International Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies prepares students to be leaders in an increasingly interdependent global community. Structured coursework in comparative social, cultural, economic, and political models provides a contextual framework for understanding today’s world. Through a multidisciplinary lens, students are asked to look critically at the issues facing nations today. Finally, coursework in foreign languages and cross-cultural communication, as well as engagement in overseas field experiences round out the course of study, providing the graduate with the practical tools needed to apply one’s knowledge and skills to the world at large. To ensure this, students are required to complete at least one internship abroad and to study abroad for at least one full semester.

Students in the International Studies major are encouraged to plan their language courses and study/internship abroad experiences as early as possible in their academic careers through consultation with their advisors, the Chair of Humanities within the School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of International Education. First-year students are strongly urged to participate in a January internship/study abroad program offered through the School of International Education.

Study Abroad and Internship Requirements:

At least one internship must be international, and students must spend a minimum of one semester studying abroad. At least one of these experiences must be in either a non-English speaking or non-western country.

International Studies for International Students

International students should fulfill either the Study Abroad requirement or an Internship requirement in countries where their native language is not the primary language. Those students for whom English is their second language should take English courses or a third language in order to satisfy the foreign language requirement.

Students who have spent at least two years at an international institution (of higher education) may consider their time in the United States to be “abroad,” and any internships they complete while enrolled at the Beverly campus may be considered “international.” For these students, the Area Studies course requirement, normally completed overseas, may be fulfilled with any American Studies (AMS) course.

Extended Overseas Options:

Students are strongly encouraged to pursue more than the minimum required time abroad. Students can elect to spend up to five semesters overseas by availing themselves of several options or any combination thereof. Students may spend up to two years at either of Endicott’s branch campuses in Mexico and Spain and/or at any of Endicott’s approved study abroad sites. As of this writing, over 118 study abroad sites have been approved in 58 countries throughout the world, primarily through Endicott’s affiliation with the Council on International Educational Exchange, The School for International Training, and Lexia International. The list is continuously reviewed by the International Education Advisory Committee and updated on Endicott’s Website: http://www.endicott.edu/international. In addition, students can complete their semester-long internships throughout the world, under the supervision of an Endicott faculty member through distance learning technologies. Students (other than those who begin their studies on Endicott’s campuses in Spain and Mexico) are expected to spend at least the first year and final semester in residence in Beverly.

Examples of Internships include:

United Nations
UNICEF
UNESCO
Amnesty International
World Affairs Council
Foreign service
International Institute
Centro Presente
French Alliance
Refugee resettlement agencies
Museums
Local consulates
International education agencies and offices at colleges and universities