International Studies Alumni

The purpose of this list of International Studies Alumni is to show just a few of the places a degree in International Studies can take you.

“I appreciate that the International Studies program at Butler is interdisciplinary, which helped prepare me for the diverse range of topics that I am studying in my Master’s program. I have a strong foundation in international relations, anthropology, political science, and more. I also loved that studying abroad was highly encouraged in the program- my semester abroad in Switzerland was amazing and inspired me to pursue my Master’s degree abroad as well in Sweden.”

“The interdisciplinary program at Butler University helped prepare me for the wide range of perspectives that comes with a prestigious graduate program. My understanding of History and Sociology contribute to my ability to engage in meaningful discussions.”

“Being an international studies major at Butler has been very helpful. International Studies strengthened my critical thinking skills and my ability to apply concepts to real life examples and global experiences which has been really useful in my public policy program. It has expanded my desire to learn and has pushed me to be more informed on issues and perspectives all across the world.”

“Having access to so many courses at Butler really helped me focus on what I’m most interested in the field!”

“My education in international studies at Butler drives the work that I do today, in nearly all aspects. What I learned in the classroom inspired me to take action and do what I can to see myself as a global citizen. I am committed to learning about other cultures, the future of our studies, and where I fit into the world.”

“International Studies helped me to think critically when facing difficult global issues and how to work across international teams. I love the international studies program at Butler! I am so appreciative of my time there and the support of the IS department and staff.”

“My international studies degree has been extremely helpful. I’m currently a Capitol Hill reporter, so when I cover hearings for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, for example, it’s really important to understand US foreign relations when bills are being introduced or contested.”

“The fundamentals I learned at Butler helped me develop my research style and explore my interests. Everyone stressed about the master’s thesis but I went into grad school knowing the topics that excite me, the available research in my field of interest, and the methodological approaches I would need for effective thesis research. I’m really excited to finish my studies and continue with my freelance work in consulting. Right now I am working with an environmental consulting firm that is working on a project near my hometown.”

“Since graduation, I have worked in fundraising for both an international, primary education-focused NGO and now back at Butler in the spirit of access to and impact of higher education. My International Studies background has fostered the belief that I am, and have the lifelong responsibility to be, a global citizen. The intellectual curiosity and cultural humility that were encouraged and nurtured in the classroom have served me well in building relationships with diverse stakeholders and helping donors to influence change through philanthropy.”

“I graduated with my master’s in public history and I have found that studying International Studies has allowed me to better understand and analyze world history and events, as well as build upon my undergraduate major of History and Political Science. I mostly studied American history in my graduate program, but having the background of being an International Studies minor benefitted me to have a broader perspective in my research.”

“My education in International Studies has fostered my appreciation for the beauty and vast diversity in the human experience. It has kept me devoted to viewing my patients and their social environments as parts of a whole, and to using this knowledge to facilitate their mental and physical well-being.”

“Butler University’s International Studies program allowed me to dive deeper into regional areas of interest, such as Latin American and Europe/Eurasia, and combine key courses with experiences in public diplomacy via the Model United Nations and European Union simulations. My internships and study abroad experiences while at Butler enriched my passion for global education, language learning, and international development, empowering me to pursue professional opportunities in Central America, Europe, and in Washington, DC. One of my most treasured aspects of the program is its tight-knit community, having made and maintained great connections with my peers throughout the years, as well as the superb professors that have been incredible mentors to me to this day.”

“While abroad for an internship in India, I discovered a love for working with the pediatric patients in the hospital. After graduation, I did an accelerated nursing program. While working at Peyton Manning I was able to use my knowledge from my international studies degree and religion degree to help service clients from different cultural backgrounds. The goal for the future is to be able to go on service trips abroad to provide care to countries in need.”

“As a foreign worker and in a leadership team for a foreign company, I have been able to apply my educational background in real time. I work with individuals from all different nationalities and build business strategies for foreign markets as well. My work is global in nature so being able to draw on my knowledge gained during my Bachelor’s has been truly valuable in my career development.”

“I moved to France after graduating and lived there for three years. I don’t know that I would have been prepared to do that had it not been for the faculty who supported me here at Butler. One of the best surprises has been connecting with International Studies majors in my work as a Career Advisor. I love seeing how different our paths can look even when we all start in the same place. It’s like giving someone the same map and seeing which parts of it they choose to explore.”