Enrichment Experiences for International Studies Students

How else can I get involved with the International Studies major?

Field Trips

Exposure to field is pivotal to the INTL experience! (Pictured: GOVT352 UN/EU Delegation to the UN trip)

Clubs

Clubs are an excellent and exciting way to become acquainted with the field of international studies! Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the International Studies program, the wide array of clubs at Millersville University allow for enrichment of different focuses and area studies that are available to International Studies students in the major!

Listed below are just a few examples of clubs in which International Studies students are involved:

  • Afro-Carribbean Student Association
  • Asian Student Inclusivity Association (ASIA)
  • Global Marauders
  • Society on Latino Affairs (SOLA)
  • Language clubs (Spanish, German)
  • MESO
  • Model African Union
  • Geography Club
  • Economics Club

There are a plethora of ways to become active outside of the classroom and broaden your skills acquired through the International Studies program! Take a look through getinvolved today and see how clubs can enrich your experience as an International Studies student!

Get involved with GetInvolved!

Internships

Internships are an important way to make your resume stand out from those of your peers. They will provide you with a vital career experience as well as count towards academic credits towards the International Studies major or minor. Employers often look for someone with experience in their industry which can be gained through completing an internship during  a student's undergraduate studies. Many corporations, government agencies, and non-profit groups offer internships and co-op programs throughout the spring and fall semesters, as well as winter and summer depending on the employer. Internships can also give you a sense of which direction you may want to go after college as well as build relationships and networks for future employment. Whether it is graduate school, employment in the private sector, or a position in the government, internships can help make this possible.

Recent MU International Studies majors have interned with:

International Internships

  • British Parliament Foundation in London, UK
  • Canadian Parliament in Ottawa, Canada
  • Chilean Parliament in Valparaíso, Chile
  • Fundación América Solidaria in Santiago, Chile
  • Marks and Spencer in Londer, U.K.
  • Save the Children Foundation in London, U.K

Domestic Internships

  • Amnesty International
  • Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, D.C.
  • Lancaster PRIME
  • Nissin Food Corporation
  • Office of Global Education & Partnerships
  • US Department of Commerce

 

Contact International Programs and Services for more information about international internships.

 

WHAT DO EMPLOYERS WANT TO SEE?

Employers like their future employees to demonstrate certain characteristics and skills, and it is especially valued when they are related to career experiences. Internships can serve as a concrete reference to your future employers that you have strengthened and developed skills and values such as: 

  • Multicultural Communication
  • Problem Solving Techniques
  • Language (bi/multilingual) Proficiency
  • Perseverance
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Patience
  • Humility/Sense of Humor
  • Ability to Build Relationships/Teamwork
  • Dedication/Work Ethic
  • Responsibility
  • Research & Planning
  • Willingness to Learn
  • Self-Confidence

Learn more with ELCM

Departmental Honors Option

International Studies students also have the opportunity to explore research further with the option to write a departmental honors thesis.

According to the Millersville University course catalog:

"The program generally consists of two to four semesters of supervised tutorial work, reading, self-instruction, creative inquiry and research, which culminates in the production of a thesis or project. One to four credits may be earned for each of the departmental honors courses (see specific departments’ requirements). Grades in these courses are determined by the faculty supervisor and departmental committee.
Final theses or projects are examined by and orally defended before the departmental committee. Grades of B- or higher must be earned on them. They are then presented to the Honors and Awards Committee for review. Titles of completed works are published in the commencement program. Contact the department office for an application and more information." 

The University's policy regarding Departmental Honors is outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog. When considering whether to pursue Departmental Honors, majors should consider the following general guidelines:

  • To be eligible, students must have completed 75 s.h. and have a cumulative QPA of at least 3.0 and endorsement of a department faculty member (they need not be enrolled in the University Honors Program).
  • The student must be committed to conducting a research/thesis program for two academic semesters prior to expected time of graduation for a total of 3 credits, which are not counted towards the requirements for the major.
  • The student should be aware that the completed thesis will be submitted to, examined by and orally defended before a departmental committee.

Contact your advisor for further information on this option.

Sigma Iota Rho

In 2009, the Gamma Phi chapter of Sigma Iota Rho, the International Honors Society, was created at Millersville University.  Sigma Iota Rho seeks to "promote and reward scholarship and service among students and practitioners of international studies, international affairs, and global studies, and to foster integrity and creative performance in the conduct of world affairs."

Undergraduate Membership requirements:

  • Completed course work in international studies including courses in relevant subject areas of anthropology, economics, foreign languages, geography, history, political science, and other related disciplines;

  • Attained a junior standing and completed at least twenty-one (21) hours of course work toward the International Relations major or minor, including at least two courses at the 300 or 400 levels;

  • Attained a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher in all courses, and a grade point average of at least 3.4 in international relations courses;

  • Must maintain full-time student status of at least twelve (12) hours to be a voting member or hold an office.

Learn More