questions regarding this travel course, please contact Dan Ellis (Assistant Director, IPC | [email protected]).

IEDP was established in 1999 by the International Policy Student Association (IPSA), with support and strategic guidance from the late Professor Katherine Terrell. It is a three-credit academic program that serves as an opportunity for graduate students to learn about a different country’s policy contexts through both classroom and in-person experiences. Students learn directly from policy professionals working on today’s critical challenges in a chosen country.

IEDP students are competitively selected to enroll in a seven-week course and a week-long trip to the selected country. During the seven-week course, students explore the country’s history, current social and economic policies, and future policy goals and priorities. While abroad, students learn about the practical realities and impacts associated with a given policy’s design and/or implementation from groups and individuals with relevant knowledge, lived experience and expertise. Ultimately, IEDP fosters participants' abilities to engage in both international and domestic policy work in the future.

Students are responsible for processes critical to a successful IEDP experience, including financial and logistical planning for the in-country visit. A faculty advisor guides the direction and pedagogical focus of the IEDP course. The faculty advisor also works with students to devise and uphold ethical best practices for engagement within the context of the course. IPC staff help steer the entire IEDP life cycle.

IEDP students have traveled to the following destinations:

2000: Costa Rica

2001: Czech Republic

2002: Venezuela

2003: Morocco

2004: Cuba

2005: Ethiopia

2006: China

2007: Peru

2008: Jordan

2009: Senegal

2010: Philippines

2011: Grenada

2012 Colombia

2013: Cape Verde

2014: Myanmar

2015: Brazil

2016: Cuba

2017: Greece

2018: Senegal

2019: Morocco

2020: Colombia

2021: Kenya (virtual)

2022: Puerto Rico, USA

2023: Chile

2024: Colombia

Eligibility

• Ford School graduate students.

How to apply

• During Fall term, IPC and IEDP student leadership circulate application requirements and deadlines.

Questions?

• If you have any questions regarding this travel course, please contact Dan Ellis (Assistant Director, IPC | [email protected]).

***Update: Program on Pause***

Introduction to Chinese Policy, developed in partnership with Renmin University, aims to improve Ford School students' understanding of China and Chinese students' understanding of the United States. The course has two components: a classroom portion at the Ford School during winter term, which provides a general introduction to China and its policy and economic environments, and a trip to China in May. While in Beijing, Ford School graduate students interact with Renmin students and faculty, meet with business and government leaders, and explore Chinese cultural opportunities. 

Eligibility

• Ford School graduate students.

How to apply

• For more information about this travel course, including application requirements and deadlines, please visit this program's M-Compass brochure: Ford: IPC China Policy Course.

Questions?

• If you have any questions regarding this travel course, please contact Dan Ellis (Assistant Director, IPC | [email protected]).