Amy Fuerstenau
1999 Graduate Former Advisor to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Now Senior Political Strategist at the Energy Foundation
Study Abroad
International Relations students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of GVSU's many study abroad opportunities.
Click here for our helpful Study Abroad Guide for IR
Also, check out GVSU's Padnos International Centers, an incredible resource for students contemplating study abroad.
The GVSU Political Science department has recently developed a GVSU Partnership Student Exchange program with two universities in Perugia, Italy, the sister city of Grand Rapids. Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of four semesters of Italian language to participate. Click here for a brochure.
Spotlights
Jasmine (Tolbert) Caldwell
2006 Graduate Technical Expert at the Social Security Administration in Chicago
Sam Stephenson
Member of U.S. Air Force, Graduate of the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California
Autumn Modena
2015 Graduate Founder of RefuTea
Andrew Light
2016 Graduate Pursues Graduate Study at University of Michigan
News
Pullins Wins Outstanding Paper Award
Sarah D. Pullins is the winner of the Outstanding Paper Award for Political Science and International Relations.
May 3, 2024
GV IN DC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER: JACKSON TISDALE
Jackson Tisdale is the recipient of the Grand Valley in DC Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year. The purpose of this alumni-funded scholarship is to assist students in pursuing internship opportunities in Washington, D.C.
Apr 5, 2024
Tafel Recognized for Excellence in Teaching
Dr. Tafel wins Pew Teaching Excellence Award
Feb 19, 2024
Outstanding Student Paper Competition
Eligibility is open to all students who major in political science or international relations.
Feb 13, 2024
John T. Batchelder Political Science Scholarship
The John T. Batchelder scholarship is funded by a generous grant from the Batchelder family. The scholarship honors Dr. John Thayer Batchelder who served as a Grand Valley State University professor until his retirement in 1997.
Feb 13, 2024
Events
Virtual Information Session: Fulbright US Student Program (English Teaching Assistantship and Study/Research)
May 15, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Interested in teaching English abroad as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA)? Curious about the Fulbright Study/Research (S/R) grants for US students seeking support for a year of funded graduate...
Virtual Information Session: Fulbright US Student Program (English Teaching Assistantship and Study/Research)
May 30, 2024 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Interested in teaching English abroad as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA)? Curious about the Fulbright Study/Research (S/R) grants for US students seeking support for a year of funded graduate...
Virtual Information Session: Fulbright US Student Program (English Teaching Assistantship and Study/Research)
June 4, 2024 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Interested in teaching English abroad as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA)? Curious about the Fulbright Study/Research (S/R) grants for US students seeking support for a year of funded graduate...
Virtual Info Session: Gilman International Scholarship and other undergraduate fellowships that help with costs of study abroad - Interested in applying? Join me to learn more!
August 6, 2024 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join me to learn more about the Gilman International Scholarship and other fellowships (external, competitive, high-impact opportunities) that help to defray the cost of undergraduate study abroad! The...
U.S. Student Fulbright INTERNAL Deadline
August 16, 2024 All Day
The US Student Fulbright program is the flagship international exchange program of the US State Department. There are two basic types of Fulbright awards: English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award and...