International Studies in Central Europe

Dates: June 2 - June 29, 2017

Cost: $4,000, plus airfare (subject to BOV approval)

VMI, in partnership with the National University of Public Service is pleased to announce a four-week summer program in Budapest (Hungary), Vienna, Graz (Austria) and Celje (Slovenia).

Program Director

Maj. Patrick Rhamey is an assistant professor in the VMI Department of International Studies. A graduate of Rhodes College, he received his Ph. D. from the University of Arizona in Political Science. He has spent time throughout Europe conducting research, including contributions to the edited volume Regional and International Relations of Central Europe, an article in the French journal Cahiers de la Mediterranee, and forthcoming research in the Russian journal Vestnik-MGIMO.

Academic and Cultural Program

Participants will be enrolled in 6 credit hours of international studies, economics/business or history seminars related to Central European Politics and Security. At application, students will be asked to rank order their course preferences between the courses listed below. Those courses with sufficient student interest will run. Courses will examine the dynamic political and security situation in modern day Central Europe and its roots in the region’s unique historical context. Coursework and lectures will be supplemented by visits to historical sites and museums.

Courses Available:
1.        EC-450: The Economics of Transition and Institutional Development in Central and Southeastern Europe (Satisfies EC 306 Requirement for IS Majors)
2.        HI-370: Central European History
3.        HI-481: War and Memory in Modern Central Europe
4.        IS-427X: Transatlantic Security

Room and Board

Full room and board 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. Board includes two meals daily, with many 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 of the University. Housing in Vienna, Graz and Celje will be in hotels/hostels.