International Studies

Students of international studies become confident, competent global citizens who are prepared to take an active role in the growing global community. Hanover’s multilingual faculty with extensive international experience has helped students understand the complexities of international interdependence and has produced two Fulbright scholars. International studies majors have interned with the United Nations in New York City, with foreign embassies in Washington, D.C. and with the Inter-Paliamentary Union in Geneva. Maybe you will travel to Brussels to learn about the economics of the European Union or to Africa to understand African politics and societies. Certainly, you will broaden your perspective on the cultural, economic and political issues that are keys to success in today’s world.

Building skills for an interconnected world

As a student of international studies, you will build the skills need to make professional contributions in positions that require sensitivity and expertise in areas of international relations. You will develop:  

• A historical grasp of the formation of our contemporary world
• A heightened sensitivity to cross-cultural differences
• An understanding of the basics of international social, political, and economic relations
• Independent thought and action
• Critical-thinking skills
• Effective communication skills
• Practical knowledge of research design, implementation and analysis
• Competence in at least one language other than English

What do international studies major study?

Because international studies is an interdisciplinary program, students will take courses taught by professors from various departments such as:

"The International Studies Department at Hanover College has provided me with a truly global outlook, an invaluable resource not only in the job market, but in the world at large. The interdisciplinary nature of the major, coupled with Hanover's emphasis on study abroad, fosters a learning environment that favors academic exploration and personal experience over second-hand textbook accounts of other nations' political and cultural characteristics."

Sara St. John '06, Fulbright Scholar

• Modern languages
• Anthropology
• Economics
• History
• International studies
• Political science

This design means you have access to a wide range of classes and can focus on those topics that interest you.

Placements

International studies students develop skills to pursue careers such as:

• International political scientist
• International economist
• International historian
• Foreign service officer
• International trade or business specialist
• Applied anthropologist
• Special international legislative or congressional aide
• Journalist