New 2024 Course Announced

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to explore policy-making & planning in contemporary Europe. We will meet public officials and other stakeholders, examine some of Europe’s most pressing challenges and innovative solutions, and see a variety of cities through the eyes of locals.

Please check out our Instagram account to get a sense of what this program offers…

UPCOMING INFO SESSIONS:

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS! Please apply through the Global Education Office portal: https://sa.globaleducation.vt.edu/?go=PolicyPlanningEurope

This three or six credit VT faculty-led study abroad program has four components:

  1. Fundamentals of sustainability and environmental policy-making in modern Europe, online prior to trip, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, and other locations;
  2. Making urban transport sustainable, with a focus on how European cities promote walking, cycling, and public transport (Germany, Switzerland, and elsewhere);
  3. Addressing Europe’s wicked sustainability challenges, from flood prevention in Venice, Italy, to heavy industry, cultural preservation, and employment in the Czech Republic; and
  4. The roles for civil society in advancing sustainability, from energy policy in Hungary to Roma self-empowerment in the Czech Republic.
  • VT and UVA Students in the European Parliament

The trip will afford multiple opportunities to explore how the unique histories, urban forms, and contemporary nature of European cities shape human behavior​ and advance and challenge long-term sustainability.

Cities and sites visited include:

  • Prague, Czech Republic – Meet and short tour
  • Ostrava, Czech Republic – Visit a functioning steel mill and regional environmental authority, tour a industrial complex that is now a cultural site, and visit a Roma empowerment organization
  • Budapest, Hungary – Visit the city’s famous baths, lecture on the politics of the region, and visit to an environmental NGO
  • Vienna, Austria – Explore the Seestadt brownfield redevelopment site
  • Venice, Italy – Explore the city, visit the Biennale, tour the lagoon (including flood defense infrastructure) by boat
  • Riva San Vitale – Stay at Virginia Tech’s Steger Center facility in the beautiful Ticino region
  • Zurich, Switzerland – Explore one of the best public transport systems in the world
  • Freiburg, Germany – Get to know this beautiful city’s state-of-the-art cycling, walking and public transport infrastructure with local experts
  • Strasbourg, France – Visit the European parliament
  • Paris, France – Sustainability in this jewel of Europe

Costs:

The program fee, which we estimate will be $4,500, covers accommodations; most meals; transportation costs within Europe; tours and site visits that are officially part of the program; CISI travel insurance; and administrative costs.

In addition, students will be charged summer tuition, and are expected to cover their travel to and from Europe and other (individual) expenses. A very rough estimate is:

  • Tuition fees ~ $1,150 to $7,200*
  • Round trip airline ticket ~ $800 to $1,500
  • Passport and visa fees ~ $0 to $110**
  • Books and supplies ~ $50
  • Virginia Tech application and study abroad fees: $50 each ($100 total)
  • Personal expenses ~ $400***

* Depending on registration for 3 or 6 credits, grad or undergrad and whether or not a VA resident. Subject to Registrar’s Office policies, and updated tuition rates (not yet posted).
** Depending on citizenship and whether or not you already have a valid passport.
*** Depending on individual travel (outside course), souvenirs, and other items.

Applications accepted via the Global Education Office’s system: https://sa.globaleducation.vt.edu/?go=PolicyPlanningEurope  

The application deadline is December 1st, 2023, especially if you wish to apply for financial aid. Depending on program availability, there may be an additional application deadline on January 31st, 2024. These dates are tentative.

Education abroad financial aid may be available for Virginia Tech students. Contact Virginia Tech’s Global Education Office for more information: www.globaleducation.vt.edu. The Global Education Office is also a great resource for advice.

For more information, please review this program​ info sheet (PDF). Please also feel free to contact the faculty leads:

  • Dr. Todd Schenk, Associate Professor in Virginia Tech’s School of Public & International Affairs and Global Change Center Affiliate – tschenk@vt.edu
  • Dr. Ralph Buehler, Professor in the School of Public and International Affairs and Chair of the Urban Affairs & Planning Program – ralphbu@vt.edu

Please also see the FAQ/Q&A and Faculty pages.