International Communication Studies (ICS)

Applications for the 2025 International Communications Studies Program are now closed.

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 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 course 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 2025 program is only open to undergraduate students and is open to all USC majors.

Housing

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

Program Dates*

May 18 – June 6, 2025
May 18 – 19: Depart LA arrive in Dublin
May 19 – 25: Dublin
May 25: Depart Dublin and arrive in London
May 25 – May 31: London
May 31: Depart London and arrive in Madrid
May 31 – June 6: Madrid
June 6: Program ends, depart from Madrid

*Dates subject to changes

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. All USC students may apply as soon as the summer after their freshman year at USC.

Estimated Costs

Dates and estimated costs for Summer 2025 are not yet confirmed. Please see the estimated budget as an example. Please note that these costs are subject to change without notice.

Housing: $2,000
USC Overseas Health Insurance*: $107/mo
Round Trip Airfare + Travel in Europe: $3,000
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 at a rate of $107/month (noted above).

Scholarship Opportunities

Students accepted into the ICS program may apply for the Bill Faith Endowed Scholarship.