Jul 7

Written by: education
7/7/2010 4:50 PM

For eight years, the International Public Relations class at George Mason University has been a hit. Why not, when the course is taught in London, England, and takes students for visits to the legendary newsrooms of The Guardian News Service and the BBC. Since it's been offered, more than 155 students have hopped "across the pond" to take the class.

International Public Relations is compressed into 18 days and taught between the fall and spring term. Students spend quality time with senior public relations and media representatives obtaining first-hand knowledge of their client base, current trends and challenges. The program has been able to tap senior leadership and obtain an exclusive look into the often-proprietary workings of the UK’s most successful agencies, non-profit organizations and media. The program has established solid relationships with public relations companies, non-profits, print and broadcast media, corporate communication departments and the U.S. embassy’s public affairs staff. Students have returned to the campus with first- hand knowledge and a unique insight into the international public relations community and the UK media.    

In addition to the Guardian News and BBC, this year’s visits included Hill & Knowlton, Waggener Edstrom, Ketchum, Bell Pottinger, and LIVEpr, the U.S. Embassy, the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Room, the Royal Aeronautical Association and the Tate Modern Museum. Visits are normally half a day and the class meets in a classroom for lectures and the opportunity to process the information.

The meetings, visits and classes provided a broad base of information and an opportunity to ask thoughtful questions to successful public relations professionals, international media and association leaders. The class opened the door to the international aspect of this ever-growing profession and the many challenges it offers.

Although brief in duration the information provided the students is almost overwhelming. Papers are required for each visit and the course concludes with a “take away” exam. One of the important lessons learned is that public relations is a demanding career and that working in an international arena adds even more challenges. Plans are underway for the 2011 class.

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