Education Abroad

Education That Connects Scholarship with Practice

The Arclight Institute’s education abroad programs combine academically rigorous coursework with educational experiences in the places where international cooperation takes shape.

Based in Strasbourg, France, our programs use one of Europe’s leading centers of international governance as a gateway to learning across the continent. Participants engage with policymakers, institutional leaders, practitioners, and communities in Strasbourg and throughout Europe, connecting academic study with professional practice while exploring career pathways that many students never have the opportunity to experience firsthand.

Designed for university students interested in international affairs, public policy, diplomacy, environmental governance, law, and related fields, Arclight programs prepare participants for graduate study and internationally focused careers by broadening perspectives, expanding professional networks, and opening doors to opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.

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Three Pillars Build the Arclight Institute Student Experience

Explore our Educational Model

Our Programs

Where can one summer take you? Trace our route across more than 1,000 miles of travel through France and neighboring countries. Click to see the cities we visit and the institutions where you’ll meet the leaders shaping our world

    Château de PourtalèsStrasbourg, France
    Live and study in this 18th century royal chateau.
    European ParliamentStrasbourg, France
    EU’s directly elected legislature.
    Council of EuropeStrasbourg, France
    European human rights organization.
    Haut Koenigsbourg CastleOrschwiller, France
    Historic medieval castle in Alsace.
    Memorial Alsace MoselleSchirmeck, France
    Museum of Alsace-Moselle’s wartime history.
    Centre Europeen Robert SchumannScy-Chazelles, France
    Center for European integration and history.
    U.S. Mission to NATOBrussels, Belgium
    U.S. diplomatic mission to NATO.
    NATO HQ / SHAPEBrussels, Belgium
    NATO’s political and military headquarters.
    European Council on Foreign RelationsParis, France
    Pan-European foreign-policy think tank.
    EU Institute for Security StudiesParis, France
    EU foreign and security policy think tank.
    Solar Settlement & HeliotropFreiburg, Germany
    Landmarks of sustainable urban design.
    Verdum Battlefield MuseumFleury-devant-Douaumont, France
    Verdun battlefield memorial.
    U.S. Mission to EUBrussels, Belgium
    U.S. diplomatic mission to the EU.
    European CommissionBrussels, Belgium
    EU’s executive and policy-making body.
    Council of the EUBrussels, Belgium
    Forum for EU member-state governments.
    European Environmental BureauBrussels, Belgium
    Network of European environmental NGOs.
    Court of Human RightsStrasbourg, France
    Europe’s international human rights court.
    EUROBOGENStrasbourg, France
    Sustainability and organizational-change consultancy.
    UN Environment Programme (UNEP)Paris, France
    UN’s leading environmental authority.
    Institute for Climate EconomicsParis, France
    Climate economics and policy think tank.

Student Testimonials

    The ISSP 25’ program was such an important experience for me, both academically and personally. The class content and your lectures (yes, even the bus ones) shaped the way I think about international security. That experience—and our private conversations—gave me a unique perspective that helped me earn a position with the Congressional Research Service supporting analysts on NATO defense spending.

    Participating in the International Security Studies Program in Switzerland was an amazing experience that helped me further my understanding of important economic, political, humanitarian, and security organizations in the context of international security issues. [It] helped me acquire a government internship with a focus on international organizations such as NATO! I highly recommend this unique program.

    My experience in the International Security Studies program was unforgettable. Traveling in Europe in a scholarly group, visiting NATO and the UN, was a blessing I'll always be grateful for. Aside from the academics, exploring Europe with both my program group and on my free time was a walk through history, culture, and a timeless, immeasurable feeling of wonder.

    My time in the International Security Studies and Global Environmental Justice programs at the Arclight Institute was the highlight of my college education! They offer a unique opportunity to learn from the diplomats, politicians, and activists who are writing the next chapter of our world’s history.

    My time in Switzerland fundamentally changed my life. Not only is it an excellent resume builder . . . it steered me toward a career I love. Not in small part because of this experience, I ended up in my dream role with the U.S. federal government. I recommend this trip to anyone I meet who is even vaguely considering a career in government or international relations. It was truly the experience of a lifetime.

    These weeks were life-changing. What stayed with me was how much I learned--and how it reignited my love of learning. This program helped me find my path and the confidence to pursue it. I won't say it was easy, but it was absolutely worth it--an unforgettable academic and personal turning point.

    The Global Environmental Justice Program was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I met amazing people, explored incredible cities, and spoke with experts at the UN and other international organizations. I came home more confident, focused, and ready for my post-grad career.

Student Life & Safety

From shared meals and housing in Strasbourg to weekends exploring France with new friends, daily life blends academic challenge with cultural discovery. All of it is supported by 24/7 staff, comprehensive insurance, and the security of one of Europe’s safest countries.

Costs & Financing

Study abroad is an investment in your future.  Our Costs & Financing page clearly outlines what’s included, what’s not, and how financial aid may apply. Use our interactive budget calculator to plan ahead and see the full value of your study abroad experience.

See the Full Cost Breakdown

Ready to Shape Your Future?

Discover how the Arclight Institute combines academic rigor, institutional engagement, and professional development to create an education abroad experience unlike any other.

Château de Pourtalès

European Parliament

Council of Europe

Haut Koenigsbourg Castle

Memorial Alsace Moselle

Centre Europeen Robert Schumann

U.S. Mission to NATO

NATO HQ / SHAPE

European Council on Foreign Relations

EU Institute for Security Studies

Solar Settlement & Heliotrop

Verdum Battlefield Museum

U.S. Mission to EU

European Commission

Council of the EU

European Environmental Bureau

Court of Human Rights

EUROBOGEN

UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

Institute for Climate Economics

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