Prospective International Studies majors should complete the college preparatory curriculum in high school.
Students should take:
- at least two years of a foreign language
- courses in government, economics, world history, and geography
- be familiar with international current events
International Studies students usually have an interest in intercultural understanding and seek opportunities to learn about different people and places in hopes of decreasing the boundaries of culture and location.
Study Abroad
While students are not required to study abroad as part of the International Studies major, they are very strongly encouraged to do so. There are extensive opportunities to study in programs that will advance a student's language skills or simply provide study opportunities in English. Programs may be as short as a few weeks or as long as an academic year. The wide range of programs available makes it possible for most students to add this invaluable experience to their education in International Studies. Students should usually plan to complete their General Education and International Studies core classes on campus and then take as many of their regional concentration courses as they can while abroad. Contact the campus coordinator for study abroad, Dr. Jean Abshire, for information on study abroad programs or visit the IU Overseas Study website for detailed information on programs offered by Indiana University.
