By: Sydney Weber

As an economics major, there was no shortage of amazing programs available to me for studying away. In my time as a Global Ambassador working in the Study Away office, I have been convinced that economics is the single-most flexible subject for study abroad. Nearly every university I have encountered has courses in economics. In addition to this, economics courses around the world cover very similar curriculums to those taught at Missouri State. This makes course conversions straightforward and electives bountiful. 

I studied at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland through ISEP Exchange. Originally only planning on taking French classes, the day I learned I could take economics changed everything. I immediately signed up for International Money and Finance. Not only did my professor have some truly incredibly credentials, but I was able to gain an international perspective of my major. Being able to learn about world finances in one of the most financially illustrious nations in the world came to be one of the many highlights while abroad. However, it is important to note that entire semesters abroad are not for everyone. 

The past several years, Missouri State economics faculty member Dr. David Mitchell has led a week-long short-term study away program to Berlin. This program is called “East Meets West: The Economics of German Reunification and the Path towards Greater Regional Parity.” Students are able to learn about the history and economic impact of German reunification alongside their Missouri State peers. This program is a top choice for Missouri State Economics majors due to its hands-on approach and one on one guidance from a familiar faculty member.

Another incredible program for Economic majors is that of Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea through our program provider USAC. One of the most prestigious universities in South Korea, Yonsei offers economics courses in nearly all fields of study. R and Python Programming, Game Theory, and Regression Analysis are just some of the many specializations that students can explore. Many courses at Yonsei (for example: Business Cycle: Theory and Forecasting) are not even available at Missouri State. Worried about not knowing Korean? Never fear, the majority of economic courses are taught in English. Students can spend anywhere from a summer to a whole academic year at Yonsei. 

Study Away is one of the most under-utilized resources available to economics students. Especially in a globalized world, an international perspective of economics is becoming even more important. Students can take a wide variety of classes abroad while keeping maintaining pace with their planned studies. Whether it’s a week-long program in Germany or an academic year in South Korea, Study Away has options for economics majors of all kinds.