Why Major in International and Area Studies at K?
Learn how to be a conscientious global citizen and succeed in our modern, interconnected world through intimate classes, study abroad experiences, and research opportunities.
As an International and Area Studies (IAS) student, you will learn how to critically assess global and transnational issues; compare countries’ political, economic, and cultural structures; develop an in-depth knowledge of a particular region of the world; and master a foreign language. You will develop these skills through globally-minded courses, the completion of your Senior Integrated Thesis, and taking part in an immersive study abroad experience.
As a deeply interdisciplinary major, you will have the opportunity to supplement your IAS courses and fulfill graduation requirements through select courses in relevant fields, such as Anthropology and Sociology, African Studies, Political Science, History, Philosophy, and various languages. You will also have the chance to learn through immersion by taking advantage of Kalamazoo College’s stellar study abroad program with 50+ opportunities across six continents to choose from.
By the time you graduate, you will be well prepared to live in and make sense of the interdependent global world and have a solid foundation for a career in the international sector or for further studies.
What can you do with an International and Area Studies degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our IAS alumni.
Careers
- English Teacher
- Legal Affairs
- Program Advisor
- Policy and Advocacy Fellow
- Writer
Employers
- Fulbright
- Teaching Assistant Program in France
- Spain Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports
- The Chicago Council on Global Affairs
- ACLU of Illinois
Graduate Schools
- Queen Mary University of London
- Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
- University of Bonn
- University of Strasbourg
- Aberystwyth University
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
John O’Neill
(he/him/his)
Majors: International and Area Studies (Latin America) and Political Science
Minor: Studio Art
Study Abroad: São Paulo, Brazil
Best Adjective to Describe You: Inquisitive
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
As an interdisciplinary major, students have a lot of freedom to decide on how they want to learn about their region of choice.
What drew you to the department?
I’ve always had an interest in other countries, specifically ones Latin America. I was drawn to this major because of it allowed me to further understand the culture, language, and politics of Latin America.
What is your favorite thing about K?
The liberal arts educational focus has been something I really value here at K. K has enabled me to learn various subjects I would normally not have the opportunity to take. I have learned useful tools such as statistical Excel and front-end web design, I’ve taken many courses on International relations, but all have helped me gain a broader understanding of various subjects.
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
Yes, last Winter I studied abroad in Oaxaca through the Museos Comunitarios program where I facilitated an art workshop for Elementary school kids. This program is affiliated with the CCE, and was almost entirely in Spanish.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
My SIP hopes to investigate the CNTE teachers movement in Mexico. They have engaged in coordinated acts of civil disobedience with the goal of accomplishing various demands to the government. I will pull largely from my ongoing summer research in Oaxaca to learn more about this movement.
What are your current career aspirations/next steps after K?
I plan to pursue a Master’s in public policy or a J.D. in immigration or international law.