The Bush School is committed to providing an education with an international focus through study abroad programs, foreign language tutors, engaging speakers and international internships.
Studying abroad gives students a unique insight into different countries and cultures that influence the development of U.S. foreign policy. The Bush School sponsors two- to three-week international field seminars as well as semester-long study abroad programs that allow students to earn three hours of graduate credit. Study abroad opportunities are also available to International Affairs students in their third semester with prior approval from their advisor and the department head.
Field Seminars/Study Abroad trips: The Department of International Affairs attempts to conduct at least one field seminar/study abroad trip per academic year in either December or May. Past seminars have included trips to Germany, Italy, China and Egypt. Upcoming seminars are typically announced the summer prior to a spring departure or in the spring before a fall/winter departure.
- China (Beijing, Chengdu & Shanghai): Students are introduced to the dynamics of Chinese economic development, the global implications of a “rising China” and China’s major foreign policy challenges. Cities previously visited have been Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. This trip is offered and conducted every other year in the spring semester. Travel occurs in the last two weeks of May.
Reciprocal Exchange Programs (typically taken in the third semester of study):
- China: The Bush School has an open exchange agreement with the Institute for International Studies in Shanghai, China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu. Some Chinese language skill is necessary to take advantage of Mandarin language study.
- Germany: The Bush School’s reciprocal student exchange agreement with Frie U of Berlin and its two partners, Potsdam University and Humboldt University, allow GBS students to pay Texas A&M University tuition and fees while studying in the international affairs program at these German universities. Some German language skill is necessary, although some courses are in English.
- Great Britain: The Bush School and Swansea University have a reciprocal exchange agreement which allows Bush School students to study for a semester in Swansea, Wales.
- South Korea: The Bush School and the Korean Development Institute School of Public Policy and Management have a reciprocal exchange agreement that allows Bush School students to study for a semester in the English-language curriculum of the KDI School.
