What to Expect from an International Studies Program?

Answer 1

Increasingly, businesses are trying to market products and services to overseas markets. This requires a higher level of understanding of differences in cultural norms. Many universities offer an international studies program. Students study culture and globalization, cross-cultural communication and understanding, and environmental issues on an international level.

International studies can sometimes be an umbrella term, with some International Studies Programs awarding multiple types of degrees. Generally, emphasis will be placed on the learning of a foreign language and subjects related to the world outside the United States, including international history, politics, geography, economics, culture and geography. While there are many degree options, students generally focus on environmental affairs, global development, international business or world politics and policy.

After participating in international studies programs, students will be able to pursue careers such as journalism, international business, teaching, government service and international developmental work. International journalists will report on world news. Those specialized in government services might work at an embassy. International business students will try to open up markets in foreign countries.

Learning about one culture is time-consuming, so most international studies students do not focus on multiple areas, but instead choose to focus on one geographic region, such as the Americas, East Asia, Europe or Africa and the Middle East.

One requirement that some students might view as a downside is the requirement to learn a foreign language, since doing so can be very time-consuming. In some cases, the student has to minor in or even double-major in the foreign language. However, speaking a second language will broaden the number of markets that the student can seek work in.

Students are not only capable of pursuing a career overseas after participating in an international studies program, but the student will also have critical thinking and analysis skills that are useful in a broad range of other fields.

Many international studies programs try to find ways to help students make friends from abroad and practice foreign language skills with a native speaker, which is crucial for mastering a new language.