This is a Bellevue College faculty-led program. To begin your application, please get in touch with Prof. Leena Shah at lshah@bellevuecollege.edu
Program Dates
Depart U.S. July 1, 2023
Depart London July 29, 2023
Application timeline
Application Due: Friday March 31, 2023
Deposit Due: Friday March 31, 2023
Final Payment Due: May 5, 2023
Course Information
POLS &204, Comparative Politics 5 cr.
Faculty: Dr. Leena Shah, lshah@bellevuecollege.edu
POLS 204, Comparative Politics is a 5-credit class that compares different political units and systems. How do societies and cultures organize their political, economic, and social lives? Through comparison of political systems, students discover unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities as well as how political authority operates focusing on policy process, the economy, the role of citizens, and overall performance in a time of globalization. It looks at the similarities and differences in the domestic political systems of different states and the theoretical debates which seek to explain them. This course, with its emphasis on the U.K., will examine the differences between a Parliamentary and a Presidential system. We will study the Parliamentary elections and compare and contrast them with the Presidential elections. Students will explore how the British media investigates the American elections. We will also delve into a comparison of public policy issues like education, healthcare, and immigration in the U.K., and the U.S. Students will attend a session of the Parliament and watch the question time of the British Prime Minister. A visit to a local school and a health clinic will also be included.
This course will be a hands-on immersive learning experience that no on campus course can offer. Our study will include field trips to enhance our academic experience. Each week we will focus on a specific area of study related to the U.K. and U.S. Students will reflect on Brexit and USMCA. Outside of classes which will be held in the heart of London, you will have the opportunity to explore and discover the city through organized field trips.
Program Activities at a Glance
- 28 days exploring London, its outskirts, food, culture and politics.
- Guided walking tour of London and entrance to the Tower of London
- A full day excursion to Greenwich, entrance to the Royal Observatory/Prime Meridian, Maritime Museum/Queen house
- Entrance to the Florence Nightingale Museum
- Guided tour of the Houses of Parliament
- Guided tour of the Supreme Court
- A visit to a local school
- Entrance and tour to The Old St Thomas Operating Theatre
- Visit to a local Sexual Health Clinic
- Walking tour of the Inns of Court
- A farewell Afternoon tea at the Cellarium at the Westminster Abbey
Program Fee
Based on 15 or more, the fee is $4,275
Based on enrollment of 10-14 paying students, the fee is $ 4,675
Based on 6-9, the fee is $5,495
Program fee includes
- Pre-departure information services and a toll-free contact number in the U.S.
- On-site orientation with local staff to provide advice and guidance on general safety, incident response procedures and contact information for local emergency services.
- 24/7 AIFS emergency services with both local number to reach on-site staff and toll-free in the U.S.
- CISI insurance plan to cover doctor visits, prescriptions, hospitalizations and medical evacuations.
- Activities included in the program
- Access to classroom
- Guest lectures
- Travel Pass for Zones 1 and 2
Program fee does not include:
- Round trip international airfare
- Passport or visa fees if applicable
- Meals other than listed
- Bellevue College tuition
- Personal expenses
- Textbooks
- Anything not specified
Accommodations and Travel Pass
- Accommodation: Twin bedded room with another Bellevue College student in a student residence on a self-catering basis.
- Travel pass: London transport card inclusive of zones 1 & 2 for use on the buses, overground and underground trains, for the duration of the program.
Program and documents
TBD
Last Updated December 13, 2022