International Affairs Program
The International Affairs Program is an interdisciplinary major for undergraduate students as well as a venue for various community outreach projects. The Program is intense, promotes a liberal
arts perspective on undergraduate education, and prepares its graduates for advanced education and professional careers in an increasingly interdependent world. The Program also serves as a central
contact for activities related to international relations in the Northern Nevada Community.
Because of the diversity of options within the major, students should seek academic advising prior to enrollment each semester. An appointment can be set up by sending an email to the Graduate Assistant (iaff@unr.edu) responsible for academic advising for the program. Prior to meeting with the advisor, students should read the Program Document. Students should bring a recent copy of their DARS report with them to each appointment. The Graduate Assistant's office is located in Room 226 of the Mack Social Sciences Building.
While it is under the auspices of the Department of Political Science, the International Affairs Program is interdisciplinary – courses are drawn from a variety of academic disciplines to provide students many perspectives on their area of study. This gives students flexibility in planning a curriculum that is suited to their particular interests and career goals. Students choose approved courses from a variety of departments and are encouraged to take advantage of internship and study abroad opportunities.
Areas of study and the departments offering courses for International Affairs students include Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, foreign languages and cultures. Specialized options include:
- Asia
- Europe
- Latin America
- North America
- Diplomacy, Law, and Organization
- International Environmental Studies
- International Political Economy
For current information on scholarships, events, and opportunities check the International Affairs announcement boards in the hallway on the second floor in the MSS building. Scholarships, lectures, job opportunities and more are posted consistently throughout the semester.
Get Involved!
There are several ways for students to get involved in the study of international affairs inside and outside the classroom.
Model United Nations (IAFF 300)
The Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations system. Each Spring semester students assume the roles of ambassadors to the United Nations and debate current global issues. Participants seek ways, through diplomacy and negotiation, in which the world community can deal with complex global concerns such as the environment, economic development, refugees, AIDS, conflict resolution, disarmament and human rights. Students from diverse backgrounds travel out of state to participate in these educational exercises to experience first-hand decision-making processes and diplomatic work at the United Nations. There is an extra fee associated with this program.
Study Abroad
The University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) is an international program with an office at UNR. The consortium offers programs in sixteen countries. It also offers language programs in Chile, China, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Students may enroll in these programs as early as the summer following high school graduation. Scholarships and financial aid can be used for all USAC programs and for other options approved in advance. USAC also has affiliations with universities that allow students to study in Australia, Denmark, Israel, Malta, New Zealand, Scotland, England, Ireland, and Thailand.
We strongly encourage students to plan to study abroad as an integral part of their training. For additional information visit the USAC website at www.usac.unr.edu or call 775-784-6569.
International Affairs Club
The International Affairs Club is a student-run organization that meets regularly throughout the academic year. This is a great way to meet fellow students, to learn more about international affairs in a fun setting, and to get involved at UNR. For more information contact the program advisor at iaff@unr.edu.
International Affairs Program Internships
The International Affairs Program accepts applications from students who wish to gain experience while earning course credit. Interns are involved in coordinating events, communicating with international organizations, carrying out administrative duties for the International Affairs Program, assisting the International Relations faculty with research, and other projects as they arise.
International Affairs Program History
The International Affairs Program was established at the University of Nevada, Reno in 1986 by Dr. Richard Ganzel. This is also the same year the Board of Regents approved the program. One year later, the 1987-1988 Course Catalog included the requirements for prospective International Affairs Majors. The International Affairs Program celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2006-2007.
From its initiation, the International Affairs Program has worked closely with the University Studies Abroad Consortium, which provides a rich range of study abroad options.
Dependent initially upon operating expenses from the Political Science Program, International Affairs acquired its first graduate assistant and Carina Black and Richard Ganzel developed a distinct introductory course plus a Model United Nations training course. Needing additional financial support, they initiated the International Cultural Gala and its campus support base among a wide array of student clubs and their faculty advisors. After earning her Ph.D. at UNR, Dr. Black continued to teach in the program while taking on responsibility for the US Department of State-funded International Visitor's Program and the Language Bank of Northern Nevada, thereby providing a rich opportunity for international internships and career promotion for IA students in the Northern Nevada International Center. After struggling for many years with ad hoc efforts to bring distinguished international diplomats and scholars to the UNR campus, a collaborative effort yielded the statewide Nevada Committee on Foreign Relations as a member-funded organization whose efforts now provide student access to international specialists on a monthly basis.
Beyond its initial base in Latin American Studies and international political economy, the addition of Asian languages and international specialists to the UNR faculty has strengthened the original components of International Affairs and permitted the addition of options in Asian Studies and international environmental studies.