Kristina Wallace
2004 Graduate Now Program Manager at Pardee RAND Graduate School
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
Carla Villasana-Moore
Business Immigration Analyst and Paralegal for Fragomen
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.
Amanda (Miralrio) Murray
Senior Advisor to the Director of OFAC
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
Vote in Kirkhof
October 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cast your ballot right on campus with the Allendale Township Satellite Clerk's Office in the Kirkhof Center. Eligible voters can register to vote, update their voter registration, request an absentee...
Election Day Celebration
November 3, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join GVSU Votes!, President Mantella, the Laker Marching Band, the NAACP, and members of the NPHC for an Election Day Celebration and Stroll to the Polls!
Humans in the Lead: Community AI Summit (INT 100/201 Approved)
November 5, 2026 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Humans in the Lead: Community AI Summit Building Trustworthy and Sustainable AI The community AI summit brings together the community, public officials, business leaders, policymakers, community...
Global Community Day (INT 100/201 Approved)
November 5, 2026 3:00 PM - 5:00 AM
Join the Area and Global Studies programs as we cap off Global Horizons Week with a celebration and showcase of cultural diversity at GVSU. If you are interested in learning more about our minor programs...
DEM 101: Post-Election Reflection with the GVSU Center for Civil Discourse
November 11, 2026 6:00 PM
Join the GVSU Center for Civil Discourse for a guided conversation reflecting on the election, its outcomes, and what comes next. Engage in respectful dialogue, share perspectives, and explore how...