You are here: American University School of International Service International Programs Graduate Summer & Intersession

Graduate Summer Abroad

Go abroad this summer with SIS

Back to top

SIS organizes a number of short-term, experiential programs abroad and internships abroad each summer. Some programs are faculty-led and others are courses offered at partner institutions abroad where students will be directly enrolled. Program locations change each summer to reflect the needs and interests of the SIS student population. The detailed curricula of the programs make them ideal for students who wish to concentrate on a specific region or topic area. Each one offers ample opportunity to interact with local and regional leaders, conduct field research, and engage in challenging internship positions.

Steps to Study Abroad

Curious about the steps needed to study abroad? Read more about the process with our step by step guide!

Learn More

Summer 2026 Faculty-Led Programs

Location: Cairo & Alexandria, Egypt

Faculty Lead: Dr. Elizabeth Thompson

Dates in Country: Early June 2026

Program Type: Seminar (3 credits)

Desription: Students study the history, geography, culture and politics of Egypt and its relationship to other countries of the Middle East. As we visit the ancient pyramids, the 1000-year old Al-Azhar University, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and sites of Egypt’s modern revolutions, we examine the relationship of culture and history to politics. In Alexandria, we study the historical importance of the Nile River and the impact of global warming on it and the wider region. Similarly, we use Egypt’s historical predominance in the region too as a lens on recent developments in international relations. In addition to our 10-day visit to the country, we will meet in six online classes. Requirements include daily lessons in Arabic language while in Egypt, participation in discussions on assigned readings, a midterm, a presentation, and a final paper on a topic of students’ choice.

Contact: SIS Office of International Programs

Information Session Recording

Location: Helsinki, Finland & Tallinn, Estonia

Faculty Lead: Dr. Garret Martin

Dates in Country: May 28 – June 6, 2026

Program Type: Seminar (3 credits)

Description: This summer seminar will bring students to Finland and Estonia so to better understand how NATO front line states – i.e. sharing borders with Russia – are bolstering their defenses in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Moreover, Finland, as one of the newest member states in the Alliance (joining in 2023), will provide an interesting case as to how NATO membership has changed its foreign and security policy.

More Information

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland 

Faculty Lead: Dr. Hrach Gregorian

Dates in Country: June 12 – 22, 2026

Program Type: Travel Practicum (3 credits)

Description: Students will undertake an assessment of one of the WAVE Trauma Center programs designed to advance post-conflict trauma and resilience. They will interview individuals affiliated with the program to ascertain what benefits are derived from it, how participants in the program are developing, and how the program can better serve clients and the community. They will use structured and semi-structured questionnaires to interview program participants and external partners and beneficiaries and third-party experts. Interviews will be conducted on-line and in person during the in-country phase of the program. Students also will interface with subject matter experts at WAVE, Queen’s University, Belfast, Ulster University and additional organizational partners and program beneficiaries. The program deliverables are a final paper and an oral presentation to the client.

Contact: SIS Practica

Information Session Recording 

Location: Oslo, Norway

Faculty Lead: Dr. Judith Shapiro & Dr. Jesse Ribot

Dates in Country: June 2 - 14, 2026

Program Type: Travel Practicum (3 credits)

Description: Students in this travel practicum will conduct a feasibility study and create a preliminary framework for a research center for the Study of Geopolitical Ecology, an emerging field at the nexus of security studies, conflict, and environmental issues. Geopolitical ecology combines International Relations with Political Ecology. The students will work in teams. From June 3 to 14 they will engage in preparatory classroom lectures and readings at NMBU’s campus in As (where they will be housed in campus dormitories) and conduct interviews in nearby Oslo with key stakeholders and potential partners and funders. The final deliverable is due June 26. Students will continue to work remotely after the conclusion of the travel portion of the course to finalize and perfect their study. 

Students will interview stakeholders at various Oslo-based institutions, such as the Norwegian Refugee Council, Greenpeace Norway and the Nobel Peace Institute. They will practice interviewing techniques under the guidance and coaching of faculty. Students will analyze the data and create the final deliverable, including an executive summary with recommendations on how to proceed with the creation of the center, including possible structure, thematic areas, and sources of grant funding. They will present their findings orally to faculty personnel from both NMBU and AU (with stakeholders from the Oslo-based institutions invited). Students participating in this practicum will have an important role to play in the creation of a new global center that is poised to be at the cutting edge of geopolitical analysis, with projects that may include analyzing the effects of changes to the Arctic waters, conflicts between indigenous Sami and state energy companies over wind farms, and accelerated Chinese presence in the Nordic region. However, geopolitical ecology has global implications and the center's research is expected to extend worldwide.

Contact: Dr. Judith Shapiro

Summer 2026 Partner Programs

How the programs work

  • Students may apply for their program of choice (all programs are competitive and application does not guarantee admission). Some internship programs also require an application.
  • Students are registered for their respective course by SIS OIP for the summer term at the time of registration.
  • Students pay AU tuition and are billed directly through Student Accounts. Financial aid packages can apply.
  • Some programs include a mandatory program fee. Students can learn about whether or not such a fee exists on each program's respective web page.
  • Summer program fees may include in-country accommodations, ground transportation, some meals, site visits and field trips, and internship placement (if applicable). Program specific websites will list any expenses in greater detail.
  • Students are typically responsible for their own airfare, immunizations, visas (if applicable), supplies, most meals, and other personal living expenses while on the program.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Status as a graduate student at American University. Non-AU graduate students may only apply to select programs (see program specific pages for eligibility).
  • Good academic and university standing.
  • Approved plan of study. As part of the application process, students should meet with their academic advisors to get approval for the courses they plan to take.

Note: Each program will have additional eligibility requirements listed on its respective website. Please adhere to the specific eligibility requirements before submitting an application.