International Opportunities
International Opportunities
» Recent International Field Research by Graduate Students
Opportunities for students, faculty activities, and extracurricular events all contribute to the international dimensions of the department.
Study Abroad
Globalization is a recognition of the fact that borders in our world are diminishing in importance and our interdependence is growing. Whether you will be seeking employment after graduate or will be looking to enroll in graduate or law school, an international experience can be an important addition to your portfolio. Political science students can effectively incorporate a meaningful international experience in their undergraduate career through study abroad. The Office of Study Abroad offers many programs that include courses in Political Science. You can also select programs through other universities and, with advance approval, apply some or all of your coursework to major credit, minor credit or general education credit. Programs vary in their duration, from as little as ten days to as long as an academic year. Grants and scholarships are available for certain programs.
Some of the countries in which WMU Political Science students have studied:
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Australia Czech Rep Japan Mexico Spain |
Austria Ecuador India Nicaragua Syria |
Canada Egypt Israel Peru United Kingdom |
China France Italy Russia Vietnam |
Cuba Germany Latvia Malaysia South Africa |
Field Research
Believe it or not, international field research is not beyond the scope of undergraduate students. In recent years, WMU Political Science students have conducted field research in Mexico, Spain and South Africa. Although the amount of planning and preparation is extensive, the reward is significant. Not only do you have a great and meaningful international experience, but you number among very few students nationwide who undertake such a project. For more on undergraduate research and funding opportunities, see our student research page.
MDA alumnus Almaz Saifutdinov, on the staff in the Political and Economics section of the US Embassy in Tajikistan, together with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, October 2005.
International Internships
Several WMU political science students have served in internships overseas!
Colloquia and Presentations
The Institute of Government and Politics regularly organizes colloquia and presentations, many of which are international in character.
The George Klein Endowment
The George Klein Endowment, created in honor of the late Dr. George Klein, a longtime faculty member, supports scholarly and student activities and provides scholarship support for students from Eastern Europe to study at WMU.