Meghan (Thatcher) Neuhaus
LMI Project Manager for Consumers Energy.
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
Courtney Johnston
Entrepreneur Founds Copywriting Business
Tim Zeeb
Director of Bergman Consulting
Brendan Sawyer
Studying at Wayne State Law School
Jessica Soto Smith
2011 Graduate at the Buffett Institute for Global Studies at Northwestern University, manages the marketing and communication strategy for NCA.
News
Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar
Olivia Robach (PLS and IR double major) earned a scholarship to join student scholars from around the US to attend the annual conference of the World Affairs Council in Washington, DC in November 2025.
Dec 3, 2025
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
PLS, IR and Human Rights alum Taylor Bessinger is attending the University of Illinois College of Law
Sep 12, 2025
Diven Honored with Award
Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.
Jun 23, 2025
Events
Elect Her (INT 100 approved)
March 19, 2026 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Running Start, the non-profit organization that runs the Elect Her program, brings campaign training and real-world experiences from currently-elected officials to college campuses across the U.S....
Religious Studies and Human Rights Pizza Night
March 25, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Are you looking for a dynamic minor that will complement your major, help you obtain communication and analytical skills, and make you more marketable to employers? Then come to our pizza night hosted...
Democracy 101: "Strongmen and How to Get Rid of Them" (INT 100/201 approved)
March 30, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Join us for a broad, quick survey of various “strongmen” that came to power more-or-less democratically throughout the past century, then subverted democracy and became autocrats. There...
Drop-In Days of Service
April 3, 2026 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. Click here for additional information
Join or Die Film Screening
April 3, 2026 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Join or Die is a documentary based on the research of political scientist Robert Putnam, exploring the critical role community participation plays in strengthening democracy and improving collective...