- International Education
- OU Programs
- Global Perspectives Seminar in Belgium and Switzerland
- top links
- Study Away (domestic)
- Study Abroad (international)
- OU Programs
- Archaeology in Israel
- Beijing in Spring
- BIO 3343 Earth and Life Coevolution in Canada
- British Studies at Oxford
- Changchun University in China
- Chorale European Concert Tour
- Cinema Studies TIFF Program
- Classical Theatre in Greece
- Cross and Crown in London, England
- Engineering at BISTU in Beijing
- Freshwater Ecology in Guatemala
- German Contemporary Dance
- Global Arts in Ghana
- Global Arts in St. Lucia
- Global Perspectives Seminar in Belgium and Switzerland
- Graphic Design and Culture in the Netherlands and France
- Italian Language and Culture in Italy
- MBA Globalization Impact in Europe
- MGT 4900/6810 Doing Business with/in China
- HC 2050 Belgium and UK Brexit
- Nursing Research in Italy
- Nursing Research in China
- Service Learning in Hong Kong
- Summer in Volterra, Italy
- Summer Language and Culture in Münster, Germany
- Tropical Ecology in Costa Rica
- Tropical Field Ecology in Ecuador
- Tudors of England
- Zhengzhou University Culture in China
- Incoming NSE Students
- OU Exchange Programs
- For Parents
- For Faculty and Advisers
- Paying for Your Experience
- Courses
- Student Resources
- Housing
- Returning from Abroad
- Make a Gift
- Program Search
- News
- Office of Global Engagement
- GDPR Privacy Notice
International Education
O'Dowd Hall, Room 328
586 Pioneer Drive
Rochester,
MI
48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-2889
ie@oakland.edu
Office hours
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Virtual advising hours
Mon - Fri: 9 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4 p.m.
Alex Zimmerman, Director
(248) 370-2843
azimmerman@oakland.edu

Alex Zimmerman, Program Director
Director of International Education
azimmerman@oakland.edu
(248) 370-2843
Global Perspectives Seminar in Belgium and Switzerland
You seek adventure. You learn best by doing. You want your college experience to push you beyond the limits of campus life. Incoming freshmen and transfer students are invited to participate in an experiential learning opportunity in Belgium and Switzerland. During the summer prior to your first semester at OU, earn college credit while learning in a progressive manner to gain a global perspective and real-world experience, applicable to your entire academic career. A few openings will be available for existing OU students.
The Summer 2021 program dates TBD.
Will Be
The program begins in Brussels, Belgium. The group may take the Belgian Rail from Brussels to Bruges, home of the College of Europe. Significant cultural and scientific institutions for possible visits include the Atomium, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, and the Théâtre Royal de Toone. In addition to the planned activities, students will have one free day in Brussels to explore the city on their own.
The group will travel from Brussels to Geneva by air or train. In Geneva, students may take Swiss Railways from Geneva to Gland, location of the headquarters of the World Wildlife Foundation and the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Significant cultural and scientific institutions considered for a visit include CERN, the Institut et Musée Voltaire, and the ICRC Museum. In addition to the planned activities, students will have one free day in Geneva to explore the city on their own.
Do and Learn
Studying in Brussels, Belgium and Geneva, Switzerland, students will learn firsthand from practitioners in the fields of international relations and diplomacy. In Brussels, the group will tour the European Union (EU) facilities and speak with EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organization experts and administrators, members of the European Parliament, and representatives of European think tanks. In Geneva, they will tour United Nations (UN) facilities and speak with employees of UN agencies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Trade Organization and the International Organization for Migration.
Participants get a head start on their college careers.
- Complete a general education requirement (Global Perspective: PS1600 Issues in World Politics)
- Political science majors (and related degrees): earn credits toward your major
- Honors College students: earn honors credit
Bring
A detailed clothing list and “how to pack guide” will be provided. Personal electronics, such as a laptop and smartphone, are recommended.
Students must be OU incoming freshmen or transfer students to participate in this program.
A valid passport is required that expires no earlier than six months after the program ends.
The program cost of $5,000 includes airfare, accommodations, meals, course materials and activities in Belgium and Switzerland. Full and partial scholarships are available. Financial aid can be applied to this cost.
Tuition (four credits) will be billed as part of the fall semester and is not included in the program cost.