• Virtual information session: We invite freshman in the class of 2026 to join us for a virtual information session about the IS major and minor this Friday, January 20 at noon, via Zoom. IS Program faculty and Peer Advisors will lead the session, talk about their experience, and answer your questions. 
• Applications to join the class of 2026 International Studies major are due February 1. Click here to learn more. 
• Freshman can drop in for an appointment with our Peer Advisors (see times at bottom of this email), or make an online appointment with them, to talk about the application and the major or minor.  
   

• Global Conversations is looking for leaders to join the project and take part in organizing and facilitating conversations. Why join the team? The Global Conversations project provides a unique platform on which we connect students from around the world to engage on important and ethical topics of their choice. Students who choose to lead conversations get a chance to hone their leadership and facilitation, intercultural communication, and event planning skills! For students that have an interest in international affairs, it serves as a wonderful chance to gain experience in multicultural exchange and foster connectivity with the rest of the world. Please fill out this form if you are interested in helping with this student-led project!

• Join your GroupMe conversation to stay up-to-date on all things IS, and to connect with peers: Class of 2023 * Class of 2024 * Class of 2025 

Lowell Lecture - Seyla Benhabib: The Seductions of Sovereignty: A Democratic and Cosmopolitan Critique

• When: Wednesday, January 25th at 7pm
• Where: Gasson 100 

• Islam and Modernity: The Turkish Experience (ICSP 3315)
  Taught by Prof. Mustafa Akyol on Mondays 2:00-4:20pm. This course will present an overview of this history beginning with the Tanzimat (Reform) era of the 19th century, to the secularist foundations of the Turkish Republic, to the post-secular New Turkey of today. Focus will be on Islamic ideas, which, throughout this turbulent history, took various forms: progressive or reactionary, moderate or militant, liberal or authoritarian. Approved for elective IS credit in the CC, ESJ, and GC-SM concentrations.

• Working for and with Communities: Community Engaged and Project Based Learning for the Common Good (SCHI 3001+3002, with travel to Siem Reap, Cambodia)
  The Schiller Institute is offering a new course sequence in spring and summer 2023 (enrollment in both semesters is required). A small interdisciplinary group of non-graduating students will be selected through an application process to enroll. Meets Fridays 10-11:30am in the Spring, with a three-week immersive in Siem Reap, Cambodia in the summer, in partnership with Jesuit Refugee Services. Spring sessions will be led by faculty from across BC, including modules on community-engagement; intercultural competency: understanding global dynamics from an historical perspective; community-based mental health & psychosocial support; culture, history and etiquette of Cambodia; design thinking; project-specific training; leadership; and team building. Approved for GC-CW and ESJ elective credit in the IS Program. Find more info here. 

Cross-Current Seminar on Intercultural Competency (1 credit)

• The course, taught by Prof. Adrienne Nussbaum, meets Tuesdays 4:30-5:45pm in Stokes Hall. Over the course of the past two years, the world has experienced twin pandemics, COVID-19, and a continuation of systemic racism. Students entering the workforce today, no matter what profession or field of study, need to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to successfully interact with colleagues, clients, customers and communities who are different from themselves. This seminar will help students develop their knowledge and skills through intentional exposure to relevant theoretical materials, meaningful and structured interactions and discussions with diverse groups of people, and reflection on the impact of these experiences on their own identities and their relationships with others. Issues pertaining to both domestic and international diverse populations will be explored as well as current local, national, and international events which relate to these topics. Email Prof. Nussbaum to register (send eagle ID and a sentence or two about why you want to take this course).

Summer Diplomatic Fellowship

• The Washington International Diplomatic Academy's summer course is a unique practical professional training program that introduces undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, to careers in international diplomacy by allowing them to learn from and work with career ambassadors with decades of experience. This opportunity designed for students with demonstrated financial need. Early admission deadline is January 31 at 11:59 pm, or while funds last!  You can fill out this interest form, or get more information here. The program covers the fundamentals of diplomatic practice and focuses on real-world aspects of work in embassies, consulates, government agencies, international organizations and global NGOs. The instructors are professional diplomats who have served in dozens of countries around the world. They teach the skills they learned by practicing diplomacy and managing international relations, with simulation exercises and case studies derived from their own careers. They offer insight into policy-making and implementation, diplomatic protocol, the functions and management of embassies and consulates, diplomatic reporting and writing, negotiation and mediation, political and economic tradecraft, public diplomacy, cross-cultural communication and other competencies. Students who plan to apply should contact Prof. Owens; a scholarship may be available.

• Fund your unpaid school year internship with the Eagle Intern Fellowship! This is a competitive funding opportunity from the BC Career Center designed for students with demonstrated financial need. Please be advised the school year has a final deadline of January 31st at 11:59 pm or while funds last! If you would like to fill out an interest form, please click here, and for more general information, please click here.
   

• Advising & Career section of the IS Program site; and our Alumni Career Conversations video series
• BC International Studies LinkedIn group
• Handshake: BC's career management platform for finding internship and career opportunities
• Eagle Exchange: Alumni mentoring/networking
• BC Career Center: In-depth resources and career coaches