Global Water Policy DC

 

Explore U.S., Central Asian, and global perspectives on water management and environmental sustainability through this innovative study away program for undergraduates. On this one-week, 1-credit program, you will study competing perspectives on global water policy. You will be introduced to the role of governmental and non-governmental organizations managing water equity. You will look closely at the interconnections between policy, law, economics, and culture related to the environment. You will develop a portfolio of varied writing samples to use in applications for graduate programs and careers in policy while also creating their network of experts and organizations influential to the shaping of water and environmental policy in the U.S., Central Asia, and globally. This program is designed for students in interested in political science, history, environmental studies, policy, law, business, economics and international studies. 

What You'll Accomplish: 

As an engaged and active participant in this program, you will have the opportunity to develop:

  • A variety of policy writing examples that come together to form a portfolio of writing samples that can be used in applications for graduate programs and careers in policy
  • Network of experts and organizations influential to the shaping of water policy in the US, Central Asia, and globally

 

Study sites for this 1-week course include federal agencies, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations in Washington, D.C. Washington, DC, the capitol city of the United States, is home to most of the governmental agencies, NGOs and think tanks that are central to the areas of commerce, security and immigration within the transatlantic relationship. 

 

Temperatures and precipitation vary based on the season. In March, the temperatures averages around 55 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night. There’s also always potential for rain. It is a good idea to pack layers, coats, waterproof/resistant jacket. 

 

Where You'll Live: 

In Washington DC, you will stay in double-occupancy hotel accommodations. Final hotel accommodations will be finalized later in the semester and addresses will be provided to students at orientation. You can expect the following with your accommodations:

  • Double-occupancy hotel rooms
  • En-Suite bathroom
  • Small workspace
  • Hotel reception area
  • Wi-Fi
  • Central location and walkable to city center

We do our best to provide the most accurate information about housing and amenities but due to the nature of the locations in which we offer programs and limited availability, these items are subject to change.  Contact your program manager with any questions.

 

What You'll Study: 

Study sites for this 1-week course include federal agencies, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations in Washington, D.C. At the end of the course, participants will have a much broader understanding of critical issues in water policy and more clearly understand how national policies can have far-reaching consequences in different sectors and geographic locations. tudents will be responsible for readings and participation during site visits/lectures. In these courses you will study:

  • US, Central Asian, and global perspectives on water management and environmental sustainability
  • Interconnections between policy, law, the economy, and culture related to water resources
  • Role of governmental and non-governmental organizations in managing water equity

 

Competing Perspectives on Global Water Policy: From the United States to Central Asia (PS1389)

This course provides undergraduate students interested in the fields of Environmental Studies, Business, Law, Engineering, Public Policy and other areas with a first-hand experience of the global impact of contemporary developments in the water policy sector. Competing Perspectives on Global Water Policy will introduce students to the role of governmental and non-governmental organizations managing water equity, enabling them to study interconnections between policy, law, economics, and culture related to the environment. Students will develop a portfolio of varied writing samples to use in applications for graduate programs and careers in policy while also creating their network of experts and organizations influential to the shaping of water and environmental policy in the U.S., Central Asia, and globally. This course is open to undergraduate and non-PITT students. Coursework may count towards certificates provided by the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, the Global Studies Center, and the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation.

Your Pitt Study Abroad Contacts: 

Tim Crawford

Hi Everyone! I’m Tim, and I am the Assistant Director for Domestic Study Away Programming. I have experience running international study abroad programs and programs here at home in the United States. I was fortunate to have many experiential learning opportunities, both international and domestic, during my college career. Being from a small town in Central Pennsylvania, my experiences opened my eyes to the rest of the world and helped open my eyes to different cultures and career opportunities I’d love to help you take advantage of the numerous experiential learning opportunities here at Pitt. Outside of the office, I’m always looking for the next adventure. I love traveling, hate sitting still and love doing anything outdoors, in all seasons. Personally, my family and I are on a quest to visit as many national parks as possible. I’d love to talk to you more about any of our study away programs, answer any of your questions and help you find the right opportunity. Please reach me via email at timcrawford@pitt.edu

Schedule an appointment

Schedule an appointment with me using Pathways!

  • Log in to Pathways or use the Navigate app.
  • Select Appointments > Schedule an Appointment
  • Select Pitt Global as the Care Unit.
  • Select Study Abroad Virtual Advising as the Location
  • Select Study Abroad Program Specific Questions as the service
  • Select my name and find a time that works for you!

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  In- State Out-of-State
Program Cost  $2,000 $2,200
Total Amount Billed by Pitt $2,300 $2,500

Tuition remission scholarships may be available to students accepted into this program. Please contact your Program Manager for more information. 

Remember that your lifestyle and spending choices can greatly affect the amount of money you'll need while away.  Visit our Budgeting page for more information.

What's Included: 
As a part of your program fee, the following are included:
  • Tuition for 1 credit
  • Shared accommodations throughout the program
  • Site visits in Washington, D.C.
    • Site Visits may include:
      • Capitol Hill
      • USDA
      • Department of the Interior
      • EPA
      • US Water Alliance
      • George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs
      • Department of State
      • Embassy of Uzbekistan
      • Cato Institute 
      • Global Water 2020
      • Center for Water Security and Cooperation
 
What Else You Need to Know: 
  • Pre-Departure: Students are required to participate in three pre-departure sessions (late fall and early spring) 
  • Student will need a REAL ID to enter government buildings
  • During the program: students will be expected to participate in all learning activities scheduled across the week, demonstrating intellectual curiosity and a high level of professionalism.
  • Flexibility is extremely important. Schedules may change.There may be instances where a guest speaker or visit needs to be rescheduled. We ask for your patience and understanding in advance.
  • Remember that this is an academic program and that you should expect to invest the same amount of time and effort on your courses abroad as you would on a course at Pitt.
  • This program has a very structured schedule. All excursions and site visits are required.Your free time may be limited to evenings and to the final day of the program