International Communication Studies (ICS)

Applications for the 2026 International Communications Studies Program are now open and close on October 13. Apply here.

Program

The International Communication Studies (ICS) program is one of Annenberg’s most dynamic and prestigious study abroad programs, allowing students to travel across Europe and meet with esteemed international media companies. In this approximately 3-week course, students immerse themselves and intensively study a diverse range of approaches to public communication and media across Europe. The goal of the program is to provide an integrated learning environment and a hands-on approach to navigating the international media and communications landscape. Check out our AIP blog to read students' experiences from previous years, and watch the ICS 50th Anniversary Video.

Location

Students divide the program into stays in Dublin, London, and Madrid. In addition to regular class meetings, students discuss the interplay of current world issues and international media practices with communication practitioners from international news and public relations media, government institutions, private industry, and global organizations. Examples of past visits include Channel 4 in London, Google HQ in Dublin, Omnicom Group, Edelman, and more.

Curriculum

Students enroll in a 2-unit cross-listed course: Special Topics - International Communication Studies.

Undergraduate student flat rate tuition covers up to 18 units for the semester, so no additional charges will be incurred for the 2-unit course unless students need to enroll in spring for more than 18 units.

Journalism and Public Relations majors may earn two credits toward their journalism elective requirements; Communication majors may also earn two credits toward their communication major elective requirements. As a cross-listed JOUR/COMM course, this course will not satisfy the COMM major 400-level requirement; however, students may petition this with the School of Communication. Petitions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Summer 2026 program is only open to freshman, sophomore, and junior undergraduate students with an Annenberg major or minor.

Housing

Students stay in double occupancy rooms in apartments and hotels depending on the city and availability.

Tentative Program Dates*

May 16 – June 6, 2026

*Dates subject to change

Eligibility

Students must have a minimum cumulative USC GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate a preparedness to contribute to the dynamic of a small study group, as well as the ability to successfully complete the intensive coursework for this program. The Summer 2026 program is only open to freshman, sophomore, and junior undergraduate students with an Annenberg major or minor.

Estimated Costs

Please note that these costs are subject to change without notice.

Program Fees: $5,000 (Covers the cost of housing during the program and round-trip airfare & travel within Europe)
USC Overseas Health Insurance*: $107/mo (Spring 2025 rate)
Personal Expenses (food, entertainment, weekend travel, etc.): $2,800

TOTAL: $7,907

*USC Overseas Health Insurance is required on all USC-approved study abroad programs. If a student is already enrolled in USC (domestic) Health Insurance there will be no additional charge for USC Overseas Health Insurance; students will be charged the domestic, on-campus rate. If a student is normally covered otherwise and waives out of USC Health Insurance on campus, students will be charged USC Overseas Health Insurance monthly rate.

Scholarship Opportunities

Students may apply to the Bill Faith Endowed Scholarship as part of their application.