Brussels Program
The Missouri School of Journalism sponsors two Brussels-based programs for the University of Missouri’s undergraduate students, led by veteran journalist Gareth Harding. The programs, a semester-long internship experience and a summer-long media studies seminar, give students the opportunity to explore and report on issues related to the European Union and the transatlantic relationship.
Both the summer and semester programs offer an array of high-profile speakers from sitting and former Ambassadors to EU Commission officials and members of the Brussels press corps. Students are encouraged to engage in dialogue with these speakers, and relationships formed by these dialogues have led some students to secure independent internships long after the University of Missouri’s program concludes. The Brussels Semester Program further encourages students’ professional development by placing each participant in a semester-long internship with a Brussels press outlet or firm, depending on the student’s interests and the needs of the company involved. Participants work for such prestigious companies and outlets as Reuters and engage in meaningful journalistic assignments, many of which lead to publication.
The purpose of the program, according to Harding, is to integrate more American journalists into Brussels, a place where there are virtually none formally represented. "We need more American journalists in Brussels," Harding says. "As European Union powers increase, the number of American journalists in Brussels is decreasing." Some of the issues the program focuses on include: EU/US relations, immigration, integration, social issues, the environment and welfare, among others. Additionally, students become immersed in European life, learning about, reporting on and experiencing cultural activities such as: sporting matches, festivals and cooking.
For more information on the Brussels program and/or to apply, visit the Global Programs Office at 143 Neff Annex or visit the study abroad website.
Both the summer and semester programs offer an array of high-profile speakers from sitting and former Ambassadors to EU Commission officials and members of the Brussels press corps. Students are encouraged to engage in dialogue with these speakers, and relationships formed by these dialogues have led some students to secure independent internships long after the University of Missouri’s program concludes. The Brussels Semester Program further encourages students’ professional development by placing each participant in a semester-long internship with a Brussels press outlet or firm, depending on the student’s interests and the needs of the company involved. Participants work for such prestigious companies and outlets as Reuters and engage in meaningful journalistic assignments, many of which lead to publication.
The purpose of the program, according to Harding, is to integrate more American journalists into Brussels, a place where there are virtually none formally represented. "We need more American journalists in Brussels," Harding says. "As European Union powers increase, the number of American journalists in Brussels is decreasing." Some of the issues the program focuses on include: EU/US relations, immigration, integration, social issues, the environment and welfare, among others. Additionally, students become immersed in European life, learning about, reporting on and experiencing cultural activities such as: sporting matches, festivals and cooking.
For more information on the Brussels program and/or to apply, visit the Global Programs Office at 143 Neff Annex or visit the study abroad website.