Location

Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands

Program Description

Public Relations in Europe is a 3-week study abroad program that offers students an opportunity to learn about and engage with public relations and communication theory in a European context. Additionally, the course covers the differences between working in the U.S. and Europe. Coursework will include a collection of readings focusing on public relations in each of the countries visited (Czechia, Germany, and The Netherlands), on-site lectures by both program directors, as well as lectures and workshops organized by communication professionals in each of the cities on the itinerary. Topics under examination include, but are not limited to, “Definitions of Public Relations,” “Similarities and Differences Between U.S. and European Public Relations,” “European Mass Media,” “Legal and Ethical Considerations,” “Governmental Communication,” “Public Relations Agencies in Europe,” “Tourism, Entertainment, and Sports Communication,” “Consumer Communications,” etc.

Using Prague, Czechia as a launchpad for a three-week trek through central Europe, making subsequent stops in Germany and The Netherlands, participants in this program will study public relations and communication theory in a European context. Rich in history and tradition, elegantly mixing old world customs with modern sensibilities, these European metropoles—all of which are popular tourist hotspots—will serve as an exciting, picturesque, and intellectually stimulating backdrop for our examination of public relations and communication theory. Not only will students be able to visit world-class museums and art galleries, enjoy modern and medieval architecture, and partake in local food traditions, they will also be meeting with and learning from communication professionals in each city. More specifically, students will be invited into the offices of European public relations agencies and thus be given an opportunity to learn how strategic communication practices differ not only among neighboring European countries but also how European strategic communication is different from what they have grown accustomed to in the United States. Traveling from city to city by way of buses and trains, students will come to appreciate how different cultures and communication practices can be even across relatively short distances. Students will learn about the differences working abroad compared to the U.S.

Location Description

Czech Republic, Germany, and The Netherlands.

Director

Lars Kristiansen | kristilj@jmu.edu | School of Communication Studies

Corey Hickerson | hickerca@jmu.edu | School of Communication Studies

Accommodations

Because of the program's migratory nature (we will spend about a week in each location), students will be housed in centrally located hostels and hotels close to public transportation hubs. In efforts to keep cost down, students will be sharing rooms (2-4 students per room). Most European hostels and hotels have free and/or cheap internet access and laundry facilities.

Students will be allocated a weekly meal stipend that will cover approximately 14 meals per week. Group dinners, bringing together all program participants, will also occur 1-2 times per week.

Additional Items to Consider

Students with non-U.S. passports are encouraged to talk to the directors. Any reasonable accommodation will be made in order to ensure that students are assisted with their visa applications should visas be necessary.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.2

No foreign language proficiency is required

SCOM 260 recommended

Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Students

Open to non-JMU students