Study Abroad

Political Science students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of GVSU's many study abroad opportunities.

Click here for our helpful Study Abroad Guide for PLS

Also, check out GVSU's Padnos International Center 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 more information.

PLS Alumni Spotlights

Lindsay (Schachtner) Ryan

Chief of Staff, Congressman John Moolenaar

Maro Houhanisin

Attorney for Probate, Estate Planning and Domestic Relations

Natalie Cleary

Brand Manager, Meijer

Derrick Mathis

Manager, State Government Affairs, Charter Communications

Joshua Lunger

Vice President of Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

View More PLS Alumni Spotlights

News

GV in DC Scholarship

Deadline: October 16, 2026

Oct 1, 2026

PAUL B. HENRY CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP

Deadline: October 16, 2026

Oct 1, 2026

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

Kilburn Publishes New Book

This spring, Dr. Whitt Kilburn, Associate Professor of Political Science at Grand Valley State University, published Introduction to Political Analysis in R through Chapman and Hall/CRC.

Sep 12, 2025