3 answers
4
Asked 1173 views

Is it beneficial to go to university outside of the country if pursuing a major in international affairs?

I'm a sophomore in high school and I was thinking about different colleges and majors. I was wondering if it is beneficial to go to university outside of country if a person wants to major in international affairs. #college #college-major #international #international-affairs

college-major international-affairs
Thank you comment icon Thank you Alex! Luka
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
4

3 answers

2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Deepraj’s Answer

It actually depends. The kind of studies you want to go through, if the colleges/institutes in your country don't have the necessary resources, then you should go for colleges out of your country.

Thank you comment icon Thank you! Luka
2
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Ken’s Answer

Hi Luka!


I would say that at some point it might be good, but you should consider a school in the US that has a good program. Here are some pieces of advice:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors/social-sciences-international-relations
https://ir.cas2.lehigh.edu/content/careers-international-affairs


Best of luck. I would like to follow your progress. Please keep me informed.
Thank you comment icon Thank you Mr. Simmons once again! Your responses really help me understand the career path. Luka
Thank you comment icon You are welcome. Happy to help. Please keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress. Ken Simmons
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Julia’s Answer

Hi Luka,


This is a great question! I definitely think its beneficial to STUDY ABROAD, if you're pursuing a major in international affairs. However, I would do plenty of research before deciding to go to school full-time outside of the country.


The following advice is based on what I've heard from friends and coworkers who have experience living and working abroad:

  • If you plan on living and working abroad, going to school in that country can allow you to experience what it'd be like to live there long-term. If you like it, you may decide to start your career there. If you don't like it, you can move back home upon graduating.
  • However, if you plan on living and working in the U.S., and just want opportunities to travel abroad with your company, you may be better off going to school in the U.S.
  • Regardless of where the school is, you'll want to do plenty of research to find the best academic programs for international affairs.


Based on my personal experience, you will can find plenty of opportunities to study abroad, even if you go to school in the U.S. I went to college for finance and information systems. During my junior year, I went on a short study abroad program to Brazil, where I analyzed the I.S. landscape in the country. Many colleges even allow you to complete a year of your studies abroad, without affecting your progress toward graduation. I've had friends complete their junior year by spending 9 months in Spain, Italy, and France!


Given that you're a sophomore in high school, you have time to figure the best fit for you. Don't be afraid to ask teachers, advisors, and others in your network about their experiences.


I hope this helps!

Julia recommends the following next steps:

Research the best colleges for International Affairs. The rankings may differ from website to website, but here's one I found that includes programs across the world: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings-articles/university-subject-rankings/top-universities-politics-international-studies-2017
Research the different options for studying abroad, including the difference between a study abroad program, an exchange, an internship abroad, and more. Start here: https://www.isepstudyabroad.org/guides-and-tips/
Think about what countries you'd like to live, work, and study in. Research the pros and cons of living, working, and studying in those countries.
0