Advising will be a collaborative experience for students with the help of your Academic Advisor and major specific Experiential Global Learning advisor. 

As a Political Science major or minor, you can:

• Explore a variety of courses to count towards your plan of study, including Political Science foreign study credit towards the major, related and elective credits.
• Study at many programs around the world that offer political science courses in special topics.
• Participate in courses abroad with diverse student populations that enrich classroom discussions.
• Select a program with service learning or volunteer-based extracurricular options.
• Intern or participate in research for academic credit.

How will #UConnChangeYourWorld

These programs are recommended based on your academic interests but students can explore additional approved program options via the Program Search.

Faculty-Led:

Honors Congressional Internship Program in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Students interested in the workings of the U.S. government will enjoy a unique opportunity to work in the office of a Connecticut congressperson for a spring semester while earning 15 academic credits.  Interns participate in staff meetings, attend committee meetings, research and write reports, and visit other offices on Capitol Hill, as well as leading constituent tours of the U.S. Capitol Building. Interns may even have the chance to contribute to the writing of new legislation.

Summer Collective Action for Social & Migrant Justice in the Borderlands
Tucson, AZ & Mexico
Spend 10 days engaging with organizations that mobilize society to address human rights concerns at the U.S./Mexico border. Students will engage in experiential learning through hands-on work with community organizations, attending meetings, participating in guest lectures with local professors, and through field trips to walk migrant desert trails and witness court proceedings.

Winter in Costa Rica
Heredia, Costa Rica
This 3-week winter program involves travel to the mountain, beach and rainforest regions, meeting a variety of professionals working in the human rights profession.  Students will consider intersections of human rights and migration in Central America, with a primary focus on Costa Rica and can earn credit for HRTS 3298, which can count as major related credit.

Tuition-Based Programs:

Fudan University
Shanghai, China
Study the politics of China at a top research University while living in the global city of Shanghai. Students will find courses in the social sciences, business and humanities. Past courses within political science include Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Economy, Conflict Resolution and East Asian Politics.

London Program with Internship
London, England
Students will take 3-4 courses while participating in a 6 credit internship during the semester. Students will work with EGL’s partners in London ahead of their arrival to secure an internship placement that takes into account a student’s professional interests and current skills. Placements are available within Politics & Government, Law, Non-Profit & NGO and other relevant industries. Political Science credit is available for the internship if working specifically in Politics & Government or Law.

Lund University
Lund, Sweden
Study at a top 100 world university located in the heart of the city, which can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle. Students will have the option to take courses in the School of Law, as well as specially designed courses for exchange students in subjects such as Global Issues and Scandinavian Studies. Previously offered political science course titles have included Swedish Politics: Past & Present, Peace & Conflict Studies, International Ethics, Justice & War, as well as Experts & Democracy.

National University of Singapore
Republic of Singapore
Study in a city known as one of the safest in the world, with a backdrop of the sea and a year round summer-like climate. Students can take courses in the social sciences with many options within political science. Past course titles include International Relations of Northeast Asia, International Political Economy, Governance & Politics in South Asia, Governance & Politics of Singapore, and War and Southeast Asia.

University of Haifa
Haifa, Israel
Study at a University that boasts a religiously diverse student body and rich history in a modern city location. Students will have access to a variety of social science courses and niche political science topics. Past course titles include Arab-Israeli Relations, Syria: History, Politics, & Society, Arms Control in the Nuclear Realm, and Refugee Mental Health: Global & Local Perspectives.

University of Nottingham
Nottingham, England
This highly-ranked British University is located in a tourist destination with a thriving international community of students from more than 140 countries. Students will have access to political science coursework, with past course titles such as International Politics of Race, Immigration & Citizenship, as well as sociology courses that relate well for students interested in topics such as migration and climate change. Outside the classroom, there are more than 100 opportunities for volunteering in addition to student clubs, sports and activities.

Yonsei University
Seoul, South Korea
A campus environment just 20 minutes from the metro area with a plethora of political science courses offered under the topics of Politics, Law & Culture. Some past course titles include Law & Justice, Politics & Society of North Korea, International Politics of the Korean Peninsula, and Korean Politics & Government. International students will feel at home participating in events and activities designed to learn about the local culture and build friendships.  A student run organization, Yonsei Global, includes a buddy program that pairs local students with exchange students, providing tips for success beginning at the orientation.

Fee-Based Programs:

CEPA Foundation- Intercultual Leadership Program in Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, France
Students searching for a short-term program in the summer will find this 5-week opportunity checks a lot of boxes. The housing is an 18th century castle where students will also take their courses, participate in high profile guest lectures, and engage in interactive professional skill building. Practical training for future global leaders include human rights, mediation, dispute resolution, social responsibility, and intercultural negotiation. Outside the castle, students will enjoy excursions and free time.

Washington Center
Washington, D.C.
D.C. is the center of American government, politics, and policy, making this city ideal for a political science major to participate in an internship and develop a professional network. Students will live in apartments and take an academic course of their choosing one evening per week, while participating in an internship for academic credit Monday-Thursday. Throughout the program students will build a professional e-portfolio that showcases learning and accomplishments for future employers or application to graduate or professional school.

Finances are an integral part of the program selection and planning process. Research scholarships early to meet application deadlines and request feedback on essays from advisors and the Writing Center.

Featured Scholarships:

McMahon Family Endowment for Global Education

Elizabeth C. Hanson Scholarship

To learn more and discover other financial opportunities to fund your Experiential Global Learning opportunity, visit our scholarships page.