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Off-Campus Semester Program Options to Seriously Consider

Every policy studies major should spend a semester away from Syracuse University. Some have spent three semesters away. Three is probably too many, but two makes a lot of sense.

The semesters away should not be in your senior or freshman years.

Division of International Programs Abroad (DIPA) Programs

One program at the London DIPA center currently caters to policy studies students.  In the program, you can get internship experience and take coursework directly applicable to the major. You can expect up to 9 of your 15 credits to apply to the major.

In addition to the Syracuse University London center, DIPA has semester program centers in Strasbourg, France; Florence, Italy; Madrid, Spain; and Hong Kong. You usually can complete one or two courses for the major at any location.

My personal favorite is Hong Kong, a former British colony now under the rule of China.  Every student who has taken this program has become a strong advocate for it.  The advantage of Hong Kong over the others is that you will be learning something different than a majority of students who go abroad and that will create opportunities for better job interviews and a more appealing resume.

For more information, contact the DIPA office at 443-3471 or stop by 119 Euclid Avenue, or visit online at http://suabroad.syr.edu.

Maxwell-Washington International Relations Semester

Although the International Relations Program runs this program, it could just as easily be called the policy studies semester.  This 15-credit program is comprised of four courses and an internship, all offered by Maxwell faculty in Washington, D.C.; at least 9 of the 15 hours satisfy the policy studies major requirements. You will take these courses:

This valuable program gives you the opportunity to shadow and assist the bureaucrats, interest group representatives, and politicians of Washington.  For further information, pick up a copy of the brochure in the public affairs office and contact the program’s field placement coordinator, Nell Silva, in 225 Eggers or 443-5339 or visit online at http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/ir/semester.htm

 

New York City High School Semester

The New York City High School for Leadership and Public Service, called Leadership for short, is a theme-based high school in which students are committed to making the world a better place to live.  The development of Leadership was a joint effort by the NYC Board of Education and SU’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs.  Michelle Walker supervises these internships in which you can work as a staff member. Under this unique program, you can develop valuable career skills while helping urban youth, and earn 15 credits for doing so (9 of which satisfy major requirements).  This will also be an opportunity for you to explore the “Big Apple” and meet a lot of caring and successful SU alumni. You get extra financial aid to cover your room and some transportation. The key element of the internship is teaching PAF 101 to seniors at the school.  A B or better in PAF 101 is a requirement for this internship. For more information, contact Ms. Walker at 443-4683 or stop by 102 Maxwell.

Assembly Intern Program in Albany

This program offers you the opportunity to work full time in the New York State legislature.  During each legislative session, from January through May, students work for assigned legislators and take courses on New York state politics, taught in Albany by Syracuse University’s political science professor, Jeffrey Stonecash, and faculty from other schools.  As a participant, you will receive some payment for your work and earn 15 credits, 9 of which can apply to the major.  The CIP application deadline is usually in early October.  You get a $3,500 stipend to cover extra costs. Professor Stonecash can fill you in on the program if you contact him in 100 Eggers or 443-3629 or visit online at http://assembly.state.ny.us/internship/