[Mission] [International Trade] [Model United Nations]
[Study Abroad] [Immigration] [Faculty & Staff]
The Center for International Studies is committed to providing students, the university, and the community with educational opportunities that offer an international perspective recognizing the plurality of cultures, the interdependence of nations, the existence of common political, economic, social and ecological concerns, and the urgent need for more effective methods of international and intercultural cooperation. Through its curriculum and sponsored activities, the Center for International Studies seeks to enhance the understanding of global issues and exposure to contemporary world cultures.
The International Trade degree, unique in the state of Georgia, combines courses in international studies, international business and foreign language into a unified program of study. Students are required to complete an international internship which offers the opportunity to gain global business knowledge while experiencing immersion in another culture. In addition, International Trade students acquire regional specialization, foreign language proficiency, and leadership development. International Studies, a major that leans heavily towards the liberal arts, gives students many career choices upon graduation ranging from work with governmental and nongovernmental organizations to the pursuit of advanced degrees and future employment in international law and diplomacy.
The Georgia Southern Model United Nations programs complement the degree programs by offering both majors and non-majors experience within that venue. The Model UN delegation works closely with its director to host programs for middle school and high school students. In addition, the university delegation prepares for participation in the national collegiate Model UN each spring. Georgia Southern University’s students compete on the highest levels and have received many awards, the most recent being an award for Outstanding Position Paper at the 2003 Model UN NationalConference.
Assignment to the Center of a coordinator responsible for study abroad and exchange programs has provided much needed manpower for recruitment efforts both on- and off-campus. Design and production of a general study abroad brochure was completed and the brochure distributed to students at study abroad fairs, on-campus open houses and off-campus recruiting receptions. Moreover, guidelines for study abroad crisis prevention and management were established for directors and faculty teaching courses abroad. During the year, the coordinator attends study abroad fairs and meets with students individually to help them plan for their programs abroad.
Integration of personnel to handle immigration documentation and international student programming into the Center for International Studies has completed centralization of all international activities. The assignment of an International Student Coordinator and Immigration Specialist has allowed the Center to designate personnel who are available to assist international students with the paperwork required to maintain their student status. Through workshops and other interactive programming, students are aided in their task of adjusting to campus life.
The faculty and staff of the Center for International Studies thrive on challenges and strive to achieve a number of goals. Future goals include the establishment additional study abroad and exchange programs, expanded international internship opportunities, and Georgia Southern international studies centers at partner universities in each major region of the world. Other goals are expanded international recruitment efforts and increased presence within the overall undergraduate academic curriculum.
© 2006 Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia 30460
