Spring Semester 2026 - This 9-day Study Tour to Belgium focusing on the European Union
The study tour takes place after Buffalo State University's commencement exercises in May.
Experience the European Union in the exciting “capital” of Europe, Brussels! Join fellow students and your professors as we learn about the dynamic EU in the very buildings and institutions where decisions are made about the future of Europe. The EU is a unique blending of the old and the new as policy makers chart the next steps in response to new challenges for Europe, Europeans, and the world building on the traditions and history of the past. Brussels is uniquely situated as the “door” to everything the EU and Europe has to offer. Each morning will be greeted with a guided introduction to the various EU policies and organizations with onsite visits to the House of European History, the Parliament, the Commission, the Council, among other places, followed by an afternoon seminar discussion led by faculty to better understand what we learned. And then you are free to explore everything Brussels has to offer including art, history, culture, and architecture with plenty of time to enjoy mussels, frites, chocolates, and waffles! Bring your appetite for food, fun, and knowledge. Our study tour will include a day trip to beautiful Bruges and the College of Europe. In anticipation of our time together we will actively engage in online discussions about EU policies and institutions before we take flight. If you’ve never been to Brussels you have to go, if you’ve been in Belgium before you need to go again!
The Institute for European Union Studies at SUNY and SUNY Buffalo State have partnered to offer a European Union Study Tour.
Program administered by the SUNY Buffalo State Maureen Callahan Bouras Center for Global Engagement, Study Away Office. SUNY Buffalo State Director of International Education, Dr. Susan Maguire / email (716) 878-6834, Twin Rise South Wing 430.
(Instructor of Record)
Laurie Buonanno, PhD / email
Gregory Rabb, JD
Day One: Depart New York State
Day Two: Arrival and Orientation, House of Europe
Day Three: European Commission and Council of the European Union
Day Four: European Parliament
Day Five: Belgian Permanent Representative Office (Belgium holds presidency in first half of 2024)
Day Six: Trip to Bruges and College of Europe
Day Seven: Antwerp and Ghent
Day Eight: Free Day
Day Nine: Depart Brussels
There will be free time and potential guided visits to additional places in Brussels.
* Institutional visits are subject to change based on availability.
This is a three-credit hour course open to undergraduate and graduate students. Students who join the tour will be expected to participate in online discussions two weeks prior to departure, in-person seminars during the tour, and be required to participate in pre-departure discussion (via Buffalo State's Learning Management System BrightSpace), take pre-departure quizzes testing knowledge of the EU, and keep a tour blog. (Graduate students have the option of writing a paper in lieu of keeping a travel blog. You will work with Dr. Buonanno in formulating a research topic.)
Assessments: 20% pre-departure discussion forums, 20% pre-departure quizzes, 20% blog/40% in-tour attendance/discussions.
1. Examine the structure of the European Union
2. Explore the policies currently of concern to the European Union and its Member States.
3. Gain expertise in current issues on which the EU is focusing.
4. Analyze the background of the institutions we will visit – specifically, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union, and the European Commission.
This is a course offered in the Spring 2026 semester. The course will be included in your spring tuition bill, which will enable you to include the program costs in your financial aid package.
Students will complete the online course requirements before leaving for Belgium and receive an "I," which will be changed to a course grade when the study tour has been completed. If a student needs to register for this course in the summer session (e.g., due to tuition reimbursement requirements of their employer), please discuss this with Dr. Laurie Buonanno, who can work through the details with you.
Buffalo State students fill out the "Buffalo State International Programs Academic Advisement Agreement" in consulation with their academic advisor/department chair.
Undergraduate students:
The European Union Study Tour can be used for any of the following political science and public administration courses: PSC 341 The European Union or PSC 499 Independent Study or PAD 499 Independent Study. If you are not a major/minor in international relations, political science, or public administration, please discuss the most appropriate course option with your academic advisor/department chair in your home department.
Graduate Students in the MPA program:
PAD 590 Independent Study or PAD 502 Comparative Public Administration
Please contact and work with your campus international study office personnel. They will guide you through the process.
This program is open to students who are not enrolled at a SUNY campus. Check with your campus to ensure Buffalo State's course credit is transferable to your academic institution.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 1, 2026. Students including the tour in their financial aid package should apply as soon as possible.
