Political Science
“I gained hands on experience and learned to analyze political phenomena on a practical level. It is one thing to attend a lecture on Chinese politics and business, and another to engage in a Shanghai field research on a company’s business and governmental relations.”
-Derson Figuereo, Political Science Major and Philosophy Minor

Norway
Study abroad and improve your critical thinking, research, cross-cultural communication, intercultural, and problem solving skills. Gain course credit while traveling to the country of your choice, and create lifelong relations with people throughout your adventure. Walk along Grand Rapid’s beautiful sister city at the University of Perugia (Italy), learn Japanese while studying at APU (Japan), or immerse yourself in the Polish educational and cultural center after class at the Cracow University of Economics (Poland).
Students interested in combining their study abroad experience with an internship, or just looking to do an internship have some options as well. Customized internships are available through GVSU Internships, and other programs such as ELAP and World Endeavors.
Academic Advice
- Department input requested
- Consider fulfilling your Issues General Education requirement abroad. Find out how!
Restrictions
- Students may NOT take PLS 495 Political Science Capstone abroad.
- Courses will be evaluated on a case to case basis through the course equivalency process.
Keep in Mind
- Once you have selected a program, be sure to meet with your adviser at least three months prior to departing for your program.
- Be sure to explore both GVSU and external options by browsing the Program Suggestions below. Students are not limited to GVSU study abroad programs.
- There are several opportunities to intern and or volunteer while abroad.
- Students are also able to fulfill General Education requirements abroad, including their General Education Issues requirement.
Program Suggestions
You are not limited to the programs options listed below.
GVSU Programs
Program Type |
Country |
Program, Host Institution, or University Name |
Semester |
Academic Year |
Summer |
Non-Traditional Academic Year |
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Partnership |
Australia |
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• |
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Partnership |
China |
• |
• |
• |
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Partnership |
Ghana |
• |
• |
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Partnership |
Japan |
• |
• |
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Partnership |
Japan |
• |
• |
• |
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Partnership |
Poland |
• |
• |
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Partnership |
Poland |
• |
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Partnership |
Romania |
• |
• |
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Partnership |
Turkey |
• |
• |
External Programs
Program Type |
Country |
Program, Host Institution, or University Name |
Semester |
Academic Year |
Summer |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Affiliate |
Italy |
• |
• |
• |
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Affiliate |
Spain |
• |
• |
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External |
Multiple Destinations |
• |
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External |
Poland |
• |
• |
• |
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External |
Costa Rica |
• |
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External |
Czech Republic |
• |
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External |
Germany |
• |
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External |
Spain |
• |
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External |
South Africa |
• |
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External |
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
• |
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External |
Estonia |
• |
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External |
Germany |
• |
• |
Internships
Program Type |
Country |
Program, Host Institution, or University Name |
---|---|---|
GVSU Internships |
Varies |
|
Varies |
Varies |
Explore Other Program Options
Not finding a program on this list that meets your needs? Explore other options.
IMPORTANT: You can also complete your General Education requirements abroad.
To determine the GVSU course equivalencies for courses taken abroad, please view the “How to Request Course Equivalencies” page. For more information email Department Contact below.
Department Contact
Darren Walhof
1121 AuSable Hall
616-331-2320
[email protected]