Beginning in the winter semester of 2012-2013, we will offer students of the International Administration and Conflict Management (IACM) program at the University of Konstanz the opportunity to complete a double degree program in cooperation with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).

Students can spend the second year of their studies in the IACM program at UNCG in the corresponding Master program in “Conflict and Peace Studies (CPS)." In principle, all students enrolled in the Master of Politics and Public Administration program at Konstanz can apply to participate in the Double Degree Program in North Carolina. But, students should realize that the format of the double degree cooperation requires that a degree within the IACM focus be completed. As a result, a very strict approach is taken when selecting the agreed-upon curriculum taught at both universities. This is based on a predetermined and limited time spent at both universities (one year at each). At the end of their Master program, students will have completed both a degree at the University of Konstanz in Politics and Public Administration, as well as a degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) in Conflict and Peace Studies.

The Idea Behind the Cooperation

The driving idea behind establishing the Double Degree Cooperation with the UNCG MA Program "Conflict and Peace Studies” was the recognition of a superior compatibility between the two programs. Both programs focus mainly on the review of conflicts, specifically conflict management and dispute resolution. The two programs differentiate themselves by the approaches they use, for example, the IACM Program focuses primarily on the conflict management activities of international organizations like the United Nations in the sphere of international and internalized conflict. This means that one should approach the subject matter on the macro level, with a background and basis of political science, public administration and organizational and management knowledge. In most cases, the curriculum and research reaches the meso level as well, for example, the analysis of administration, police, jurisdiction and infrastructure.

The approach of the CPS program is focused on teaching individual skills in the field of mediation and conflict review, of which the origin lies accordingly on the micro level and is aligned practically. But, the CPS program reaches into the meso level as some skills in the field of Dispute Resolution within businesses and organizations are taught and proportional processes are analyzed. We also find that only in exceptional cases, there is a reference to international framework on the macro level.

Keeping in mind both sides, a unique and complimentary synergy can arise through the cooperation and assist in diversifying the education of the students at both universities. The framework of the IACM-Program is meant to instill students with the knowledge of classification and a systematic analysis of conflicts, while the CPS program focuses on students developing a practical approach to mediation and conflict management using actual case studies. Through participation within the double degree cooperation, students will consequently be provided with a unique opportunity to analyze conflict management and dispute resolution processes on all levels and experience the practical perspective.

Therefore, the program is especially focused on students that would like to carry out a career in a conflict or mediation-oriented organization after the completion of their studies. Such career paths could be focused on international organizations, governmental organizations, policy institutes or think tanks, NGOs, or even a future academic career.

Curriculum

The curriculum is organized so as to ensure that students who are away for a year are able to earn the appropriate amount of credits. Furthermore, students should take into account the special advantages of studying in North Carolina during this year, so as to compliment the cooperation program to the best extent possible. In exchange, there is some flexibility allowed when choosing electives in Konstanz or skill-based courses at UNCG.

Accordingly, the break-down of the program is as follows:

Some Impressions of Greensboro

North Carolina and the City of Greensboro can conceivably be described as a ‘progressive island’ in the south of the United States. The history of the region and the city itself stands out from others in the area. As of today, this can be seen by many historical and current public establishments and streets, as well as a very interesting civil rights museum and the general mindset of the inhabitants. We were able to take in the appearance of a very attractive campus on our trip to coordinate the partnership, as well as being able to experience the many high-end services available to students, such as the gym, art and music institutions or the supportive and friendly International Office and the Student Advising Department. 15 other universities are located in the same area, including High Point, Duke, or other UNC campuses. Therefore, students will have the opportunity to check out other campuses and experience US college life.

A very useful guide to the school, including information about arrival, orientation, accommodation, meal plans, estimated housing costs, services and other expenses that you should expect to incur as an exchange student can be found here. Also, here is the link to the UNCG housing website.

Some testimonials from current students studying in Greensboro

Juliana Caputo from UNCEP Pontificia Univerdade Catolica do Parana in Brazil:

“One of the main reasons I chose the University of North Carolina at Greensboro was its location. I was interested in living in the southeastern United States, and experiencing a more mild climate than other exchange destinations. The UNCG international program has been excellent. The international house, or "I-House", is to me the best part of the experience. The majority of international students are housed in one dorm building, and being able to meet and interact with people from so many different cultures is a very unique opportunity. I would recommend the exchange program to anyone who has the slightest interest in it. Being an exchange student is a life-changing experience, and is something I will never forget.”

Jihye Choi from Yonsei University in South Korea:

“So far, I think I got what I wanted in an exchange experience. Last semester, I met so many international people from Europe, Asia, and all over the world. It was one of the most priceless experiences of my life. I am still in touch with the people who I met last semester. Also, it was really easy to adjust to a different country, America’s culture, since many of the Americans in the International House were always eager to help exchange students, and the IPC staff would help me as soon as possible whenever I had any issues.

During the summer, I found a few internship positions. I found two internship positions which were related to my major, political science. For one of my internships, I worked at Congressman Coble’s office. My second internship was with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), which is non-profit organization to help undocumented immigrants. Those jobs were really helpful for me to understand how the politics and non-profit organizations work in America.

I truly appreciate all of my experiences here in Greensboro, and for being helped by a lot of people. I’ve experienced things that I could not have experience in my home town. After going back to Korea, Greensboro and UNCG will be my second hometown and second home university.”

Further Information

University of North Carolina, Greensboro
MA „Conflict and Peace Studies“
Greensboro