FPE Abroad | International Study Program

Program Overview

FPE Abroad | International Study Program is an exciting eight-week immersion program uniquely blending the cultural, political, economic and business aspects of cultures around the globe. The program focuses on the interaction of political and economic policy, the effects of globalization on human flourishing, and the economic well-being of countries in the study area. Students take part in numerous site visits and hear lectures from business leaders and diplomats. This program features on-campus and off-campus learning, and as part of the course work, student teams, with faculty guidance, develop research projects designed to be presented at the corporate or policy executive level.

The Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics and Economics (FPE) invites students to join us on our FPE Abroad - Middle East: Abraham Accord Countries. Students will observe how different political and economic approaches impact human flourishing in Bahrain, United Arab Emitates and Israel. Retired U.S. Navy JAG Captain and former United States Attorney for New Mexico David Iglesias is the FPE Director who will be leading the trip along with three Wheaton College faculty instructors.

  • Sponsoring Department: Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics (FPE)
  • Program Leader(s): David Iglesias, J.D., Director of the Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics (FPE) 
  • Term: Summer 2023
  • Anticipated On-Campus Dates: May 8-June 3, 2023
  • Anticipated Travel Dates: June 3-Jun 30, 2023
  • Application Deadline: January 17, 2023
  • Final Cost: $7,525 (airfare not included)
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Eligibility: Wheaton College students with at least a 3.0 GPA.
  • Highlights: Site visits and lectures with business leaders, church leaders, and diplomats.

Program offering is subject to internal approval, minimum enrollment, and ongoing evaluation of local conditions, including enhanced health and safety reviews in light of COVID-19. 

Course Offerings

FPE Abroad | International Study Program students register for a total of 8 credit hours.

IR 375/ECON 374: Globalization in the Abraham Accord Countries (4 credit hours; SI and GP) taught by Dr. Timothy Taylor - What are the causes and consequences of globalization? Why do citizens divide on their support and opposition to globalization? This course will examine the causes of globalization and its effects upon states and citizens. Specifically, we will discuss international trade, migration, economic growth, development, and politics. We will focus on the political economy of the Middle East and dedicate special interest to the countries of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Israel.

B/EC 382: Topics in Global Strategy: UAE, Bahrain, Israel, and Jordan (2 credit hours) taught by Paul Lee - The globalization of the economy has created unprecedented opportunities for organizations and individuals with a global mindset. Doing business internationally, however, requires unique perspectives and skillsets such as understanding of diverse markets, global logistics, sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to communicate cross-culturally. This course is designed to help students develop a global kingdom mindset that is nimble and considerate as well as the knowledge and skills needed to succeed and have a redeeming effect in the global business environment. With this year’s focus on the Abrahamic Accord countries, we will consider the topics of global strategy in the context of Bahrain, Israel, Jordan and UAE (No prerequisites).

IR 301: Israel-Palestine: Politics of the Promised Land East (2 credit hours) taught by Michael McCoy - Israel-Palestine is a land of historical, theological, and political significance. This course seeks to understand and analyze these relevant contemporary issues in depth with thoughtfulness and humility, and therefore puts particular emphasis on hearing the diverse voices and experiences of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. It begins with a theological consideration of how we should approach studying Israel- Palestine, followed by a presentation of parallel narratives of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, first-hand accounts and narratives of life in Israel and Palestine, and considerations of different political settlements between the Palestine and Israeli communities.

Program Fees

The estimated program fee covers tuition, room and board on-campus (three meals per day, Monday through Friday only), airfare and ground transportation within the program, country entrance fees, lodging, most meals, and group admission to historical sites.

Estimated Additional Expenses: Students are responsible weekend meals (Saturday and Sunday) and some evening meals during the first week for the on-campus portion of the program, weekend meals (lunch and dinner) during portions of international travel, international airfare, passport or visa expenses, and all personal expenses.

ExpenseEstimate
International airfare $1,300
Extra Meals $400

Learn More

For specific questions about the International Study Program, please contact FPE@wheaton.edu. 

How to Apply

To apply to be part of the FPE Abroad | International Study Program, visit GoGlobal, Wheaton College's registration system for off-campus study and international travel, research, and internships.