Location
Stockholm, Sweden
Program Description
Spend two immersive weeks in Sweden’s capital exploring how economic tools - from trade and currency policy to energy strategy - shape national security in the Nordic region and beyond.?Anchored at Stockholm’s Ratio Institute, the program blends classroom seminars with on-site visits to ministries, think tanks, and private firms that influence Europe’s policy landscape. Guest speakers and experts lead interactive discussions on monetary sovereignty, defense cooperation, and the politics of interdependence.
Outside the seminar room, guided excursions to historical sites, innovation hubs, and cultural landmarks prompt critical reflection on Sweden’s balancing act between cooperation and competition. Daily debriefs and comparative case studies equip students to analyze real-world policy dilemmas through an economic lens—no prior economics coursework required. The course carries 3 JMU credits and satisfies IA elective requirements.
This study abroad course explores the dynamic relationship between economic forces and national security, using Sweden and the broader Nordic region as a case study. Students will examine how trade, monetary policy, and international cooperation shape strategic decision-making, global influence, and internal stability. Through visits to Swedish institutions, engagement with local experts, and comparative case studies, students will investigate the strategic use of economic tools in foreign policy, the political implications of interdependence, and the challenges of coordinating action in an increasingly complex international system.
The course will also explore how nations like Sweden manage tensions between cooperation and competition—both economically and geopolitically. Through themes such as energy security, migration, defense, and welfare, students will critically assess competing theories of order, governance, and national interest in a European context.
No prior background in economics is required.
Location Description
Stockholm—an archipelago city stretching across 14 islands where medieval alleyways meet modern innovation districts—is Sweden’s political, economic, and cultural heart. Roughly 1 million residents (2.5 million metro) enjoy one of Europe’s most efficient public transit networks, making it easy to navigate from our seminar venue.
January weather is cold, so warm layers are essential. Short daylight hours create atmospheric evenings perfect for sampling Swedish fika culture or visiting world class museums like the Vasa and Fotografiska. Ranked among the world’s safest capitals and consistently high on quality of life indices, Stockholm offers a welcoming setting for focused academic work and rich intercultural experiences.
Director
John Robinson | robinsja@jmu.edu | School of Integrated Sciences - Intelligence Analysis Program
Accommodations
Housing
Participants will be housed in a centrally located hotel in Stockholm.
Double-occupancy rooms (two students per room; en-suite bath)
Daily breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour reception.
10 minutes walk to a metro or commuter-rail station, giving easy access to the?Ratio?Institute and planned site visits.
Proposed Meal Plan:
During the course of the program, students will be responsible for managing their own meal expenses, including groceries and dining at restaurants. However, the program does include certain meals as part of required excursions and outings.
Included in Program Fee (2 meals per day): Breakfast – Provided daily at the hotel. (Otherwise - through an additional stipend, built into program fee.)
Daily Meal Stipend – Each student will receive a prepaid stipend that covers one additional meal per day (lunch or dinner). The stipend is budgeted at SEK 130 (USD 12) per day, sufficient for an affordable restaurant meal or groceries.
Student-purchased meals:
Students should budget for one meal per day on their own. Average costs in Stockholm range from SEK 110–160 (USD 10–15) for casual dining; supermarkets are cheaper.
Additional Items to Consider
All participants must hold a passport valid at least 3 months beyond the program’s end date.
Stockholm is highly cash-less and digital; students are strongly encouraged to travel with an unlocked phone and purchase a local eSIM/SIM card (SEK 200) or enable an international plan.
Hotel and seminar venue both have reliable Wi-Fi.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted; many businesses are cash-free.
Advise at least one backup card and small amount of SEK cash for emergencies.
Program provides SL travel card (metro, buses, commuter rail) for unlimited rides within Stockholm County during program dates.
Applicant Criteria
Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 3.0
Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors in all majors and programs, including graduate students and non-JMU students.
Application Process
This list serves as an application preview. To apply, students will need to complete the following:
- Study Abroad Online Application ($40 fee)
- Short Essay
- Resume
- Interview with Program Director required
- Attendance at program information session required
- Unofficial transcript required, official transcript for non-JMU students
Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in.
Application Deadline
Dates
All dates are tentative and subject to change
Courses
IA 480: Economics and National Security: Sweden in a Global Context (3 credits)
Courses listed here are to be used as a general guideline for program curriculum. *All courses are considered pending until approved by the Academic Department, Program, and/or College.
Cost
Center for Global Engagement - Study Abroad
Holland Yates Hall (formerly Madison Hall)
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
MSC 5731
100 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807
