Political Science
MAPs are being updated
These pages are currently under revision, and may not have a complete list of programs. Please contact Hannah Nevitt to explore all program options.
The following programs offer significant coursework and field immersion opportunities for Political Science, International Relations, and International Studies. This is meant to highlight a variety of programs by region. Please note there are many other options available beyond what is listed. This is not a guaranteed list for credit transfer. Students must obtain department advisor approval for fulfilling degree requirements. Students must apply to both the provider through the links below, and to WWU Education Abroad.
Explore Programs
Advisor
Advising Info
After you decide on a program and the courses you will take abroad, you must complete the Departmental Academic Advising Esign Form with your academic advisor. The form must be completed before your program commences.
Review Your Degree Works
Web4U > Student > Student Records > Degree Works. Follow steps to see what you have completed, and what you still need for your degree plan. At least 50% of the credit hours required for the major/minor must be earned at Western.
An official transcript from your program must be sent to Education Abroad for processing upon completion of your program.
More Info
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Things to Consider
- Cost of Living around the World
- Consider an International Studies Minor to globalize your degree
Program Options
Study Abroad Provider
- Independent organizations that facilitate or administer study abroad programs for students
- Quarter, semester, academic year, calendar year, and summer
- Pay a program fee that includes tuition, housing, etc. (varies)
- More services provided
- Often includes excursions, onsite pickup, varied housing options
- Part time internships can be available for credit
Faculty-led Global Learning Program
- WWU faculty organize and lead academic programs abroad
- Quarter, summer, and academic breaks
- Earn WWU credits and learn from WWU faculty abroad while studying with other WWU students
- Pay tuition and fees at WWU in addition to a program fee for onsite costs
Western Exchange
- Bilateral agreements between WWU and universities abroad to exchange students
- Chance of placement is high
- Semester and year-long options
- Pay WWU in-state tuition and mandatory fees
- Room & board paid onsite
- Take courses with international students at universities abroad
- Eligibility requirements vary
- More independent and less services
ISEP Exchange
- ISEP stands for International Student Exchange Program
- Students can choose from over 135 universities in 36 different countries
- Students provide ISEP with a list of preferred sites. Chance of placement varies from site to site.
- Semester & year-long options only
- Pay WWU in-state tuition and mandatory fees
- Room & board paid to WWU
- Take courses with international students at universities abroad
- More independent and less services provided
Research, Fellowships & Grants
- Princeton in Asia Fellowship - Teaching and Service Field Placements in Asia Post Grad
While more than half of our Fellows are employed as English teachers at universities, colleges, and high schools, there are also specialized positions with organizations that contribute to the following global issues: education, environmental sustainability, public health, media, economic development, and peace, justice, and access to information.
- Payne Fellowships for Graduate Studies
Award amount: $48,000 annually for a two year MA program
- UK Fulbright: Queen's University Belfast - Global Security & Borders Award - to pursue an MA in Global Security & Borders
This award will be centered in the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics. The School is a vibrant interdisciplinary community examining issues including the study of peace and conflict transformation, terrorism and security, ethnomusicology, public history, ethics, gender, cultural and cognitive anthropology, political theory, European history and politics, Irish, US, African, and Chinese history.
Award amount: Full tuition waiver, £13,700 living stipend.
The living stipend is intended as a contribution towards general maintenance costs towards the first year in the UK.
In the UK, Master's degrees are typically one-year programmes (full-time) and PhDs are three-year programmes (full-time).
- UK Fulbright: London School of Economics & Political Science Award - covers first year of any MA degree offered by the university
Grant amount
- Full tuition waiver
- £16,500 living stipend
The living stipend is intended as a contribution towards general maintenance costs towards the first year in the UK.
In the UK, master's degrees are typically one-year programmes (full-time) and PhDs are three-year programmes (full-time).
- U.S. Dept. of State Rangel Graduate Fellowship
An orientation to the Program and the Foreign Service at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
• Two summer internships, one on Capitol Hill and one overseas at a U.S. embassy in summer
Award amount: Up to $37,500 annually toward tuition, fees and living expenses for a two-year master’s degree in fields related to the Foreign Service such as Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, and International Relations at a U.S.-based institution.
- U.S. Dept. of State Consular Fellows Program
- Consular Fellows Program – $ Paid Positions Abroad
- Foreign Service Officer
- Foreign Service Specialist – Administration, Construction Engineering, Facilities Management, IT, International Information, ESL, Medical & Health, Office Management, Law Enforcement & Security
Award amount: $ Paid Positions Abroad
- U.S. Dept. of State Critical Language Scholarship
Award amount: Summer $Full Tuition, Airfare, Accommodations
- NSEP David L Boren Undergraduate Scholarship
Award amount: Up to $8000 for a summer; $10,000 for a semester and $20,000 for a full academic year
- IIE Scholarships & Grants
Award amount: Various
- Fulbright Commission Summer Institutes
The US-UK Fulbright Commission Summer Institutes
Award amount: Full Tuition, Airfare, Accommodations
- Freeman-ASIA (Freeman Awards for Study in Asia) Grant
Award amount: up to $3,000 for Summer, $5,000 for Semester/Quarter, $7,000 for Academic Year
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Gilman Scholarship for Pell eligible students
Award amount: Grants averaging up to $3,000 for Summer, $5,000 for Semester/Quarter, $8,000 for Critical Language Study