Program Structure
Since 1966, students from all UW System campuses and other universities have participated in this five-week, six-credit program, which now includes one week in Washington, DC, and three weeks in midtown Manhattan. The time in Washington, DC, and New York includes meetings with over 35 diplomats and experts representing governments, international organizations, think tanks, and mass media outlets. Speakers’ presentations are followed by a question-and-answer period, in which student interests guide discussion.
Country meetings are held with diplomats representing traditional and emerging great powers, states involved in international and internal military conflicts, and a broad sample of other countries drawn from all of the major world regions. Meetings cover all major issues—not just international and internal conflicts, but also domestic politics, foreign policy, peacekeeping missions, international terrorism, human rights, economic development, and environmental conservation.
The program’s first week at UW-Milwaukee provides an intensive academic introduction to these issues.
The first week in Washington, DC, and the first two weeks in New York are spent in detailed discussions with real-world practitioners—diplomats, UN organization officers, and other experts. Students write research papers on topics of their choice. The last week in New York is left open for student research, using interviews and local research sources.
To apply, visit the Center for International Education’s Online Application.
Program Dates
The program lasts five weeks beginning around Memorial Day, mostly in June; dates vary slightly each year.
- Application Deadline: February 16, 2025
- Application Available: October 1, 2024
University Credits
Six credits total:
Pol Sci 337 – International Organization and the United Nations, 3 credits
Pol Sci 338 – Contemporary Problems in International Relations, 3 credits
Program Costs and Requirements
Costs include regular university fees for six course credits, plus a program fee that covers student housing in Washington and New York, the train fare from Washington to New York, and other program costs. Students must arrange their own housing during the Milwaukee portion and pay for transportation to Washington and back home from New York. Financial aid may be used by qualifying students to cover program costs.
A minimum 2.5 GPA is required to join the program. The program is open to all undergraduates.
More Information
For details on the 2025 Program, see the International Politics & Foreign Policy Summer Seminar Flyer.
For questions regarding applications, program arrangements, and financial aid:
Sharon Gosz
Center for International Education
414-229-5346
schetney@uwm.edu
For questions about program activities and academic content:
Professor Shale Horowitz
Department of Political Science
shale@uwm.edu