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 non-degree/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.

Schar's study abroad classes are subject to the registration and withdrawal procedures of the Global Education Office. 

Mexico/ U. S. “Distant Neighbors”: Trade, Energy and Security Cooperation in the Post-COVID Era
May 21-28, 2023
Term: Summer
Led by: Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, and Michal Malur

Cyprus: Geopolitics and Global Security Challenges
May 28th - June 4th, 2023
Term: Summer
Course Directors: Ellen Laipson, and Michal Malur

Political, Economic, Social and Security Challenges in South Africa
August 10 - August 19, 2023*
Term: Fall

*Some online sessions and coursework will be due during the fall semester virtually.

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.