We cross borders.

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

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 through our Global Education Office. From a semester-long program in Cairo, to a three-week excursion throughout Tanzania, IS majors have a choice of a wide range of programs suit their 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 a service-learning project.

As far as extracurricular activities go, the International Studies program offers its majors numerous opportunities on and off campus. With two annual Model United Nations conferences, trips to New York City, Washington DC, and Philadelphia, the fascinating Goldstein Program in Public Affairs lecture series, 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.

IS majors are under the guidance of the director of the International Studies program. International Studies is an interdisciplinary major, so our students take courses in the departments of anthropology, business management, economics, history, modern languages, political science, and others. 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. Speak to your faculty advisor about how a concentration can enrich your course of study regardless of your major.

Recent Stories

Practicing Diplomacy

Under the direction of Professor Tahir Shad, a delegation of 13 Washington College students participated in the Model United Nations conference at McGill University.
Data Analysis Class Pays Off On The Job

International studies major Danyelle Martin ’11 cleans up data management for the defense industry.
Professor, Cantor Schiff Shares Jewish History

At the Chestertown Book Festival on Nov. 3, Professor and Cantor Gary Schiff shared family stories in his sweeping history of Poland’s Jews.

Peruvian Crafts Fair

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the gift store Inka Kuya follows the Andean tradition of offering gifts to nature (Pachamama) with gifts offered with love. In quecha, Inka Kuya translates to “Our people” and “love.” Inka Kuya offered ceramics, musical instruments, peruvian folk art, purses, handbags, alpacas toys, ponchos, and jewelry.

The Politics of Climate Change

As part of the International Year of Chemistry, magazine writer Ryan Lizza shared his insights into how and why Congress and the White House failed to reach agreement on breakthrough energy legislation.

Model UN Conference

A delegation of Washington College students traveled to New Haven, Connecticut to attend the Security Council Simulation at Yale University to discuss foreign policy issues in terms of international law and crisis resolution in committees of the Security Council and a wide range of other modeled simulations.