International Studies in Central Europe

Eligibility

Any current student in good standing with an accredited university is eligible to apply.  VMI students need only submit an application.  Applicants from other universities should include a faculty letter of recommendation, an official transcript, and a short essay outlining the applicant’s personal and academic goals for the program, along with the application.  Applications and $ 250 non-refundable deposit must be received no later than 17 January 2018. Full payment for the program is expected by 16 February 2018.

Program Director

COL Geoff Jensen holds the John Biggs ‘30 Cincinnati Chair in Military History at VMI. He is the author of several books on European military history, and the editor of Warfare in Europe, 1919-1938.  Dr. Jensen earned his doctorate from Yale and has lived and worked extensively in Europe.

Dr. Jozsef Németh is an Associate Professor at the Hungarian National University of Public Service, where he teaches courses in strategic communication, security policy, and international conflict.  He has served in the administration and instruction of the Central Europe Study Abroad Program since 2004, and has been a Visiting Scholar in VMI’s Department of International Studies and Political Science.   Dr. Nemeth is the author of over 90 scholarly publications as well as the Editor in Chief of the Hungarian Journal of Society and Defense.

Program Description

Participants will be enrolled in 6 credit hours of international studies or history seminars related to Central European politics and security.  At application, students will be asked to rank order their course preferences between Central European History, War and Memory in Central Europe, and Transatlantic Security.  Those courses with sufficient student interest will run.  Courses will examine the dynamic political and security situation in modern Central Europe and the historical context.  Coursework and lectures will be supplemented by visits to historical sites and museums.  

Courses Available:

1. HI 470: War and Memory in Modern Central Europe
2. IS 427X: Transatlantic Security

Room and Board

Housing is provided by Zrinyi Miklos National Defense University in Budapest.  Participants are normally housed in single rooms in the officers’ quarters.  Many rooms come equipped with a small refrigerator and television.  The university provides meals at discount pricing for breakfast and lunch (~$2 per meal), with many nearby affordable eating options available for the remaining meal.  The university is on a central metro line, with easy access to the city center.  Many grocery stores, restaurants, and markets are within walking distance.