AYSPS - Switzerland Study Abroad

Information For

Switzerland Study Abroad

The Public Management and Policy Department's Study Abroad in Lausanne, Switzerland

The Program

The joint Georgia State University and Institut de Hautes Études en Administration Publique (IHEAP) exchange program is designed to give students a better understanding of comparative government and international policy. Through this semester exchange between two prominent urban research universities, graduate students in the fields of Public Administration and Urban Policy Studies will gain an awareness of international policy and practice, the tools necessary for work within foreign cultures, and the managerial skills needed to function effectively in a global setting.

The program has a one-semester duration and occurs each fall. Participants will travel to the University of Lausanne where the program is housed. Here they will gain expertise in the areas of public administration and policy analysis through coursework, while living and learning in a new cultural setting.

Location

The city of Lausanne, like many old cities in Europe, spews history from its very foundation. Ancient cathedrals, civic buildings, and individual homes tell volumes about the architectural past of the city while the numerous museums dotting the streets fill in many more of the gaps. The city hosts several festivals every year devoted to varying types of music and dance. Restaurants abound here. You can dine at venerable, old tile and dark wood brasseries or find a more urban setting such as a sidewalk cafe. European culture thrives on the city streets of Lausanne and provides a plethora of new experiences for the intrepid traveler.

The University, which hosts around 10,000 students, is urban in nature but somewhat smaller than Georgia State University. The campus is extraordinarily scenic, with Lake Geneva to the south and Swiss mountains rising in the north.

Eligibility

The program is open to graduate students in the Public Management and Policy department of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. Students must have completed at least three courses in the MPA or M.S.-UPS (MPP) program. Courses at IDHEAP are taught in French. Appropriate language skills will be required for participation in this exchange. Program size is limited and participation is contingent upon acceptance by the program director.

Courses and Credit

Students will enroll in four classes at IDHEAP. Students will register for two basic courses worth a combined 10 credits and two optional courses worth a total of 20 credits. Upon successful completion of these courses (30 credits), students will be awarded 12 credit hours which may be applied to the elective requirements (not the core coursework) of their MPA or MS-UPS degree. Because of differences between the Swiss and US grading systems, IDHEAP courses for GSU students will be graded as pass/fail.

The modules are as follows:

Basic Courses: Public Economy, Policy and Institutions

Optional Courses: Comparative Public Policy, Democracy and Formation of Opinion, New Approaches to Public Management

Cost & Financial Aid

Georgia State University students participating in the exchange program pay standard GSU tuition for the semester spent abroad. The tuition paid for this program is at the in-state tuition rate, regardless of the student's state of permanent residence.

Students are responsible for the payment of their travel, accommodation, and food expenses while abroad. Housing is available through the University of Lausanne Housing Office. Interested students should contact the housing office directly. Depending on student demand, arrangements may be investigated for group travel discounts.

Any visit to Switzerland exceeding 90 days will require a visa. Students participating in this exchange can find the appropriate forms and requirements on the Swiss Embassy's website, http://www.eda.admin.ch/washington_emb/e/home/consular/visas.html. The process requires six to eight weeks to complete so students should allow ample time for the processing of their documentation.

Financial aid is available to help fund this study abroad program. Students are highly encouraged to apply for the Georgia State University International Education Fee (IEF) Study Abroad Scholarship Program. For more information on this and other scholarship opportunities, please click here, or contact Study Abroad Programs, Office of International Affairs, 404-463-9073.

To Apply

Students wishing to apply must submit the following materials to Dr. Carol Hansen, the Program Director, Pblic Management and Policy (PMAP) Department, 326 AYSPS:

Notice of Interest Form

Letter of Intent describing yourself, why you want to participate, and how the program will benefit you

Resume

Letter of Recommendation from an instructor familiar with your recent work

Responsibility & Liability

It is mandatory for all Georgia State University students to purchase study abroad insurance. Exchange students are expected to purchase this insurance including the following benefits: Medical Insurance, Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains. For more information, please call 404-463-9073. Also, students must submit any health documentation required by Switzerland.

Students will be required to sign a Waiver of Liability/ Indemnification form in order to participate in the exchange program.

Disability—Accommodation Statement

Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations during their exchange experience should discuss these needs with the program director at the time of application.

For More Information

To obtain additional information or to make further inquiry into this program, please return the notice of interest, downloadable here, or contact the program director:

Dr. Carol Hansen
PMAP, 326 AYSPS
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA 30303
chansen@gsu.edu
404-651-1653