Overview

Broaden your knowledge of complicated and pressing issues facing today’s world. With a strong emphasis on international perspective and experiences, international studies majors will develop the research skills, analytic tools, and cultural competency to navigate contemporary global challenges, opportunities, and changes.

Fast Facts
  • More than 40 percent of Trinity students study abroad
  • Students can select from concentrations in Diplomacy Security War and Peace Studies, Global Health Studies, International Development Studies
  • Study Abroad, strong internship, volunteer and research opportunities
  • Faculty act as advocates, supporters, and advisers
Student group posing in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany.

 


What You'll Study

Explore a wide range of cultural, political, economic, and scientific issues across the globe


Faculty

Global perspective

Faculty lead students on a personalized journey through international issues, inside and outside of the classroom. The International Studies core committee act as advisers, coordinators, supporters and advocates for students.

Alfred Montoya
Alfred Montoya, Ph.D.
Co-Chair
Associate Professor, Sociology and Anthropology
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Curtis Swope, Ph.D.
Co-Chair
Associate Professor, Modern Languages and Literatures
headshot of Dania Abreu-Torres_2022
Dania E. Abreu-Torres, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Modern Languages and Literatures
Anene Ejikeme
Anene Ejikeme, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, History
Stephen Lee Field
Stephen Lee Field, Ph.D.
Professor, Modern Languages and Literatures
Mario Gonzalez-Fuentes
Mario Gonzalez, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Business Administration
Headshot of Ana Maria Mutis
Ana Maria Mutis, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Modern Languages and Literatures
Headshot of Bethany Strunk
Bethany Strunk, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Biology
Lauren Turek
Lauren Turek, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Jie Zhang
Jie Zhang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Modern Languages and Literatures

Student Opportunities

World of Experiences


Scholarships

  • Center for International Engagement
  • Carlos and Malu Alvarez Fund for MAS
  • Sharon L. and Donald E. Kurtti Fellowship for Summer Research in China
  • Field Fellowship for Summer Research in China
  • Dr. Ron and Genie Calgaard Fund for Study Abroad
  • Dr. Richard M. Burr Fund for Study Abroad
  • Dr. Don Clark Fund for Study Abroad
  • Trinity Journey EAST Travel Grant
  • Critical Language scholarship
  • Boren Awards
  • Fulbright Scholarships

Research

INTL 3-90 Independent Study

Individual research in selected areas. A student may repeat the course for a maximum of six semester hours. A project proposal must be submitted to and approved by the professor supervising the research prior to registration. 

Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor

Students with advanced foreign language skills have the opportunity to take specialized courses outside the conventional language curriculum through Languages Across the Curriculum (LAC). Central to the LAC program is Spanish Across the Curriculum. Students who complete this program receive a notation on their transcripts—a valuable asset in graduate school applications and job searches.

Trinity has also placed students within the prestigious Fulbright Scholars program.


Internships

Students can participate in internships with organizations that provide exposure to international issues. Students can also participate in U.S.-based internships in Boston, New York, and Washington D.C, or find internship opportunities abroad and incorporate them into their academic program.

Right here in San Antonio, students have good opportunities for  paid internship work with agencies that aim to help immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.


Study Abroad

Majors are required to study abroad. Each year students travel to countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Individual advising assists students to choose a study abroad program. 

Students can also join faculty-led study abroad programs that are designed to enhance the learning that takes place in the classroom.


Student Organizations

Amnesty International

Student chapter of the international organization involved with monitoring and promoting human rights around the world.

International Club

Provides students with opportunities to explain, promote, and celebrate their interests in international issues, cultures, religions, and heritages.

Trinity University Latino Association (TULA)

TULA aims to celebrate the Latino community within the Trinity and San Antonio community as a way to educate students about Latino culture. Students of any ethnicity are welcome in the organization.

Muslim Student Association

This organization attempts to increase awareness of Islam through meetings, events, and programs on a variety of topics.

Trinity Diversity Connection

An umbrella organization for exploring a wide range of issues that celebrate, embrace, and advocate for a socially just campus and world.

International Humanitarian Crisis Initiative

This San Antonio-based organization responds to acute international humanitarian crises.

Global Health Initiative

The GHI aims to expose students to the wide range of public health issues facing the residents of San Antonio and beyond. The GHI provides students with opportunities to develop an understanding of healthcare delivery under a variety of conditions, and its volunteers receive hands-on experience in how healthcare is practiced at a grassroots level.


Honors Programs

Trinity sponsors a chapter of Sigma Iota Rho, the honor society for International Studies majors. Sigma Iota Rho promotes and rewards scholarship and service among majors and to foster integrity and creative performance in the conduct of world affairs.

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When You Graduate

Boundless Opportunities

Trinity graduates bring high levels of critical thinking and problem solving to service on the world stage. Many graduates of the program have pursued graduate studies in international politics, law, global health, business, communication, and journalism, while others have sought employment abroad.

 

Careers

Noted graduates of the program hold positions such as foreign service officers, executive director of the United Nations Association of Boston, financial analyst in Hong Kong, research analyst in Japan, staff member of the U.S. Congress, and Fulbright Fellows.

Graduate Schools or Programs:

  • Business
  • Global Development
  • Law
  • Medical School
  • Public Administration
  • Public Policy

Career Areas:

  • Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
  • Finance
  • NGOs
  • Not for Profit Organizations
  • U.S. Government

Organizations who have Hired Trinity Graduates:

  • Local Charities (Catholic charities)
  • NGO (Non Governmental Agencies)
  • RAICES
  • State Department
  • The World Bank
  • United Nations
  • U.S. Congress

 


Take the next step

Have more questions or want more information? Learn more about becoming a Tiger, and how you can accelerate what’s next for your education.