International Relations

The international relations major at Saint Michael’s is built on small classes, extensive student-faculty interaction, and close mentoring and guidance by faculty who are leading scholars in their field. The program includes learning and co-curricular opportunities specifically designed to enhance the international content of your education, including semester and short-term study abroad, international internships, service learning and civic engagement projects, and leadership in student clubs and service organizations devoted to international citizenship.

The international relations major has six components:

• Three core courses – Introduction to International Relations, Introduction to Comparative Politics, and either Introduction to American Government or European Political Thought
• Four international relations electives in political science, including American Foreign Policy or Politics of the World Economy
• Four breadth or area courses drawn from anthropology, business, economics, geography, history, humanities, religious studies, or sociology
• Two research or integrative courses – Research Methods and Senior Seminar
• Four semesters of a foreign language
• An international relations experiential learning practicum

Experiential Learning 

International relations majors must complete an international-themed practicum: a study abroad experience, a summer international academic internship, an internship at a globally-themed agency, or an alternative experiential learning activity.  

Study Abroad

International relations majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad either for a full semester or a short term study trip. Recent short-term study trips led by political science faculty have included the annual Parliamentary field trips to Ottawa, Canada; a summer academic study tour to Navdanya’s Farm, an organic training center in the city of Dehradun, India; an environmental policy and sustainability study away experience in Wales, United Kingdom; and multiple service trips to the Ilula Orphan Center in Tanzania. 

Students may also apply for a fellowship supported by the Freeman Foundation to support an international academic internship during the summer. 

Internships

Academic internships allow students to earn academic credit and gain essential vocational and career experiences each semester in non-profit organizations and government agencies. Local organizations supporting international relations internships include the Vermont Council on World Affairs and Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program.