|
Overview
A vital component of the International Studies major is experience beyond the IUB campus. Completion of the international experience requirement is ordinarily done through participation in an overseas study program or an overseas internship.
Students are encouraged to study or intern abroad for a semester or academic year, but it is the policy of International Studies that a graduate of the program should have at least one international experience of no fewer than 6 weeks in one geographic location. The international experience should be related to the student's academic and/or career goals. It is impossible to graduate with an International Studies major at IUB without an international experience.
Approval
Any IUB Overseas Study program of 6 weeks or longer will fulfill the requirement. No formal approval is necessary for such programs, though students must meet with the INTL advisor to discuss how the program fits into their individual academic plans and then successfully complete the program.
Non-IU programs, credit-bearing internships, non-credit internships and non-credit volunteer experiences should be discussed with the INTL advisor for review by the department prior to the student's payment of any deposits or signing of any program documents.
Examples of programs and experiences that do not fulfill the INTL requirement are Semester at Sea, military service, and programs that involve proselytizing.
International Internships (credit-bearing)
While Overseas Study is the most popular way of fulfilling the international requirement, some students identify internships abroad. Internship credit for international internships is available through International Studies. See International Internships for additional guidelines and instructions.
Internships and Volunteer experiences (non-credit)
Non-credit internships and non-credit volunteer experiences should be discussed with the INTL advisor. A contract and signed waiver and release is required for pre-approval. The following is required after the experience:
- A letter from the program or internship supervisor on official letterhead stating completion and dates of participation or certificate of completion with dates
- A daily journal
- A reflection paper of 10 pages
State Department Travel Warnings
International Studies does not support or encourage travel to locations deemed unsafe by the U.S. State Department.
The International Experience and the Senior Thesis
All students are required to complete a senior thesis (INTL-I 400 or INTL-I405/406). The superior senior thesis draws on the overseas experience. Students often formulate their thesis topic while abroad or go abroad with a thesis topic in mind so that they can utilize overseas resources.
Students on Summer 2009 or later requirements are encouraged to take INTL-I 315 Research Methods before going abroad. Students who matriculated before Summer 2009 are not required to take INTL-I 315.
Exceptions to the International Experience
On very rare occasions, International Studies has approved domestic international experiences in lieu of an overseas experience. For such an exception to be made, students must make a strong and compelling case to the Director of International Studies as to why the student is unable to complete the requirement abroad and offer an U.S-based domestic alternative with a significant international component. Working with a refugee population or at a U.S.-based foreign embassy are examples of acceptable alternatives.
Cases for an exception are usually based on unforeseen hardship or medical problems. Financial reasons have not previously been accepted.
Students should plan ahead and talk to the INTL advisor about alternative majors if fulfiling the international experience looks problematic.
|
