Brussels, the self-styled capital of Europe, is one of the most exciting and challenging cities on earth for journalists interested in international reporting. It houses the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO and lies at the crossroads of London, Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
The EU has grown dramatically in recent years, from 12 members in 1993 to 27 today. It has also gained new powers, the euro has replaced national currencies such as the Franc, Deutschmark and Lira and the bloc is gradually beginning to punch its weight on the world stage.
The EU is now the world's biggest economy, trading bloc and donor of development aid. Standards set in Brussels for the environment, agriculture and industry rapidly become world standards. No one can ignore the EU anymore.
Brussels, home to the world's largest international press corps, is rapidly becoming the world's other capital, alongside Washington D.C. For a journalist, this makes it the place to be in Europe.
The capital of Belgium is also a great city in its own right. French and Flemish cultures are blended with a startling mix of nationalities from around the world to give the city of one million people a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Probably most well known for Belgian beer, waffles and chocolate, Brussels also features cozy cafes, neighborhood markets, and many historical landmarks. For students interested in exploring other parts of the continent, Brussels is within just a few hours of most major European cities.
Students participating in this program will have the opportunity to learn how to understand and report European affairs during the Friday seminars as well as gain practical experience working in media organizations four days per week. Students will also have the possibility of taking French classes.
Eligibility
Students who have a minimum of 3.0 GPA and who have completed the first course in their area of study by the start of the program and graduate students are eligible for admission to a study abroad internship program. All students must be in good academic standing with a clean disciplinary record.
Course Credit
Graduate Students: Graduate students will earn nine credits for JOURN 8190 Area Problem in Journalism and three credits for JOURN 8185 Area Seminar in Journalism.
The professional project is your day-to-day job.
The weekly Friday seminars based out of the International Press Center are an important part of the program. You will have the opportunity to examine important topics such as the environment, welfare, immigration and integration. Some work outside the classroom will be part of this class.
All graduate students are required to write a research paper. This assignment, which includes a literature review and end notes, provides a theoretical framework to enhance the hands-on experience you're gaining on the job. Sample paper topics include crisis management, handbooks for covering federal agencies and government issues, freelancing, ethics, handling anonymous sources. [Fall Semester 2008 Course Outline (Tentative)]
Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate students will earn six hours of non-journalism internship credit through the Civic Leaders Internship Program and six hours of journalism elective course credit.
Your internship (6 credits of elective non-journalism credit) will be tailored to your professional interests.
The weekly Friday seminars based out of the International Press Center are an important part of the program. You will have the opportunity to examine important topics such as the environment, welfare, immigration and integration. Some work outside the classroom will be part of this class. [Fall Semester 2008 Course Outline (Tentative)]
Costs
The Missouri School of Journalism attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Generally, study abroad experiences cost a bit more than credits taken on-campus at MU, but include new experiences, cultures, languages, and often times housing, flight costs and other program-related costs. It's highly recommended that you outline a budget for yourself of what you would spend during a semester here at MU and compare it to study abroad costs.
The cost for this program will be approximately $5,100. This includes housing accommodations and on-site assistance by a professor. You will also be billed MU educational fees (12 credits). In addition, you will also pay a $75 MU Study Abroad fee to cover MU orientation, ISIC card, administration, and assistance. Other expenses you will want to consider include airfare, meals, local transportation and other miscellaneous expenses.
Please note that there are scholarships and other financial options available to you to help make study abroad a part of your college experience.
Financial Aid
The financial aid you normally receive for your classes at MU is usually applicable. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs of studying abroad. Please meet with the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office (11 Jesse Hall) for more complete information: 573-882-7506.
The School of Journalism offers need-based travel scholarships each semester. Applications are available on our Web site. You can also apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union). Watch our Web site for special program scholarship announcements each semester.
Housing
Each student will have his/her private room in a safe, clean and central student residential facility at the Brussels University campus.
How to Apply
Deadline for Fall Semester 2008: April 4, 2008
Deadline for Spring Semester 2009: Oct. 1, 2008
It is recommended that all applicants meet with the Journalism Study Abroad Advisor prior to applying if they have questions or concerns. Please submit the following application materials in a manila envelope to the Journalism Study Abroad Coordinator, 76 Gannett by the posted deadline. Remember to sign-up for an interview time when you drop off your application! For this program you will need:
Two letters of recommendation. We prefer one to be from an academic source and one from an employer. Please have references direct letters "To Whom It May Concern." [Recommendation Form]
PDF File: 130K
An official transcript.
Deposit of $500 and Deposit Form; must pay to Cashier's Office in 15 Jesse Hall.
PDF File: 136K
Resume. Submit hard copy with application packet and e-mail electronic version to
All courses take place on Fridays between 9:30 and 12 unless stated otherwise. They will be followed by an optional one-hour copy clinic when in the Residence Palace (RP). Occasionally, there will also be group visits to Paris and/or the Netherlands. All speakers to be confirmed. French language classes additional.
Week One
Students meet and greet. Introduction to Belgium/Brussels. Course outline (RP)
Gareth Harding
Giuseppe Zaffutto, European Journalism Centre
Lunch in Belgian restaurant
Reporting Europe. Potential Stories (RP)
Gareth Harding
Aidan White, General Secretary, International Federation of Journalists
Visit to Wall Street Journal head European office
Introduction to the EU/NATO. The big issues in Brussels (RP)
Gareth Harding
Michiel van Hulten, former MEP, Managing Director Burston-Marsteller
Tour of Brussels. Lunch in downtown restaurant.
Welcome drink at home of Gareth Harding.
Week Two
Students start internships.
The European Commission
Speaker from EC Visitors Service
Visit to Midday briefing for EU journalists
Meeting with Commission spokesperson
Lunch with EU journalists
Week Three
The European Parliament
Introduction from Parliament Visitors Service
Visit to Parliament chamber
Debate on 'Future of Europe' with MEPs
Week Four
The Council of Ministers
Meeting with Spokesman
Meeting with EU ambassador
Copy clinic in RP
Week Five
Is Europe dying out? (RP).
Immigration/integration issues (RP)
Discussion with European Policy Centre expert
Visit to Molenbeek street market (predominantly Moroccan)
Week Six
Visit to IHECS-Belgian journalist school. Debate with students on Europe, transatlantic relations, journalist methods.
Week Eight
Visit to NATO
Meeting with NATO spokesman James Appathurai
Briefing by US delegate to NATO
Lunch at NATO
Week Nine
EU-US relations
Week 10
Lobbying Brussels - How lobbyists influence the EU and how lobbying differs from Washington
Visit to consultancy
Extended copy clinic analyzing articles
Week 12
Enlargement of the EU/Turkey (RP)
Briefing on enlargement by expert on European Policy Centre
Debate: Turkey yes or no?
Vox pop and lunch in Schaerbeek - Turkish area of Brussels - with minister Emir Kir
Week 13
Begium for Beginners
Belgian ambassadors to EU
Week 14
Belgian cooking class at Mmmmhh! cooking school (optional).
Does Europe do religion? (RP/Antwerp)
Discussion with Christian church/mosque representatives
Brussels, the self-styled capital of Europe, is one of the most exciting and challenging cities on earth for journalists interested in international reporting. It houses the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO and lies at the crossroads of London, Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
The EU has grown dramatically in recent years, from 12 members in 1993 to 27 today. It has also gained new powers, the euro has replaced national currencies such as the Franc, Deutschmark and Lira and the bloc is gradually beginning to punch its weight on the world stage.
The EU is now the world's biggest economy, trading bloc and donor of development aid. Standards set in Brussels for the environment, agriculture and industry rapidly become world standards. No one can ignore the EU anymore.
Brussels, home to the world's largest international press corps, is rapidly becoming the world's other capital, alongside Washington D.C. For a journalist, this makes it the place to be in Europe.
The capital of Belgium is also a great city in its own right. French and Flemish cultures are blended with a startling mix of nationalities from around the world to give the city of one million people a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Probably most well known for Belgian beer, waffles and chocolate, Brussels also features cozy cafes, neighborhood markets, and many historical landmarks. For students interested in exploring other parts of the continent, Brussels is within just a few hours of most major European cities.
Students participating in this program will have the opportunity to learn how to understand and report European affairs during the Friday seminars as well as gain practical experience working in media organizations four days per week. Students will also have the possibility of taking French classes.
The cost for this program will be approximately $5,100. This includes housing accommodations and on-site assistance by a professor. You will also be billed MU educational fees (12 credits). In addition, you will also pay a $75 MU Study Abroad fee to cover MU orientation, ISIC card, administration, and assistance. Other expenses you will want to consider include airfare, meals, local transportation and other miscellaneous expenses.
Please note that there are scholarships and other financial options available to you to help make study abroad a part of your college experience.
