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Archive for the ‘International Studies’ Category

An academic career as international relations major can be rewarding in several ways.

Students should be aware of what they are going to be studying when declaring themselves as an international relations major and what they should expect in the way of coursework and possible career choices.

International relations majors are becoming more popular with college undergraduates as the relationships between nations becomes increasingly more intertwined.

Student Attributes

International relations students should have a broad interest in both politics and other cultures. Students who are interested in international relations have a strong affinity for history and social studies.

One primary interest of international relations students is the political and social relationship between various cultures and the history of those relationships.

Students of international relations are often curious about communication and the sociological aspects of politics and utilize those interests in striving toward their degree.

The ability to synthesize information and analyze complex political or economic systems is helpful in succeeding as an international relations student.

Some mathematical ability may be necessary in order to analyze statistics. International relations students often become involved in student government and policy.

Description

International relations is literally the study of relationships across nations. International relations students study the relationship between countries, governments, people and political and social entities around the world.

While most international relations study focuses on the political aspects of relating among different countries, there is also a strong focus on cultural, social, business, economic or even psychosocial relationships among separate nations.

The goal of international relations study is to integrate the worldview of diverse populations in order to understand how to reach greater harmony in global interactions.

Topics of Study

International relations students take a variety of classes dealing with many topics, including but not limited to: the balance of power, world governments, the distribution of wealth, sociology, world religions, political philosophy, conflict and war and the study of global economics.

International study students are typically open to taking a variety of courses that will underscore their primary focus, creating a sub-focus (at most major private and public institutions).

Some international relations students specifically study war and conflict, while others focus on the distribution of wealth or capitalism. Focus varies depending upon a student’s interests. Read the rest of this entry »

Students who major in international studies in college have a world of career options open to them.

They can work for governments, humanitarian organizations or multi-national companies.

Students who are fluent in a foreign language or have a minor in a specialty field such as agriculture or business will find their degree makes them more marketable.

U.S. Government

The U.S. government offers a wide range of jobs for students with international studies majors.

The most obvious one is the State Department, which operates embassies and consulates around the globe.

People interested in the foreign service must take a test which is given three times a year around the United States.

Other career options include jobs with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Peace Corps.

United Nations

The United Nations also offers a plethora of positions for students with international studies degrees, though some of its agencies prefer candidates with master’s degrees in this field or another field such as agriculture or business.

The U.N. operates in six languages, with candidates having to be fluent in either English or French, which are its major languages. The U.N. has headquarters in New York City and Geneva, Switzerland.

Teaching English Abroad

A degree in international studies isn’t needed to teach English as a second language in a foreign country. However, this option frequently leads to careers with multi-national companies which operate in that country.

Students who take this route gain fluency in a foreign language as well as a familiarity with the country’s customs and traditions.

Companies spend big bucks to send employees to foreign countries, and if the employee can’t adapt to his new surroundings, the company loses money. Hiring someone already living in the country is a win-win situation. Read the rest of this entry »