International Studies

International studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare you for the changing world of business, economics, agriculture, science, technology, diplomacy and communication. The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies combines a solid foundation in a foreign language with a regional specialization, overseas experience and an issue emphasis chosen by you. You'll graduate positioned for success in business or graduate school, or in a career in the ever-changing world of nongovernmental organizations, governmental agencies and international organizations.

You can concentrate your study in one of three areas:

• International Relations
• Global Resources and Development
• International Economics and Business

Students enrolled in other University of Idaho programs may wish to add international studies as a second major or a minor to increase their international expertise and their marketability in a future career.

As an international studies major, you will spend at least 12 weeks abroad. We’ll help you find challenging opportunities in which to study, volunteer or intern that complement your academic programs. The program also requires six semesters of foreign language study. You also will combine language skills with course work about a region in which the language you study is spoken. Current majors are studying Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian and Spanish.

Your course work culminates with one of the most challenging and rewarding classes at Idaho – the international studies capstone course. You’ll bring all your training and experiences together to propose solutions to real-world problems. Many students say this course defined their career path and goals.

What makes this program distinct from all the others?

• International Speakers Series: All students get to hear these guest speakers on campus, but only international studies majors meet with them in small groups for coffee or over dinner.
• Spotlight Seminars: The Spotlight Seminar is designed to bring experts at local universities to the Martin Institute, where they present research on important global issues to small groups of international studies majors. Designed to last two hours, a Spotlight Seminar includes an interactive research presentation, refreshments and a lively question-and-answer session.
• Martin Scholars: Selected students work as paid interns with faculty members to research major international issues.
• Visit the UN: You may participate in a weeklong trip to New York City and the United Nations to meet with UN ambassadors, Idaho alumni, representatives from nongovernmental organizations and other students from around the world.
• Learn from Leaders: The Martin Institute Mentor program links current students with international studies alumni. It’s a Vandal connection that shares real-world knowledge, and gives you a competitive edge.

Prepare for Success

To prepare for an international studies degree, high school students will want to take a foreign language as well as have advanced placement (AP) credits. International subjects are common interests for our majors.

Your First Year

As a first-year student, you will take courses in a foreign language, world regional geography, peoples of the world, International Studies freshman seminar as well as courses toward your general education. As a first-year transfer student you will take the United Nations course, foreign language as well as issue and regional coursework. 

What You Can Do

University of Idaho international studies alumni can be seen in a variety of jobs. If you want a career in a foreign service agency, state or local government or nongovernmental organizations, the Peace Corps or teaching in your language, the international studies degree is for you. Many of our alumni go to graduate school, law school or into the military as officers.

Opportunities

Opportunities for our graduates depend in large measure on the issue emphasis they choose within the degree.  Graduates from the International Business and Economics emphasis can be found working in the US and abroad at organizations such as De Lage Landen, the International Monetary Fund, and the State of Idaho Department of Trade.  Students finishing the Global Resources and Development emphasis have worked with NGOs such as the Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.  Alumni with emphases in International Relations find a wide range of employment with city, state, and national offices ranging from the City of Boise, to the State of Alaska, and the US Congress in addition to the State Department and other federal agencies.

Current Research

While research is conducted in every IS class, three programs in particular challenge students to conduct advanced research.  For sophomores, the Martin Academy program provides 3-5 students with the chance to write a Policy Paper on a current world issue.  Juniors can opt for the UN and Related Agencies directed study course (IS 321), which leads to the production of a research poster for entry into the UI’s Innovation Showcase. Additionally, a select group of seniors (4-5) participate in the Martin Scholars program in which an individual faculty member from a partner department works closely with the Scholars on the production of a research paper.  These are unique opportunities for our undergraduate students, and the knowledge and experience gained from it can really set you apart from those of other institutions.

In addition, the Martin Institute and International Studies publish a journal each year.  The Journal of the Martin School of International Studies is co-edited by a pair of IS seniors, and features articles written by members of the program.

Activities

A trio of clubs is associated with the Martin Institute and International Studies: the International Affairs Club, Oxfam, and Amnesty International.  These clubs provide leadership opportunities while offering a wide range of activities to appeal to the diverse student population in the degree program.  The IAC focuses on current global issues and supports Martin Institute events; Oxfam concentrates on social justice issues; and Amnesty works primarily with political issues across the world.

Hands-On Experience

International Studies is the only degree program on campus offering a seminar experience for both freshmen and seniors.  The Freshman Seminar – IS 195 – is taught by Institute Associate Director Romuald Afatchao, and focuses on the breadth of the International Studies degree, namely the various issue emphasis and the career paths associated with them.  The Senior Seminar – IS 495 – is taught by Institute Director Bill L. Smith.  This serves as the "capstone" to a senior's academic experience at the University of Idaho and exposes students to the nuances of formulating policy. Work is directed toward the production of a White Paper, which is a comprehensive document commonly used by both governmental organizations and nongovernmental organizations to state their policy goals.