Keuka College Logo

International Studies

A Degree in International Studies Educates Leaders in Global Politics, Commerce, and Culture

The world has become increasingly more interconnected with professionals in a variety of fields studying the best practices to help them navigate shifts among nations. Keuka College’s International Studies program will enhance your world view and give you a better understanding of the complex world we live in.

Keuka College is a small liberal arts college in upstate New York with a strong tradition in international learning. Our robust partnership programs in China and Vietnam were launched two decades ago, establishing Keuka College as a partner in international studies in Asia.

As an International Studies major at Keuka College, you’ll examine the relationships between international and regional issues. Our program prepares students with the skills to succeed in a fast-paced, globalized workplace, and in a variety of fields.

You’ll be prepared for success in an increasingly multinational society where political, economic, and cultural insights can enhance career opportunities. Keuka College’s International Studies program is a rigorous program that combines strong academics with enriching experiential learning.
 

Program Highlights

An Internship Every Year

Our students have traveled to all seven continents—from Australia to China, from France to Antarctica, and from South Africa to the Galapagos Islands—all with the goal of learning from the people who call those countries home. You could find yourself in the rain forests of Costa Rica, building houses in Nicaragua, meeting the former prime minister of Romania, or helping teach English to children in Tanzania. Keuka College even offers scholarships to help you on your way.

Customize Your Degree

All International Studies students have the opportunity to customize their degree with one of three Major Tracks: Global Cultures, Global Business & Economy, and Global Affairs & Public Policy. Students must also study at least two regions outside of the United States across all courses taken for the major. Electives allow you to further customize your studies. 

Explore Other Cultures

International studies is not just about traveling to other countries to learn; you’ll examine the connections between international and regional issues. You’ll learn differences in economic, political, and cultural development. As an international studies major, you will cultivate an understanding of different needs and perspectives and explore solutions to complex problems that affect our world.

Request More Information

We asked our students to tell you why Keuka College was the best choice for them — and why Keuka College could be the best choice for you.

Just fill in your information below and we’ll email or text what they said right now.

Loading...
Sarah Honan

You can never fully understand something until you experience it firsthand. Read all the books and media you want, but nothing compares to being barefoot, knee deep in a muddy rice paddy with a bunch of strangers who have somehow become your new family. If you have the opportunity to travel, why not make a change while doing it? And who knows—maybe it will change something deep inside you.

— Sarah Honan '21

The Keuka College International Studies program prepares students for careers in government, foreign diplomatic service, intelligence agencies, international business, journalism, law, and other professional paths.

The program is designed to expose you to the theoretical, substantive, and ethical dimensions through which nations interact. Through the program, you’ll be ready to take on a career at the World Health Organization, the United Nations, or other exemplary international service organizations. 

The International Studies Program is interdisciplinary in nature, and offers courses that explore the cultural, social, political, and economic issues affecting the world’s population. When combined with the experiential learning we offer within the classroom and our hands-on Field Period® program, it equips you with a solid toolkit of skills ready to apply in any field you choose.
 

Program Requirements

career options

What Can I Do with an International Studies Degree?

An International Studies degree is incredibly versatile and opens a world of career opportunities, including as a:

  • Associate Resettlement Officer
  • CIA Agent
  • Culture and Arts Promoter
  • Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer (consular, economic, management, political, or public diplomacy-focused)
  • Economist
  • FBI Agent
  • Foreign Exchange Trader
  • Humanitarian Aid Worker
  • Immigration Officer
  • International Financial Analyst
  • International Journalist
  • International Program Officer
  • Lawyer (International, corporate, immigration, human rights, etc.)
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Paralegal
  • Political Consultant
  • Political Scientist/Policy Analyst
  • Social/Community Service Manager
  • Think Tank Research Associate
  • Tour Guide
  • UNESCO Official
  • United Nations Worker

Keuka College's Field Period

Much More Than An Annual Internship

A woman looks at a mountain. There is a goal flag on the top of the mountain, and dotted lines and milestone markers that track toward the goal.

icon of two people near a document

Build Your Résumé

And Your Own Professional Network

icon of experience gears

Get Real Experience

You'll Use in Your Field and Throughout Your Life

icon of a compass

Discover Yourself

Learn What You Like and Where You Want to Go

“

College is a time for discovery and exploration, and thanks to my Field Period® trip, I have once again freed the traveler’s spirit that resides in me, because there is an entire world to explore. Travelling abroad taught me so much about myself, the diversity of the world, and the similarities between seemingly different countries.

— Megan O’Dell ’20

Where Can an International Studies Field Period Take You?

International Studies majors often use Field Period® to explore different career paths in various professional settings across the country and around the world. Some recent Field Period® sites include:

  • Macquarie University, McMahons Point NSW, Australia
  • James Cook University, Australia
  • CETYS University, Ensenada, Mexico
  • 4 Wall Project, El Sauce, Nicaragua
  • Mariposa Foundation, Cabarete, the Dominican Republic
  • Via None, 10048 Vinovo Turin, Italy
  • Virtual Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4X3, Canada
  • The Burnaby Centre for Mental Health & Addiction, Burnaby, Canada
  • Vietcombak, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Gallon Jug Community School, Belize City, Belize
  • Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
  • Galapagos Islands

Your future international studies professors are much more than exceptional teachers — they're accomplished researchers and extraordinary academic advisors. 

Your international studies professors will get to know you as an individual. They'll help you maximize your strengths, improve upon your weaknesses, and advise you on the courses you'll need to take so you can make the most of your international studies degree and enjoy the career of your dreams, whether your next step is a career or graduate school.

Estimate Your Scholarship

How Would You Join Keuka College and with What GPA?

81%
81%

Estimated Scholarship Value

/year

With maximum state and federal aid, you could attend Keuka College for just per year. Check our math.

See More Scholarships

Affording Your Keuka College Education

Keuka College scholarships, state and federal grants, employer tuition remission, and military benefits are financial aid options that may be available to you. Our financial aid team is here to help you navigate the process and find as many opportunities as are available to you. 

Your application for admission is also your application for financial aid. It's free to apply, so why not start your application today?

Comparing Us to a SUNY or CUNY?
"Free tuition" at state schools doesn't come without costs. Even though Keuka College is private, that doesn't mean a state school will be less expensive for you, even if you're eligible for the Excelsior Scholarship.

Learn More and Get the Facts

We can't wait to have you as part of our #KCFamily! Your admissions counselor is here to help guide and support you every step of the way.

Admissions Requirements

  • Submit an Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarship Opportunities.
  • Keuka College is test optional and believes there's much more to you than just a test score. The admissions committee considers all application materials in its holistic review of your eligibility. 
  • There is no deadline to apply, and we offer rolling admissions. The sooner you submit your application, the sooner you'll receive your admissions decision and scholarship. In most cases, you'll receive a response from us within 1-2 weeks. 

Next Steps

Take a Virtual Tour

Visit Campus

Apply Online

Visit Us

Ways to Connect

Ball Hall Icon Personal Tour

One of the best ways to explore Keuka College is through a personalized campus visit.

Icon of two people talking Campus Events

Get the full campus experience at the lake!

An icon with a laptop inside. Virtual Tour

Explore Our Campus Now: Take a Virtual Tour

See the Full Calendar

Popular Searches

More at Keuka College