Washington College

International Studies

An Interdisciplinary Major

Major Requirements "Check List"

Go Global: Study Abroad

Our International Studies Majors

Goldstein Program in Public Affairs

Program Overview Slideshow

International Studies Council

The world in which we live is truly a global community, with organizations, corporations, and individuals from all nations interacting on a daily basis. At Washington College, we believe in the importance of understanding and experiencing diverse cultures from around the world.

The International Studies major gives students a combination of practical real-world and cross-cultural experiences as well as a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge. All International Studies students participate in at least one, and usually more than one, of the dozens of study abroad programs offered at WC. From a semester-long program in Cairo, Egypt, to a three-week excursion throughout Tanzania, every IS student finds the right program to suit his or her needs. Each student also receives support from a faculty adviser in finding a summer internship or participating in another sort of experiential learning opportunity -- such as participation in a Model Diplomacy program or embarking on a service-learning project. As far as extracurricular activities go, the International Studies program offers its majors numerous opportunities for activity on and off campus. Between the annual World Model United Nations conference, trips to New York City, Washington DC, and Philadelphia, the fascinating lecture series put on by the Goldstein Program in Public Affairs, the student-run International Studies Council, and movie nights in the International House, IS students always find a fun way to spend their time. After graduation, our majors go on to apply their education and skills in a wide range of careers, including teaching, politics, business, journalism, international work, and public service, to name a few.

Students majoring in this field are under the guidance of the director of the International Studies program. As International Studies is an interdisciplinary major, students take courses in Business Management, Economics, History, Modern Languages, Political Science, and Sociology and Anthropology. There is no minor in International Studies, though non-majors (and majors) are encouraged to pursue a regional or functional concentration offered in International Studies (see the "concentrations" link to the left). Speak to your faculty advisor about how a concentration might enrich your particular course of study.

Course of Study

Opportunities