Summer European Academy Continues Tradition of Summer Programs Abroad for Political Science Students
Each summer, Texas A&M political science students trade the classroom for Berlin, Brussels, Paris and London through the Summer European Academy, an intensive weeks-long program that immerses Aggies in European governance. Students apply what they’ve learned in a comparative context, engaging directly with EU institutions, policymakers, and international experts through lectures, workshops, and site visits. Along the way, they sharpen their thinking on transnational challenges.
This year, more than 20 students represented the Bush School and Texas A&M across Europe. Beyond the academics, the Academy gives students a practical look at the career paths open to political science graduates. Hands-on learning helps them build professional skills, grow their networks, and explore opportunities in international organizations, public service, and advocacy.
Faculty leader Dr. Todd Kent points to the program’s lasting impact: “For over 25 years, the Summer European Academy has given students an immersive European learning experience. Students engage with the culture and interact with policymakers from NATO, the European Union, and national governments across the continent.”
For Texas A&M students, the Academy is a chance to forge international connections, gain real-world expertise, and bring new perspectives back to their studies and future careers in the United States. Many former students point to the program as the moment they developed a deeper appreciation for other cultures and a broader view of global policy—an experience that has since led several into careers in the foreign service and beyond.
The Bush School extends its sincere gratitude to Gene and Donna Kornegay for more than 20 years of financial support of the European Study Abroad Program through the Mary Anne and J.W. Kornegay Scholarship. Their steadfast support has provided undergraduate students with invaluable international exposure, enhanced their education, and broadened their perspectives while preparing them to become effective global leaders.
To learn more about impactful ways to invest in the future of our nation through faculty-led study abroad programs, please contact Megan Alvear, Texas A&M Foundation Assistant Director of Development at Malvear@txamfoundation.com and 979-845-8161.
