International Studies program graduates 1st student

The International Studies program in the College of Arts and Sciences at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, launched in Fall 2016 and currently having approximately 35 students pursuing International Studies as their major, will have its first senior graduate on December 16th.

The program offers a broad range of curricular options in the College of Arts and Sciences, allowing students to explore, in regards to various peoples and across populations, aspects related to geography, history, religion, government, trade, communication, languages and literatures, music and arts, social justice and environmental challenges. Students in the program have opportunities to learn critical and analytical problem-solving skills that they can apply to contemporary global issues. 

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in international studies are qualified for many positions in diplomacy or with nonprofits, governmental and international organizations, and businesses.

Dr. Sorin Nastasia, Director of the INST program says, “I’ve tried to expand the possibilities for students that want to study abroad internationally, I advise them on courses offered by faculty from SIUE or from the different organizations from around the United States and place them in study abroad courses all over the world.”

The program currently has 3 concentrations for students to study; International Art, Culture, and Communication, International Politics and Diplomacy, and International Development and Sustainability.

On December 4th, The International Studies program’s first senior assignment student, Rachel Thurston, presented her INTS 499 International Studies Senior Assignment project to the current. INTS 200 Essentials of International Studies class and additional of the program’s students and stakeholders. Thurston’s focus was on International Politics and Diplomacy.

For her INTS 499 applied project, Rachel has put together a resource book for St. Louis region’s new immigrants and reflected on this process. “There was not a clear, concise guidebook that was a printable hand out for immigrants entering the St. Louis area. There was online sources, but this is an easily distributable and more importantly, a printable material with important information, such as, names and contact numbers for those in need.” Added Thurston.

“The program is building, after 3 semesters, we have over 30 students and is continuing to gain interest from students. It’s a significant point to have our first graduate from our program now.” Says Nastasia.

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