International Studies Program

The possibilities are endless!  Our International Studies graduates have gone on to have amazing careers in a variety of fields, including the U.S. government, international business, global public health, education, and non-profit organizations.  Our graduates are also thriving in a variety of graduate programs, including law school, and master's programs in global affairs and/or foreign languages.  Please click on this link for more information on potential careers.  The attached document also offers you some guidance regarding which second major you might choose, depending upon the career field in which you're interested.

The International Studies (INST) program is housed in the Political Science and Public Affairs Department.  Dr. Jennifer Schiff serves as the director of the program, but she is aided by an advisory board of faculty members with international interests that also help to govern the major.  Your International Studies advisor will either be Dr. Schiff or a member of the advisory board, all of whom serve as wonderful advisors/mentors for our students!  You'll find a list of all all current advisory board members on the right side of the page.

The INST major requires that students take 231 and 232 in a particular language, and then one 300 level class in that same language OR an introductory 101 class in a different language.  In terms of language choice -- WCU's Department of World Languages offers currently courses in Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Cherokee.  Additionally, through UNC Online (search for courses, and then foreign languages), students also have access to instruction in a variety of languages not taught at WCU.  Students can also satisfy the language requirement by studying at other universities, either in North Carolina, the US, or abroad. 

The world is literally full of options for studying abroad.  See the International Programs and Services website for more information.

Courses taken at a foreign university may be applied to the International Studies major, when approved by the Director.  Students can choose a shorter study abroad experience (typically through a faculty-led trip over the summer or university holidays) or a more immersive experience (typically in the form of a semester of study at a foreign university).

For students who choose to study abroad for a semester, the International Studies Program may offer some financial support to help off-set costs.  Interested students can apply for a $500 Global Catamount Award (see elsewhere on this webpage for more details).

Internships are a smart way for students to gain work experience and try out different career paths.  As an International Studies major, you can earn three hours of class credit toward an internship.  Students are encouraged to research and find internationally-related internship opportunities on their own (credit for those internships is contingent upon the approval of the International Studies Director).  We also have many of our International Studies majors engage in internships for credit on campus, through the International Programs and Services office, which offers you a way to see if you're interested in a career in international education.  We also have students who have interned with internationally-oriented local non-profits, like Folkmoot, and this kind of administrative experience looks fantastic on any resume.  Please stop by Dr. Schiff's office (Stillwell 350) if you are interested in one of these internship opportunities.