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

Amanda Fortino Spotlight

Amanda Fortino

Director of Leadership Giving at Farm Sanctuary

Erin (Meteer) Hendges Spotlight

Erin (Meteer) Hendges

Campaign Fundraiser Founds Consulting Firm

Nick Girimont Spotlight

Nick Girimont

1L at MSU College of Law

Alan Dunklow Spotlight

Alan Dunklow

Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland

Jacob Johnston Spotlight

Jacob Johnston

Grant Writer and Case Manager

View More PLS Alumni Spotlights

News

Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar

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

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

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS alum William Thompson is attending law school at the University of Michigan

Sep 12, 2025

Diven Honored with Award

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

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

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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...

Laker Family Holiday Brunch

December 6, 2025 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Show your Laker pride and enjoy the spirit of the season, all wrapped up in one event! Join fellow alumni and families for a holiday brunch. There will be crafts for the little Lakers, photo opportunities...

Alumni Webinar: Lead with Love with Jeff Doolittle

December 16, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Lead with Love: The Habit that Elevates People, Profit, and Purpose In today’s complex and uncertain workplace, leadership rooted in love — not transaction — is a true differentiator. Whether...

GVSU Detroit Sports Days

January 3, 2026 All Day

Join fellow Lakers for two days of sports in Detroit! Cheer on the Red Wings and Pistons and score limited-edition, co-branded merch! Each ticket sold through this special package includes a donation...

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...

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Page last modified July 11, 2018