Spend your semester in three European capitals and engage with sophisticated analyses of Europe’s most complex challenges around the future of war, peace, and democracy.
16
None
German
English
Feb 2 – May 17
Austria
Serbia, Hungary
Vienna
Varies
Geopolitics & Power
Analyze Europe’s most pressing sociopolitical and economic challenges—including the war in Ukraine—and how they intersect with issues of mass migration, refugee crises, and the rise of far-right nationalism and populism. You will examine the threat of illiberal democracies on the future of political organizing and evaluate impacts of civic engagement and social movements across different European contexts, where everyday citizens are demanding change.
The program is based in Vienna, an influential diplomatic hub at the intersection of Western, Central, and Eastern European political traditions. From this strategic vantage point, you will examine European perspectives on conflict and democracy through a comparative lens: Austria’s distinctive role in international mediation, Hungary’s experience with democratic backsliding, and Serbia’s post-conflict transformation in the Western Balkans.
In Vienna and during excursions to Budapest and Belgrade, you will engage with policymakers, academics, and civil society actors to learn about an array of political agendas, local activist movements, and regional identities within the shifting power relations of contemporary Europe. This multi-country approach provides you with a nuanced understanding of how different European regions respond to shared challenges of democracy, security and human rights.
None
Austria, in central Europe, has been an EU member state since 1995. In Vienna, you will meet with leading European policymakers, peace and conflict analysts, prominent think tanks, and academic institutions grappling with Europe’s approaches to peace, the war in Ukraine, and the overarching challenges to democracy on the continent. Learn about Austria’s legacy in the aftermath of World War II, the challenges of dealing with its own violent past, and its current policies toward migration and refugees.
Visit Hungary, Serbia’s northern neighbor, and explore the capital, Budapest, and its beautiful architectural landmarks and vibrant urban life. Learn about Hungary’s recent post-communist transition to democracy and a free-market economy, and its EU membership since 2004. Examine Hungary’s current position in relation to EU policies on refugees and migration, the war in Ukraine, and questions related to the future of democracy and peace in Europe. Learn from local civil society actors’ claims for free media, democracy, and human rights.
As the largest urban center in southeast Europe, Belgrade not only is a dynamic political center but also an exciting and vibrant cultural center known for live music and excellent nightlife. Explore Serbia’s unique position within Europe, from the Ottoman Empire’s invasion of European lands to the legacies of the Austro-Hungarian empire, followed by the formation of Yugoslavia until its demise at the end of the 20th century. Visits to local museums and heritage institutions reveal Serbia’s place within the layers of European histories during war and peace.
Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.
The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.
Conflict and the Future of Peace in Europe
(PEAC3000 / 3 credits)
This course focuses on the developments in conflict, as well as peace and change in Europe since the end of the Cold War to the present. From Vienna’s perspective as a hub of international diplomacy to the war in Ukraine, students use lenses of critical peace and conflict studies to comparatively explore themes of post-liberal peace, Austria’s neutrality, everyday peace, feminist peace and security, as well as justice, narratives, and contested memories after conflict.
Democracy, Illiberalism, and Humanitarianism in 21st Century Europe
(PEAC3005 / 3 credits)
Recent years have seen political developments across old and new democracies ranging from the rise of populist leaders and diminishing support for democratic rule to the growing polarization of public opinion. The illiberal turn is forcing many societies across Europe to face their pasts, present, and futures as internal divisions grow deeper. Through engaging lectures, discussions, and field visits in Vienna and multi-day excursions to Budapest and Belgrade, students explore challenges to democratic institutions and values across Central Europe, Western Europe, and the Balkans, developing critical insights into contemporary European political dynamics.
German I
(GERM 1003/3 credits)
German II
(GERM 2003/3 credits)
German III
(GERM 3003/3 credits
Emphasis on speaking and comprehension skills through classroom and field instruction. Students are placed in beginning or intermediate German classes based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing.
Research Methods and Ethics
(ANTH3500/3 credits)
The Research Methods and Ethics (RME) course provides theoretical, conceptual, and practical tools for identifying and conducting field research and/or an internship in Austria, Hungary, or Serbia. Emphasis is on grappling with methodological and ethical challenges in learning and researching issues related to peace and conflict studies in this part of the world, or in entering an internship site. Students will discuss particular ethical considerations in studying and researching topics pertaining to post-conflict transformation in Europe. The course prepares students to record, interpret, and analyze information obtained from primary sources by developing better understanding and awareness of cultural differences and students’ own positionality.
Choose between the following two courses:
Independent Study Project – syllabus
(ISPR3000/4 credits)
The Independent Study Project is conducted in an approved location appropriate to the project in Austria. Requests for field work in Budapest or Belgrade will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Sample ISP topic areas:
Browse this program’s Independent Study Projects / undergraduate research.
OR
Internship & Seminar – syllabus
(ITRN3000 / 4 credits)
This seminar consists of a four-week internship with a local community organization, research organization, local or international NGO in Austria. The aim of the internship is to enable the student to gain valuable work experience and to enhance their skills in an international work environment. Students will complete an internship and submit a paper in which they process their learning experience on the job, analyze an issue important to the organization, and/or design a socially responsible solution to a problem identified by the organization.
Sample internships:
Host family: You may choose to live with a host family in Vienna. If you choose to pursue an independent project or internship in the city, you may be able to extend your stay for an additional four weeks. Living with a local family is a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the people, realities, and challenges facing the region today. While offering an excellent opportunity to improve your language skills, the homestay experience will add warmth and create lasting bonds beyond the program. Your host family will also be a great source of information about local places to visit, eat, and explore.
Residential housing: You may choose to live in a student residence in Vienna. Your residence will be furnished and include a private bathroom, a desk, linens, kitchen facilities, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Rooms may be singles or doubles, depending on availability.
Please note that specific housing locations and amenities are subject to change.
Bed and breakfast or small hotels
Recent positions held by alumni of this program include:
Fulbright research scholar in Serbia or Kosovo
Fulbright scholar teaching English in Serbia or Kosovo
Global networks program manager at the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, New York, NY
Senior program assistant at the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Washington, DC
Leading team member with International NGOs assisting migrants on the Balkan route
SIT Study Abroad is committed to ensuring that international education is within reach for all students. We believe in the transformative power of immersive, intercultural experiences and are dedicated to supporting students in their educational journey.
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A critical step in preparing for your study abroad program is planning how you will maintain your health and wellbeing. Please review the following information carefully and contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
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Depending on your passport of origin, you may need a visa for this program. Please contact your admissions officer for more information.
SIT Study Abroad: Belgrade, Budapest, and Vienna: Comparative European Perspectives on Conflict and Democracy
@SITBelgrade
SIT Study Abroad: Belgrade, Budapest, and Vienna: Comparative European Perspectives on Conflict and Democracy
@sit.belgrade.europeanpolitics
You’ll live with a host family in Belgrade for seven weeks. If you choose to pursue an independent project or internship in the city, you may be able to extend your stay for an additional four weeks. Living with a local family is a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the people, realities, and challenges facing the Balkans today. While offering an excellent opportunity to improve your language skills, the homestay experience will add warmth and create lasting bonds beyond the program.
