Study Abroad

Experience an intensive, condensed 3-credit course in a remarkable country. The Schar School's seven- to 10-day courses provide you with comparative political experience and the opportunity to network with political leaders, business executives, academics, and practitioners.

Led by distinguished faculty members, the Schar School’s short-term study-abroad programs are open to all Schar School students, as well as nondegree/non-George Mason students.

Students earn three credits from George Mason University as well as Certificates of Completion from our partner universities, such as Oxford University, the University of Pretoria in South Africa, University of Zagreb in Croatia, and Fudan University in China. Classes are typically conducted during recesses in the academic year and built on subjects such as government, policy making, international trade, regional development, health and social issues, culture, and security.

For more information, contact Michal McElwain Malur, the Schar School’s Director of External Programs.

The Schar School’s study-abroad classes are subject to the registration and withdrawal procedures of the Global Education Office. 

African-Led Development, African Solutions to African Challenges (Online with students in South Africa)
Term: Spring 2025 (Virtual)
Instructor: Honorable Gebre Tesfamichael

Transnational Security — Human Trafficking, Migration, Climate Change, and the Illegal Wildlife and Drug Trades
Term: Spring 2025
March 8-16, 2025

Mexico/U.S. - “Distant Neighbors”: Immigration, Security, and Trade
Term: Summer 2025
May 17 - 24, 2025
Instructor: Derek Mills

The Island After the Castros: Cuba-US Relations, Security, Trade, Migration
Term: Summer 2025
May 26 - June 1, 2025
Instructor: Justin Gest

Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean:  Geopolitics and Human Security
Term: Summer 2025
June 22 - 29. 2025
Instructor: Ellen Laipson

London/Oxford: Britain Beyond Brexit and the Growing Nationalism Movements in Western Democracies
Term: Summer 2025
Travel Dates: June  22 - 29, 2025
Instructor: Dean Mark J. Rozell

Exploring South Africa: a comprehensive analysis of policy challenges and opportunities.
Term: Fall 2025
Travel Dates: August 14 - 22, 2025
Instructor: Thys van Schaik

Switzerland/France - The Future of the UN & EU
Term: Winter 2025
January 4th - 18th, 2025
Instructor: Ann M. Ludwick

Schar Study Abroad Immerses Students in U.S. Mexico Border Policy, Security, and Immigration
With elections looming in Mexico and the United States, a cohort of Schar School students and professors headed to an election hot spot to learn more about it: the border wall.

Study Abroad Visit to U.S.-Mexico Border Immerses Students in Culture and Policy
A study abroad visit to the Texas-Mexico border expands worldviews and gives international security students a first-hand view of the realities of the issues facing both governments.

From Classroom to Real World: Schar School Students Engage at Global Climate Conference
The trip, part of the Schar School summer course, Climate Policy: A Global Transdisciplinary Approach for the Future, allowed students the opportunity to meet with delegates, negotiators, youth activists, and indigenous groups at the conference. While there, Schar students received a crash course in the complexities of climate change policy and negotiations.

Oxford Study Abroad Prepared International Commerce Student for Global Business Aspirations
"I really appreciated meeting people who started their own businesses from the ground up because I want to start my agency someday. I was taking it all in and connecting with all of them" - Rondene Grinam, Master's in International Commerce and Policy student.

A Vietnam Visit: Schar School Students Visit Historic Sites While Learning About Southeast Asia’s Economic Future
While other students spent the middle of January combating the worst of winter weather and dealing with post-holiday blahs, a cadre of 12 Schar School students basked in the dry sunshine of Vietnam for eight days and learned about the country’s fate in a rapidly changing Southeast Asia.

A Spring Break Study Abroad Trip to Mexico Opens Eyes, Changes Minds
“Spring Break in Mexico” conjures images of sun-drenched beaches and bustling nightlife, but for a cadre of Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University graduate and undergraduate students, their week-long adventure in and around Mexico City had a decidedly different purpose—one with lasting results.

A Ground-Breaking Virtual Study Abroad Program Examines People-Led Development in Africa
People-centered development are some of the hottest buzz-words in international studies today, yet few universities offer courses on the topic.

Michele Diatta, ICP, comments on what the Africa Zooms Ahead class meant to her.