England, London
http://www.hansardsociety.org.uk/
Apply early. Students are accepted on a first come first serve basis.
The Hansard Scholars Program combines political science course work with a for-credit internship at the House of Commons, House of Lords, or a public policy research institute. The internship includes a variety of administrative and research tasks. Students work at least three days a week assisting in the daily operations of the office and conducting research in conjunction with a term paper. The internship allows students to observe the inner workings of Parliament and immerse themselves in British politics. The program also includes several academic field trips. Previously students have traveled to Cardiff, Wales, and to Cambridge and Bath in England.
Students will take the following courses:
Courses taken abroad may satisfy college and departmental core requirements. Students should consult with their advisor to discuss the specific requirements that may be satisfied abroad.
The Hansard Scholars Program is located in the heart of London, a city which is both quaint and cosmopolitan, modern and traditional. It has a population of about 8 million people. You will find yourself attending affordable productions of theater, art, and music as well as engaging in conversations and tales with British students in local pubs. Just to the north and west of the City, ideal for day trips, are Cambridge, Oxford, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon (birthplace of William Shakespeare), and the mysterious Stonehenge.
The Hansard Program was established to study the working of parliamentary democracy and to stimulate interest in its principles. The Program brings together people from industry, education, and public services; it sponsors major research in the field of parliamentary democracy; encourages civic education; and publishes the internationally renown 'Parliamentary Affairs' scholarly journal. The Hansard Scholars Program is affiliated with the London School of Economics.
Students live in apartments with other Hansard students. Each flat contains a fully equipped kitchen, sitting room, bathroom/shower facilities, and linens. Students share double bedrooms. Students will have access to the London School of Economics facilities which include e-mail, health services, sports facilities, and computer labs.
Full-time Northeastern student, 3.0 GPA, and middler (third) year or above.
Applications are available at OISP, 10 BV
$21,400 per Semester for the 2009/2010 academic year. Includes: tuition, housing, orientation, and round-trip airfare via Boston. Students are responsible for paying a refundable 250.00 GBP housing deposit directly to Hansard. Meals are not included.
Stephanie Gazda, Fall 2005
"The Hansard program gives students the ultimate London experience. Located right in the heart of the city, students take two classes at the prestigous London School of Economics and intern in the British government, getting first hand experience not only in British politics but also in European politics. While students are expected to work hard, there is ample opportunity for exploring London and traveling to other destinations. Being my first time in another country, I felt at ease knowing I didn't need to know another language. Each day was a different experience and I've made friends and memories that will last for the rest of my life."
Jason Gregoire, Spring 2006
"I loved my time in Europe. I will never forget the plethora of lessons learned and the amazing people I had the opportunity to share my time there with. There will never be another group of people like them for me. This has been the best experience of my life."
