ECON 288c/ FREN 285A – Exploring European Policy, Business, and Culture

Photo of the Eiffel Tower and Paris sunset.

Washington and Lee University Center for International Education Spring Term Abroad Spring Term Abroad 2026 ECON 288C/ FREN 285A – Exploring European Policy, Business, and Culture
Center for International Education
Four credits, EXP
Four weeks in France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom
Professor Linda Hooks and Professor Kristina Roney
A central premise of the formation of the European Union was that economic interdependence would breed political stability. Both Brexit and the Russian invasion of Ukraine call this theory into question. This Europe-based course looks at how culture affects the economy, businesses, and policies by contrasting France and its relationship to the European Union to the UK’s decision to withdraw. It will feature visits to French and British businesses, economic policy centers in Brussels, and cultural sites to allow students to better understand current conditions and to analyze opportunities and challenges.

This course requires that you enroll in a 1-credit winter term course prior to STA.

Econ Pre-requisite: either Econ 100 or Econ 101 and 102; some preference for additional economics coursework
Prerequisite for Fren 285A: Intermediate-level proficiency (i.e. completion of FDR-FL in French)

Program fee (paid to W&L): $6,605
Includes programming, room, some meals (~ 1 lunch and ~ 15 dinners), and most in-country transportation.

Additional costs: airfare, most meals, cell phone, spending money, passport, and visa/Electronic Travel Authorisation fee.

For further details, please contact Professor Hooks and Professor Roney.

Center for International Education

Mark Rush

Director

Hunter Swanson

International Student Advisor

Cindy Irby

Associate Director and Study Abroad Advisor

Jillian Murphy

Assistant Director of International Education and Study Abroad Coordinator

Kristy Reed

Center for International Education Office Manager

Center for International Education

  • Campus Address
    Ruscio Center for Global Learning
    Room 145
    Mailing Address
    Center for International Education
    204 W. Washington St.
    Washington and Lee University
    Lexington, Virginia 24450