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International and Global Studies

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

In order to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures, International and Global Studies (IGS) majors take one additional language course (beyond the university requirement) and complete either a study abroad program or an international internship.

FAQs

1. Can I receive IGS credit for courses taken overseas?

Yes, provided that the courses offered by your chosen study abroad program are closely related to IGS requirements.

The class for which you are seeking IGS credit does not need to be identical to one being offered on campus: after all, you are going abroad to learn things you can’t learn here.  The classes should, however, resemble IGS classes.  Ask yourself: will this class teach me something critical to understanding the country or region to which I am traveling?  Will it illuminate some aspect of its politics, economics, and/or culture?

2. How many classes from my time abroad can I count toward the IGS major?

You may count two classes per semester toward the major.  If you are abroad for a year, you may count four classes toward the major.

3. Can I count a class toward IGS and some other major?

Yes -- if the other major will accept the class.

4. How can I be sure that classes I am planning to take abroad will count as IGS electives?

You can't. The IGS Study Abroad Liaison can review the classes that you are intersted in -- both at the time you apply for study abroad and sometimes by e-mail while you are enrolling in classes. But we can only confirm IGS credit once you have taken the class and returned to campus.

5. Is it possible to take one of the "core" IGS courses (the equivalent of IGS 10a, ANTH 1a, ECON 28b, POL 15a) abroad?

No. Students should take their core courses at Brandeis. In particular, for those contemplating study abroad, it is strongly recommended that they take their core courses before going abroad.

6. Do I need to do an international internship AND study abroad?

No. IGS is looking for you to have a substantive international experience. This can be accomplished by either studying abroad or completing an international internship.

Sample of Approved Programs with IGS Coursework 

• Brandeis in the Hague
  The Hague, Netherlands
  

• SFS/ Sustainable Development Studies
  Atenas, Costa Rica

• MSID/ International Development in Senegal
  Dakar, Senegal
  

• BU/ Sydney Internship Program
  Sydney, Australia 

IGS Study Abroad Liaison

To assist students with their academic choices abroad and to help answer any questions about receiving major/ minor credit while abroad, each academic department and program has assigned a faculty member to serve as the Study Abroad Liaison. IGS majors/minors who plan to study abroad should speak with the study abroad liaison before they go abroad, and again once they have returned from study abroad.

The liaison for IGS is Prof. Chandler Rosenberger.

Receiving Credit in IGS

Students wishing to receive IGS credit for work done off campus during the academic year should discuss their desired coursework with their study abroad liaison for IGS. After returning from abroad, download and complete the electronic Petition to Request Substitution for a Requirement form.

Funding Information

The Alberta Gotthardt and Henry Strage International Scholarship supports students wishing to study abroad in a developing country outside of the U.S., Canada or western Europe.

Boren Scholarships, The National Security Education Program (NSEP) Boren Scholarships provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to add an important international and language component to their educations. We focus on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study that are critical to U.S. national security, broadly defined, and underrepresented in study abroad.

Brandeis Scholarships for Study Abroad are available for students receiving need-based financial aid. Application materials are available online and in our office.

Visit the Study Abroad Financial Information page to read more about funding your study abroad experience.