Grand Valley International Relations

Welcome to International Relations (IR) at GVSU!

Are you interested in international events and trends? Can you envision a career in global affairs, international business, or law? Have you imagined working for a multinational corporation or an international non-profit institution? The IR program is a good place for you to start.

IR equips majors and minors with the tools they need to understand global and international trends. Our students seek to understand issues of global importance, including development, the environment, security, human rights, migration, and the interconnections between  governance, economics, power, and identity.

Our curriculum includes a strong interdisciplinary core, enhanced by a flexible set of electives that allow you to configure your studies to meet your own interests. 

Please explore our website and contact our Program Director, Professor Polly Diven, ([email protected]) for additional information.

Events

Thinking Globally: Cultural Meanings of Food (Approved INT 100/201)

November 17, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Join us for a cultural conversation exploring food, language, and cultural identity. We'll dive into the cultural history behind various international dishes, discovering how culture, language,...

Fellowships Information Session: Planning to apply for the Gilman? Exploring Fulbright? Interested in the NSF Goldwater for students planning on graduate research in STEM? Curious about fellowship opportunities generally?

November 20, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Welcome! Join us to explore the world of nationally competitive fellowships. Planning to apply for the Gilman to help defray the cost of GVSU undergraduate study abroad? Exploring Fulbright or another...

Volunteering at Feeding America West Michigan - Global Horizons Week (INT 100/201 Approved)

November 21, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Join students, staff, and faculty from the Area and Global Studies program to fight against hunger and make an impact on your local community! Please email Dr. Brian Johnson at johnsonb@gvsu.edu or...

Fellowships Information Session: Planning to apply for the Gilman? Exploring Fulbright? Interested in the NSF Goldwater for students planning on graduate research in STEM? Curious about fellowship opportunities generally?

December 4, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Welcome! Join us to explore the world of nationally competitive fellowships. Planning to apply for the Gilman to help defray the cost of GVSU undergraduate study abroad? Exploring Fulbright or another...

Drop in days of service

December 5, 2025 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Drop-in Days of Service are on-campus opportunities for students to "drop in" and complete service projects for service hours. At these days of service, students will learn more about different...

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News

Ozinga Starting Law School at Case Western

Ozinga Starting Law School at Case Western

IR alum Kyla Ozinga is starting law school at Case Western

Sep 16, 2025

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

IR and PLS Alumni Starting Law School

PLS, IR and Human Rights alum Taylor Bessinger is attending the University of Illinois College of Law

Sep 12, 2025

Salam Attending Harvard Law

Salam Attending Harvard Law

IR alum Shireen Salam is attending Harvard Law School.

Sep 9, 2025

Diven Honored with Award

Diven Honored with Award

Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.

Jun 23, 2025

Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

The Political Science Department is pleased to recognize Avabella Madison as our Batchelder Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year.

May 13, 2025

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Spotlights

Joey Courtade Spotlight

Joey Courtade

GlobaLinks Learning Abroad Alumni of the Year

Aisha Espey Spotlight

Aisha Espey

Aisha Espey lands a position with Meridian International Center in Washington D.C.

Steven Richardson Spotlight

Steven Richardson

Travel Assistance Coordinator for Youth For Understanding

Ellyanne Rosenthal Spotlight

Ellyanne Rosenthal

Global Mobility Partner - Europe

Paul Bratt Spotlight

Paul Bratt

2013 Graduate Now Judicial Clerk in U.S. District Court

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Page last modified August 29, 2022