IAS Study Abroad

Drexel University sponsors a number of study abroad programs around the world and in a variety of academic disciplines.  IAS believes studying abroad is an integral way to gain a comprehensive international academic experience.  For this reason, IAS strongly encourages all students to study abroad as part of their course of study.   

The IAS Abroad study-internship programs in Europe and the study programs in Costa Rica, China, Russia, Jordan, and Japan are an integral part of the IAS curriculum and may be used to fulfill requirements in the major. The European internships are with national legislative bodies (in Brussels, with the European Parliament) or with political action agencies, service agencies, and international business firms. Drexel Abroad programs in Costa Rica and Asia include intensive language courses and a choice of coursework in areas such as host country history, politics, literature, economics, and society.

Requirements for the Drexel Abroad program are:

• Pre-Junior or Junior status (apply the year before you want to go)
• Recommended cumulative GPA of 3.0 for juniors and 3.5 for pre-juniors
• Successful completion of Level 203 in the national language, and
  formal validation of competence by the Foreign Language Programs
• Completion of at least two history, sociology, and/or politics courses
  above the first-year level

For more information about available study abroad programs, click here.

 

 

 

Model Organization of American states

Annual participation in the Model General Assembly of the Organization of American States has become a vital component of the International Area Studies program and one of our most popular opportunities.

This week-long simulation takes place each year in the Pan American Building in Washington, DC, where the real-life OAS meets. Taking on the various diplomatic roles of a member state, Drexel students work with delegates from other schools to debate major issues and present formal policy resolutions in committees and in the plenary session of the Model General Assembly.

To prepare for the simulation, student delegates take a term-length course on the OAS with Dr. Douglas Porpora. The course addresses the structure and purpose of the OAS as well as the problems, current political situation and diplomatic positions of the country they will represent. Students learn parliamentary procedures, prepare and debate resolutions, and study the diplomatic documents provided by the OAS. The program offers hands-on experience in lobbying and political negotiation, and examines the difficulties encountered in resolving international problems. "I learned more in Washington in one week than I learned in six months on co-op" is the way one student delegate described the OAS sessions.

 

 

Mid-Atlantic European Union Simulation

The European Union Simulation, organized by the Mid-Atlantic European Union Simulation Consortium, takes place during the first weekend of December in Washington, DC. During the simulation, students attend briefings at an EU member state's embassy and the US State Department, and participate in a satellite teleconference with EU-based diplomats in Brussels, Belgium. After the first day of embassy visits and briefings, the students enter into two full days of negotiations with their colleagues from other participating institutions. Student delegates from Drexel and other college and university Consortium members represent all fifteen European Union member states in the simulation proceedings. Each school spends two consecutive years as a particular member state.

The project has received glowing reviews from students and faculty participants alike. According to one Drexel delegate, "The simulation was a great way to 'learn by doing' the complexities of the European politics, and research and collaboration on the issues which pertained to Belgium - the country Drexel represented—built team-work among the Drexel students...."

Drexel students participate in the European Union Simulation PSCI 357 will survey the European Union's history, institutions, and decision-making processes. Students will then examine the EU's common foreign and security policy, which is the focus of the 2001 European Union Simulation and includes issues such as the EU's relationship with NATO and Eastern Europe. Since Drexel will represent Spain in the simulation, the final part of the course serves as an introduction to Spain's political system and its role in the EU.

 

 

Model United Nations in New York

Each year, a select group of IAS students attend the National Model UN in New York City for one week.  Students take an International Organizations course that presents an overview of the nature and function of international organizations in world politics. The role of the United Nations and its agencies are also highlighted through the course.

The Model UN brings together students and faculty from five continents.  Students learn how to develop resolutions addressing regional conflicts, peacekeeping, human rights, women and children, economic and social development, and the environment.  The Model UN provides students with an understanding of the inner workings of the United Nations and helps them build skills in diplomacy and compromise.

 

 

Modern Languages

In today's "global village", immediate communication and world travel are commonplace. While we are each citizens of a single country, we are also citizens of the world, and we in IAS believe that learning a language is a great way to become a productive and influential global citizen. Learning another language not only allows us to communicate with others, it is also essential to understanding other cultures and functioning in foreign countries, be it for leisure, study, or work purposes.

For these reasons, IAS requires all students to take at least 21 credits in 1 language with at least 4 courses at the 300 level.  The languages offered include Arabic, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.  Beginner-level courses are also available in Korean, Greek, and Hebrew.

learn more, click here to go visit the Modern Languages website