Location

Antwerp, Belgium

Program Description

This three-credit course will expose students to exchange rates, international business, and economic policy with a strong application in worldwide issues. Students will learn how firms operate and compete internationally and adapt to a rapidly changing environment, all while experiencing the European culture, business, and history in Antwerp, the diamond center of Europe.

Classroom lectures are enriched by daily practice sessions, business visits, field trips, and an integrative group project. In addition to visiting the European Commission in Brussels and taking an overnight group trip to Ghent and Bruges, we will also visit a chocolate maker and a brewery in Antwerp. Another unique feature of the program is learning from an experienced European professor, in addition to guest lecturers offering their unique perspective on foreign exchange markets and the role of economic policy in exchange rates.

Besides organized field trips, students will have two long weekends to explore Europe on their own during the program. Studying, living, and traveling in Europe will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will provide an enriching experience on both academic and personal levels.

Students will receive instruction from a University of Antwerp faculty member at the University facilities in Antwerp, Belgium. Course content will include worldwide examples and applications, guest lectures, and business visits.

See pictures from the 2024 program here.

Check out the program website.

Student Testimonials:

"The combination of academic lectures, guided tours where you were able to experience in-class lectures happening in real life, and personal time created the best program." Cara Fisher, Summer 2025

"I would recommend this program to others because it’s a great opportunity to learn, explore a new place, and make amazing friends. It’s well organized and truly worth the experience." Aidan Conway, Summer 2025

“The way that this program is created is perfect for people who want to get the experience of studying abroad but do not want to miss out on a fall or spring semester at school and do not want to miss the opportunity to get a job/internship for the summer. It is the perfect amount of time, not being too short of a program, and the content of the class is highly applicable to being in a foreign country. This has been my favorite JMU experience.” Kelly Mansfield, Summer 2024

“It was one of my favorite experiences at JMU. I would recommend this to anyone who asks and wish we could all go back and do it again.” Wes Cheek, Summer 2023

“I will cherish my time in Antwerp for the rest of my life because it was one of the best times I’ve ever had. I hope students in years to come to have this same opportunity for Fin372 because I would recommend it to anyone.” Billy Pulzello, Summer 2023

Location Description

The city of Antwerp has a variety of things to offer visitors of every age and with every interest. Chosen as the "Cultural Capital of Europe" in 1993, Antwerp is a city with a distinctive charm, impressing its visitors with its magnificent buildings, historic monuments, and art museums. Students will stay in a hotel near the historic University of Antwerp, with many nearby options for fine shopping, dining, entertainment, and sightseeing. The historic train station allows easy access to many great cities in Belgium as well as in countries nearby, such as Amsterdam, Paris, and Düsseldorf. While Flemish is the official language in Antwerp, English is spoken everywhere.

Director

Nevin Cavusoglu | cavusonx@jmu.edu | Economics

Daniel Harper | harperdq@jmu.edu | Economics

Accommodations

Students will be housed in a hotel with shared double rooms. The hotel is located a short distance from the University of Antwerp and the train station, and includes free Wi-Fi access, laundry facilities, and a shared kitchen. There are many restaurants and grocery stores proximate to housing and classes.

Students will be allocated a weekly meal stipend but should expect to spend some of their money as well. One group meal per week will be part of the program.

Additional Items to Consider

Students will need to bring their laptops to Europe for classwork.

There will be some asynchronous learning related to basic accounting and finance concepts prior to the European part of the program. Students can skip this part by passing an online test.

An online quiz is required to be completed prior to departure.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Course Prerequisites: ECON 200 and ECON 201
 
Open to Juniors and Seniors only
(Rising juniors should contact the director for consideration.)