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

Quinlyn Mork

Grand Rapids Paralegal Volunteers with Iraqi Refugee Community

Jamie Bash

Operation & Policy Analyst/Risk Communications Analyst, Oregon Health Authority

Amy Fuerstenau

1999 Graduate Former Advisor to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Now Senior Political Strategist at the Energy Foundation

Sam Stephenson

Chargeback Analyst and Specialist at Super.com in Quebec, Canada

Shingi Mavima

Ph.D. in African and African American Studies, Assistant Professor of African and African American Studies, University of Toledo

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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