Shelly Greendyk
2018 Graduate Lands Job with DOD
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
Jordan (Crandell) Baah Sackey
Program Manager for Jobs for the Future (JFF).
Kendall Souders
Senior Functional Analyst, Department of Health and Human Services for General Dynamics Information Technology.
Cody Gradwell
Peace Corps Mongolia, now Teacher at Orcholon International School, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Courtney Johnston
Entrepreneur Founds Copywriting Business
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
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?
February 10, 2026 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...
Real Talk: Social Sciences Edition
February 10, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Gain inside information on career paths, resumes, interviewing, networking, and other career-related concepts that you can start using TODAY as a student by rotating between stations led by GVSU alumni...
Drop-In Days of Service
February 13, 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
GVSU Faculty Fulbright Scholar Panel and Information Session (Friday, Feb. 13, 2026)
February 13, 2026 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Are you preparing for an upcoming sabbatical or other form of leave? Intrigued by the idea of a Fulbright Scholar or Fulbright Specialist award and eager to learn more? Join this Fulbright Scholar...
Fulbright US Student Program - Virtual Information Session
February 19, 2026 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Are you interested in teaching English abroad? Are you curious about studying for a Master's degree abroad? The Fulbright program might be for you! Join me to learn more! For more Information...