Competency in a foreign language is required, not only because language skills are your global passport, but because the study of language deepens your cultural understanding. It is important that you test your classroom learning abroad. Over the past two years our majors have studied in a variety of countries including Morocco, Chile, Brazil, China, and Japan, in addition to the European nations. For example, Colby course work on international organizations has informed the study of the European Parliament, and the anthropology of gender has been applied to a study of women's cooperatives in Ecuador. When majors return to Colby, a senior seminar or a semester-long independent study project helps tie together areas of interest.
Some seniors undertake an honors project under the close supervision of one or two faculty members.
Our international studies advisory board is composed of faculty from history, government, anthropology, economics, and the languages. Advanced students often have the opportunity to work with faculty on their research projects, studying issues such as ecological change in Africa, the military in Latin America, or economic sanctions in foreign policy. Students have a voice in the program through elected class-year student representatives, and students and faculty often come together for a meal or a lecture on international affairs. International studies majors pursue careers in public policy, government, economics, public service, diplomacy, and international business, as well as academic careers with an international focus. You will find Colby graduates in the Peace Corps, the State Department, policy institutes, international banking, commerce and the academy.