International Studies Major

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

Student success is a top priority. Small class sizes, individual attention and faculty mentoring are at the core of BW's international studies major.

International studies students are regularly recognized for their achievements. Students in the program repeatedly receive top honors at the campus awards program as well as many other recognitions.

The Alpha Mu chapter of Sigma Iota Rho, the international honor society for international studies, promotes scholarship and service among students, faculty and others interested in international relations.

Experiential learning is a key component of the program. Internships, study abroad, research and service learning are invaluable. Other outstanding experiential learning opportunities include:

MODEL UNITED NATIONS/NATO/AFRICAN UNION

A successful program in existence at BW for 40 years, these simulations are run as conferences where participating student teams from different universities undertake international diplomacy and experience the difficulties of intergovernmental interactions as the teams tackle current global problems through negotiation and debate. The training in communication, negotiation and public speaking skills makes Model UN relevant for students of all majors. Over the years, the BW team and individual members have won multiple awards at these conferences, including Best Delegation.

Model NATO Testimonial

Charles Henderson '14
International studies and political science major

"I was able to meet with embassy staff from the country we were representing. As the Model North Atlantic Council member for Bulgaria, I was the 'head' member of my team. I spent countless hours doing research in order to discuss Bulgaria's foreign policy positions with the actual Deputy Chief of Mission - second in charge beneath the ambassador - for the Bulgarian embassy to the United States.

"He discussed with us the different policy positions of Bulgaria in NATO. He even disclosed to us some of his personal opinions on the subjects. This really helped us to better understand the sentiments of the Bulgarian people toward the rest of Europe and the world. Sitting down and discussing current policy issues with a real diplomat helped us stay in character and perform well at the NATO conference.

"Through this experience, I learned the value of thorough, solid research and how it helps enliven discussions with experts in the field. I learned the importance of being well organized and how critical that is for understanding the complex systems, events and motivations in international politics."

STUDY ABROAD AND INTERNSHIPS

Many students choose a semester-long internship programs based in Washington, D.C., that help them develop professional skills, earn academic credit and gain valuable job experience interning in settings that include the United States Congress, news organizations, nonprofits and law firms. Many others choose to study abroad to gain in-depth understanding of other societies and their potential as U.S. allies or potential sources of security threats.

CAREER NETWORKING

Make career contacts through an advisory committee formed to support political science, international studies and legal studies majors and minors. BW alumni and other professionals serve as resources for informational interviews, shadowing and other networking opportunities. Students participating in Model AU or NATO conferences also meet with BW alums informally while in Washington, D.C. Students can learn about careers in politics, policy, government, law and foreign service and obtain information about attending graduate or law school.