Dorothy Sewe
International Refugee Work in Grand Rapids
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
Jasmine (Tolbert) Caldwell
2006 Graduate Technical Expert at the Social Security Administration in Chicago
Emily Brown
West Africa PEPFAR Advisor/Coordinator, International Business and Technical Consultants, Inc. Formerly employed at US State Department and US Agency for International Development
Paul Bratt
2013 Graduate Now Judicial Clerk in U.S. District Court
Amanda Miralrio
Compliance Office for U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control
News
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
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
Events
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...
Fulbright US Student Program - Virtual Information Session
January 15, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 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...
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...
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...