SIT Study Abroad Spain & Ireland: Geopolitics & the Future of the European Union

Engage with questions of citizenship, sovereignty, and borders in Spain’s Basque country, Catalonia, and Ireland.

Overview

WHY STUDY GEOPOLITICS IN SPAIN AND IRELAND?

As Europe battles internal tensions in a new geopolitical context characterized by contested borders and rearranging alliances, the question about the future of Europe and the European Union is relevant and urgent. This program revisits Europe’s founding ideals of liberty, inclusion, and social justice within the context of rising independence movements, as well as xenophobic policies against immigrants, refugees, and minority groups, engaging questions around competing visions of what constitutes the Union.

Spain and Ireland are ideal sites to interrogate the inclusive potential of the nation-state, the promise of economic prosperity in consolidating EU integration, and the capacity of democratic participation in carving a space for Europe’s refugees and minority groups. Through an interdisciplinary approach, you will better understand processes that have produced profound changes in Spain, Ireland, and Europe’s social, political, cultural, and economic structures.

The Basque region, Catalonia, and Ireland provide excellent case studies for an understanding of the underlying dynamics between EU members and national minorities and post-conflict societies. Bilbao, the most populated city of Basque country, is a dynamic program base from which to explore movements for political autonomy in Spain and beyond. UNESCO named Bilbao a “City of Design” because of its unique architecture, food, and cultural institutions, including the famed Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework, educational excursions, and housing.

MONEY MATTERS

SIT is an all-inclusively priced study abroad program – including academics costs, excursions, accommodations and meals, airport transfers, and health insurance. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.
 

SCHOLARSHIPS

SIT has awarded an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in the past three years. All scholarships and grants are need-based. Awards generally range from $500 to $5,000.

CONTACT SIT STUDY ABROAD

·       Visit our website: studyabroad.sit.edu

·       Request more information or email us: studyabroad@sit.edu

·       Call an admissions counselor: 888-272-7881

·       Contact a former student.

·       Apply to SIT

Read more about our admissions process here.