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International Programs

SPIA offers several different options to study abroad. Please review the chart below for more information. 
*Students may apply a maximum of three courses taken abroad toward SPIA degree requirements. This limit applies across all semesters of study abroad. Students who study abroad for more than one semester may still count no more than three total courses towards SPIA requirements.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Liz Choe (liz.choe@princeton.edu) in SPIA or schedule an appointment with your study abroad adviser.

Class Year

Semester Abroad

Location(s)Course(s) available

Eligibility & Requirements

Independent Work

SophomoreSpringAny location approved by the Office of International Programs
  • Students will take the equivalent of 4 PU courses in any subject at the host institution. 
  • *Up to three courses may count towards SPIA (prerequisites or electives). SPIA approval is required.
  • Must have completed SPI 298 by the end of sophomore fall
  • None.
SophomoreSummer

International location(s):

Summer 2027

  • Geneva
  • Namibia
  • SPI 301S (Policy Task Force)
    • Locations change year to year, but include Geneva and Namibia
  • Must have completed SPI 298 by the end of sophomore year.
  • None.
JuniorFallAny location approved by the Office of International Programs
  • Students will take the equivalent of 4 PU courses in any subject at the host institution. 
  • *Up to three courses may count towards SPIA electives. SPIA approval is required.
  • Must have completed SPI 298 by the end of sophomore year.
  • Must take SPI 301 (Policy Task Force) AND SPI 397 (Junior Independent Work Seminar) in Junior Spring.
  • Junior Paper is completed through SPI 397 (Junior Independent Work Seminar) in junior spring.
JuniorSpringUniversity of Cape Town
  • Students will take the equivalent of 4 PU courses in any subject at the host institution.
  • *Up to three courses may count towards SPIA electives. SPIA approval is required.
  • In addition, SPIA students must take SPI 301 (Policy Task Force at the University of Cape Town)

 

  • Must have completed SPI 298 by the end of Junior Fall.
  • Must enroll in and complete SPI 397 (Junior Independent Work Seminar) in Junior Fall.
  • Junior Paper is completed through SPI 397 (Junior Independent Work Seminar) in junior fall.
Students planning to study abroad for more than one semester should contact the Undergraduate Program Office to develop an academic plan and ensure they remain on track to meet SPIA requirements.

Spring 2027 Location