PubPol 480 is a 3-credit advanced undergraduate seminar designed to challenge public policy majors to consider how policy issues are framed and addressed in a non-U.S. context. It includes traditional coursework and a one-week policy study tour in another country. In Winter, 2026 the course will focus on international politics in Europe and culminate in a trip to Brussels. (Costa Rica has been the focus and location of the study tour in past years, and topics and destinations may vary in future iterations of the program.) Students will study a small number of contemporary policy problems, considering relevant comparative or international political, economic, historical and cultural contexts. The winter break study tour will provide students an opportunity to discuss the policy issues with local stakeholders. Upon return, students will work in groups to produce short, formal policy reports. Ford School undergraduate students are competitively selected for the program during the Fall term prior to travel.
