Students participating in George Mason University's Hooligans and Homicide study abroad program are being offered a unique educational opportunity. Permission has been obtained for participation in police ride-a-longs within four different agencies in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The ride-a-longs permit the student to witness first-hand day-to-day law enforcement operation in a foreign country.
Examples of community relations, extremist group interaction, terrorism prevention and criminal investigations will be afforded to the student in the learning experience that opens up a comparison and contrasting view of police work in two different countries.
Program Highlights
- Witness day-to-day police operations in major cities in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
- Take part in training exercises used to enhance law enforcement operations.
- Participate in intelligence and terrorism briefings that improve police response to increased extremist threats.
- Educational tours including the National Justice Museum and the Glasgow/Edinburgh Police Museum.
Eligibility
Undergraduate students only. Minimum 2.25 GPA.
Prerequisite coursework: CRIM 401: Policing in America and/or CRIM 312: Intelligence Analysis Techniques OR instructor permission.
Credits
Students will choose one 6-credit course or two 3-credit courses during the application process.
Course Options
- CRIM 485: Study Abroad (3 or 6 credits)
- CRIM 490: Special Topics (3 or 6 credits)
Program Dates
Early - Late June
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
Students fly into London; Group transportation from airport to accommodations in Reading. |
| Day 2 |
Thames Valley Police |
| Day 3 |
Thames Valley Police |
| Day 4 |
Travel to Nottingham
National Justice Museum
Travel to Leeds |
| Day 5 |
Leeds Police |
| Day 6 |
Leeds Police |
| Day 7 |
Leeds Police |
| Day 8 |
Travel to Liverpool |
| Day 9 |
Merseyside Police |
| Day 10 |
Merseyside Police |
| Day 11 |
Merseyside Police |
| Day 12 |
Travel to Dublin |
| Day 13 |
An Garda Síochána |
| Day 14 |
An Garda Síochána |
| Day 15 |
Travel to Belfast |
| Day 16 |
Belfast Police |
| Day 17 |
Belfast Police |
| Day 18 |
Belfast Police |
| Day 19 |
Travel to Dumfries |
| Day 20 |
Scotland Police |
| Day 21 |
Scotland Police |
| Day 22 |
Scotland Police |
| Day 23 |
Travel to Edinburgh |
| Day 24 |
Scotland Police |
| Day 25 |
Scotland Police |
| Day 26 |
Scotland Police |
| Day 27 |
Program Ends; Students depart Edinburgh under own arrangements. |
* Dates and itinerary subject to change. The Global Education Office reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, and/or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Program Cost
Summer 2019: $5,400
Summer 2020: TBD
Included: Tuition for 6 credits, accommodations, entrance fees/tours/guides as described in itinerary, some breakfasts, some group meals, in-country transportation, international emergency medical insurance.
Not included: Airfare*, passport and visa fees, some meals, some transportation, personal spending, required textbooks and/or course materials.
*Participants must arrange their own airfare, once instructed to do so by the Mason Global Education Office.
Program Payments
Students on MasonGEO programs must pay the advertised program cost in order to participate. This cost will be made in three payments (Deposit + First Payment + Final Payment). Students using financial aid can provide additional paperwork in lieu of deposit and final balance payments.
Application Deposit: A non-refundable program deposit $200 must be received by the application deadline. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee.
First Payment: A non-refundable payment of $1000 must be received by March 22, 2020. This fee is paid online through the MasonAbroad application system and is included in the program fee. Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
In the event that a student’s financial aid or VA Benefits is estimated to cover the entire costs of the study abroad program, the entire charge will be posted to their student account, since that is where the aid will be applied. In this case students do not pay their first payment through MasonAbroad. However students must submit their “Intent to Use Financial Aid” form by the first deposit deadline.
Final Payment: The final balance payment is due by April 19, 2020. This is the difference of your Program Cost minus the $1200 you've already paid (Deposit + First Payment). Students who are using financial aid may have this payment deadline extended. See "Financial Aid" information below.
Financial Aid and VA Benefits: Students who intend to use financial aid or VA benefits to fund their program fees (partially or in full) must have the "Intent to Use Financial Aid" or "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form" completed and on file with the Global Education Office by the First Payment deadline. The "Intent to Use Financial Aid" form is available in the MasonAbroad application system once you have started your application for this program. If you are using VA Benefits please contact your program officer to request the "Intent to Use VA Benefits Form."
Withdrawal and Refund Policy: All participants are bound by the Mason GEO Withdrawal and Refund Policy.
Payment Instructions
For more information on payments, financial aid, and information for non-Mason students:
Payments
Scholarships
GEO offers a number of need- and merit-based scholarships. All Mason students are welcome to apply:
Scholarships
Application Deadline:
March 8, 2020
Application requirements:*
Program Deposit: $200 for all applicants.
Course Selection Questionnaire: You will choose the course(s) you would like to be receive credit for on this program. Check the "Academics" tab to see what courses are offered on this program. If you need help selecting your course, check with your academic advisor.
Passport Status Questionnaire: You do not need a passport to complete this questionnaire or the application. However, if you do not have a valid passport, you should begin applying for one now. The Global Education Office offers Passport Grants to help.
Signature Documents: Read and electronically "sign" the documents regarding the acknowledgement of risk, the pre-departure orientation, and your financial responsibility.
Intent to Use Financial Aid Form: For Mason students only. If you use financial aid, this form must be completed by your financial aid counselor and submitted by the 1st payment deadline.
Additional requirements for non-Mason applicants:
Official transcript: To be mailed or emailed to the Global Education Office at George Mason University.
Non-degree Contract Course/Admission Form: Please complete the form and upload it into the questionnaire.
* Additional application requirements may apply to individual programs. Once you open your application, you will see all application requirements.
Application instructions: