International Economics Abroad Summer Program
This 6-week, 6-credit faculty-led, European-centered program based in Berlin concentrates on the economics of competition policy from a transnational perspective. The two complementary courses, Strategic Pricing and EU Competition Policy (ECON 34582) and European History, Politics, and Society (GE 34241), bring together the areas of economics, history, politics, and culture. The Econ course explores the reasons behind the European Commission’s recent aggressive stance toward the competitive practices of many large, influential companies such as Google, Apple and Amazon. In the History course, we will explore topics related to post-1945 history and politics as they affected European society. Both courses are taught in English. Excursions to various European economic research institutes, policy centers, and museums complement and enrich the coursework.
This program will be led by Forrest Spence, Associate Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Economics at the University of Notre Dame.
Course Offerings
Note: All students in the program are required to enroll in both of the following courses for a total of 6 credits.
- ECON 34582 Strategic Pricing and EU Competition Policy (Economics and International Economics elective; REQUIRED Prerequisite - Principles of Microeconomics)
- GE 34241 European History, Politics, and Society (Fulfills HIST requirement)
In addition to Berlin, there will be planned overnight excursions to Warsaw and Bonn (including a visit to Cologne). Students will visit international institutes such as the German Competition Authority (Bundeskartellamt), the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), and Warsaw University. To enrich the historical curriculum, students will visit various museums and sites of memory.
Program Dates: May 24, 2024 – July 6, 2024.
Participants must attend the full program. No late or early arrivals.
Students arrive in Berlin on May 24, 2024 (no later than early afternoon); students departing from the US would do so on May 23, 2024.
Sample Excursions from previous years (2024 has not yet been determined):
- Warsaw
- Munich
- Cologne
Eligibility
The NDBerlin and International Economics Abroad programs are open to students from across the university majoring in all disciplines. All Notre Dame first-year students, sophomores, juniors and graduating seniors in good academic standing, as well as visiting students, are eligible.
Housing and Meals
Students will live in apartments in Berlin with shared bath, living, and kitchen. We are located near underground and suburban rail stations within minutes of shopping, restaurants, and cultural institutions. The program fee does not include meals or personal spending.
Program Fee: $8800.00
- 6 Notre Dame credits
- Lodging
- Mass transit within Berlin
- All program academic outings and field trips
- Transport to and from airport
- On-site program support from Notre Dame faculty
- GeoBlue international health and emergency evacuation insurance (through NDI)
All applicants are automatically considered for funding ($1000-$3000 + flight subsidy) based upon need.
Program Fee does not include
- Airfare (approx. $1,200) • Meals (approx. $1,000)
- Passport/visa fees
- Personal spending money
For questions about study abroad programs, please contact Denise M. Della Rossa, the Director of Undergraduate Studies.