International studies
The world today has never been more connected, and in many ways never more challenging. The international studies major enables you to gain the knowledge and experience to navigate our interdependent world and to find ways to positively shape it.
The international studies program at Earlham addresses profound challenges for policy and practice in a complex international context. You will be able to tackle these problems with energetic resolve. More than half of our majors are international students, a reality that enriches classroom conversations about issues of global import. Our courses are drawn from politics, economics and history, providing rich perspectives on global issues.
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Earlham’s international studies majors get into their top choice graduate programs and also serve in prestigious international civil service and diplomatic positions around the world.
“In 10 years, I see myself involved with politics inspiring my generation and creating groups that are willing to make political change in Mongolia. When you are building community to make change, you must surround yourself with the right people, and with the right people, you can achieve everything you want.”
Munkhbat Munkjargal ’19
International studies major
“As a student I was constantly empowered to think globally—beyond myself, beyond Richmond, Indiana. Earlham’s emphasis on education, communication, tolerance and consensus are great virtues that if applied, can make each one of us better and gain greater understanding about one another.”
Behar Xharra ’07
International studies major
Richly diverse perspectives
According to NerdScholar, Earlham’s international studies program is one of the top five in the country. At Earlham international studies is not only a popular major, it is also a way of life on campus.
International studies majors have been frequent recipients of Davis Peace Prize Awards, grants of $10,000 each to fund summer projects related to peacemaking.
Earlham’s international studies alumni get into their top choice graduate programs and serve in prestigious international civil service and diplomatic positions around the world.
Earlham graduates often conduct research around the world with prestigious Fulbright grants.
Off-campus study
An off-campus program is an integrated part of the international studies major, ensuring you have a global experience.
Multiple perspectives
Drawing on courses from history, politics, economics and languages, the international studies major offers diverse perspectives from multiple disciplines.
Our faculty
Because they also teach in the departments of history, economics, languages and cultures and politics, our faculty bring a diverse range of academic perspectives to this major.
Frequently asked questions
The international studies program has recently developed a new set of major requirements that incorporate classes in language, politics, economics and history as well as an integrated off-campus study program.
Recent international studies graduates have obtained prestigious Watson and Fulbright scholarships as well as Rotary Peace Fellowships to work and study abroad.
Some have served as officers and program assistants in the Asia Foundation, Japan Society and U.N.-specialized agencies. Still others have worked in the Peace Corps and as human rights monitors.
One of our recent grads was accepted to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts, as well as Georgetown.
Majors also have pursued graduate studies in fields as diverse as law, city planning, public administration and public health at globally top-ranked programs such as Oxford, the Vienna Diplomatic Academy, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Columbia School of International and Public Affairs, and the Monterey Institute of International Studies.
If you’re looking for a multi-disciplinary major that will let you explore history, politics and economies on a global scale, this is the major for you. The international studies major will prepare you to critically examine today’s society. Many graduates go on to work in fields that allow them to help others through law, social services, research, education and even business and entrepreneurship.