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International
Affairs, Law &
Government

is a career community focused on international diplomacy, foreign service, advocacy, law, and administration at the local, state, and federal levels.

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About

This career community focuses on addressing issues through governmental initiatives, shaping and influencing policy through political systems and institutions to ensure that fundamental rights and public needs are recognized. Professionals achieve these means through advocacy, law, political campaigns, and administration at local, state and federal levels. On an international level, career paths emphasize international diplomacy, foreign service, trade, customs, education, and defense.

Opportunities exist within public, for-profit, and nonprofit sectors in fields such as policy and advocacy, law, civil service and cause-based work. To be successful, an ambitious, resilient and thoughtful mindset and the ability to work with various groups and cultures is crucial.

Potential careers include

Foreign Policy

Translation & Interpretation

Foreign Intelligence

Political & Legislative

Advocacy & Lobbying

Campaign Management

Public Policy & Administration

Human Rights

Public Health

Language/Cultural Affairs

Foreign Service

Intellectual Property

Legal & Paralegal

Peacekeeping & Defense

Contracts & Negotiation

Trade & Commerce

Diplomacy

Study Abroad & international education

Job & Internship Search Tools for International Affairs, Law & Government

featured careers & internships

Featured Study
Abroad & Away

Internship + Study in London with CEA CAPA

London, United Kingdom | Summer

This program is designed to engage students in a variety of experiential opportunities that reflect their career interests and provide an academic component to enhance their professional development as well as broaden student understanding of contemporary British culture.

Summer in Seoul – Korean Culture & Language Immersion

Seoul, South Korea | Summer

Take classes at Sogang University in Seoul, a Jesuit institution dedicated to global learning. The university’s pristine concrete and glass buildings soar above sweeping green lawns, and the athletic facilities are fully equipped with indoor courts, an artificial climbing wall, soundproof music rooms for practicing, and outdoor soccer fields.

Gender Roles and Leadership in College

Florence, Italy; Orvieto, Italy; Rome, Italy | Spring Break

This program was co-designed by fraternity leaders for fraternity members interested exploring leadership, leadership styles, and leadership practices in the context of fraternal organizations. Through the study of these organizations, students will also explore contemporary issues facing college-aged men, as well as the concepts of masculinity and gender roles in a comparative, intercultural context. The education abroad program and associated course provide a venue for discussion across various chapters and councils about issues such as the image of fraternity men on the MSU campus, leading in a fraternity context, and handling topical issues such as relationships, sexism and homophobia, sexual assault, hazing, drinking, and depression.

Literacies & Gender in Botswana

Gaborone and Maun, Botswana | Summer

Students will study the history, culture, society, education, politics, and languages of Botswana with a focus on how these topics are impacted by intersectional identities including race, religion, gender, sexuality, and disability. They will work with and learn from students and faculty from MSU, Botswana Open University (BOU), and the University of Botswana (UB). Ultimately MSU students will collaborate with Botswana faculty to facilitate and assess a multi-day writing retreat for faculty and staff from both institutions.

Internships in Osaka

Osaka, Japan | Summer

Japan is the third-largest economy and the fourth-leading exporter in the world, with 51 Japanese firms making the Fortune 500 lists. Osaka Prefecture is the geographical and economic center of the Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto & Kobe), and the second largest city in Japan. The area is known for being a powerhouse for aspiring Engineers in the areas of AI/Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical and Software.

American College of Greece (ACG)

Athens, Greece | Fall/Spring

MSU students will find numerous academic options studying at the largest private college in Greece with a vibrant student community and an amazing location in the city of Athens. While intended for CommArtSci majors, students from all majors are welcome to participate and should find courses to help meet their degree requirements.

University of Mannheim

Mannheim, Germany | Fall/Spring

Spend a semester taking social science classes inside of an 18th century Baroque palace in the heart of Germany. This program type is designed for students seeking a rigorous and self-guided experience. To be successful, students must commit to uphold a significant degree of proactivity and professionalism. Students are often required to secure their own housing, book individual flights, obtain a student visa/residence permit, etc.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Israel | Spring

This program type is designed for students seeking a rigorous and self-guided experience. To be successful, students must commit to uphold a significant degree of proactivity and professionalism. Students are often required to secure their own housing, book individual flights, obtain a student visa/residence permit, etc. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with program information and seek out additional support and resources as needed. Additionally, students can anticipate being one of few MSU students on this program during any given term.

Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture in Santander

Santander, Spain | Summer

The Department of Romance and Classical Studies, in collaboration with the Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (UIMP) in Santander, offers a Spanish studies program during the summer. While in Spain, students will enroll for nine credits of Spanish coursework and live with a Spanish family. In addition to courses, three excursions will be offered including a 2-night and 3-day trip to Madrid.

Daugavpils University, Russian Language

Daugavpils, Latvia | Summer

Learn Russian in the city of Daugavpils, Latvia, which provides the security of the European Union and NATO membership with a large concentration of Russian speakers (95% of local residents speak it at home).

New York City Study Away Internship Program

New York City, NY | Summer

New York offers boundless opportunities to engage your interests while you build professional skills and confidence in one of the nation’s most diverse and dynamic cities. No matter where your career interests lie, New York City is an ideal venue for a challenging and rewarding internship.

Japanese Language and Culture

Hikone, Japan | Fall/Spring/Summer

MSU partners with Japan Center for Michigan University (JCMU) to offer intensive Japanese language programs during the semester and summer. Students study 10 credits of college-level Japanese per term. Courses are offered at levels 1 (beginner) through 4 (advanced). No prior Japanese language study necessary to apply.

Intensive French in Tours

Tours, France | Summer

The Department of Romance and Classical Studies offers students a French study program in Tours that will give students a unique opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of French language and culture. Tours is located in the beautiful Loire Valley, often called the garden of France - a region of great cultural importance, famous for its historic and architectural heritage and majestic châteaux (among them Chambord, Chenonceau and Villandry).

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Israel | Fall/Spring

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HebrewU) is Israel’s first university and a symbol of the cultural rebirth of the Jewish nation in its ancestral homeland. HebrewU is the highest-ranked university in Israel, one of the world’s top 100, and one of the top 25 schools outside of the United States. Students will work with internationally accomplished faculty and have access to an impressive range of resources and facilities.

International Chinese Language Program at National Taiwan University

Taipei, Taiwan | Fall/Spring/Summer

The Taiwan Huayu Bilingual Exchanges of Selected Talent (BEST) Program aims to create excellent Chinese learning opportunities for students. The goal of this program is to help MSU students improve their Chinese proficiency through immersive Chinese-learning programs, and expand the accessibility of Chinese learning.

University of Sydney Summer Program

Sydney, Australia | Summer

Home to 177 acres (72 hectares) of beautiful scenery, the campus offers state of the art teaching facilities and boasts 6 libraries, historical museums, and 6 schools and faculties. The main campus is located a mere 30 minute walk from the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge and a short bus ride from the world-famous Bondi and Manly Beaches. The city of Sydney itself is multi-culturally diverse. Here, you will find a wide variety of ethnic grocers, restaurants and events.

University of Sydney

Sydney, Australia | Fall/Spring

Founded in 1850, the University of Sydney (USyd) is a well-established Australian higher learning institution. The university is ranked in the top 50 universities worldwide according to the 2020 QS world rankings and is home to approximately 73,000 students, 20,000 of which are international. Viewed as Australia’s most innovative university, USyd aims to instill the skills, knowledge and values you need to become a leader in a rapidly changing world.

Sustainability & Civic Engagement in Costa Rica

Monteverde, Costa Rica | Fall/Spring/Summer

Focused on the latest innovations in sustainability and community-participatory research, students will study Spanish, train in the community-engaged research practices, and collaborate with rural or indigenous communities – from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the coastal mountains of Talamanca in the Caribbean coast.

Egypt’s Role in Middle Eastern & Global Contexts

Cairo, Egypt | Spring Post-Term

Explore the cultural, social, intellectual, and political role of Egypt while being introduced to the Egyptian dialect of the Arabic language.Adopting an interdisciplinary approach to Middle Eastern humanities and global studies, this study abroad program provides students with opportunities to develop as global citizens with a sophisticated and systemic understanding of the key contemporary issues in the Middle East. With an approach that interconnects Middle East studies, contemporary Islam, and identity formation, the outcomes of the program enhance integrated and critical reasoning, cross-cultural understanding and communication, and linguistic and cultural training.

Internships in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan | Summer

Tokyo is a city that is constantly on the move. A perfect blend of ultra-modern skyscrapers and cutting-edge technology mixed with temples that are centuries old. The greater Tokyo metropolitan area is the largest in the world, with the world’s largest metropolitan economy. Tokyo holds the seat of the Japanese government as well as the Emperor of Japan. 51 of the Fortune 500 companies are based in Tokyo, holding the most of any city worldwide.

Internships in Seoul

Seoul, South Korea | Summer

MSU’s partner, CRCC Asia, will seek out internship opportunities that match the interests and backgrounds of students for a summer internship in Seoul, South Korea. Internship placement is guaranteed on the program, and students will work with CRCC Asia on placement after identifying three professional fields of interest as part of the application. Internship placements are in English, and Korean language proficiency is not required.

Community Literacies in Canada

Toronto & Montreal, Canada | Spring Post-Term

In Canada, the cities and communities will become the sites for learning, and time spent with partners leading workshops will be considered classroom time as well. We will also participate in multicultural excursions to relevant cultural and historical sites and will interact with guest lecturers on site as well. Students will submit multiple reflections and smaller low-stakes writing projects throughout the course and will collaborate on a final project due several weeks following the trip.

Hispanic Studies in Valencia

Valencia, Spain | Fall/Spring

Each semester, the Department of Romance and Classical Studies, in cooperation with the Department of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese of the University of Virginia, will offer a Hispanic Studies Program.

Aarhus University

Aarhus, Denmark | Fall/Spring

The Aarhus University exchange program was established through the Department of English, but is open to students of all majors. Students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Danish culture while also being able to take courses in English.

Universite de Tours

Tours, France | Fall/Spring

MSU undergraduate students with an advanced level of French will have the opportunity to spend one or two semesters at the Université François Rabelais in Tours, France.

Globalization of Consumerism & Community

Dubai, UAE | Winter Break

This program explores the cultural, social, and political effects of contemporary globalization on a city that seems to represent the divergent outcomes of today’s capitalism.

Yonsei University

Seoul, South Korea | Fall/Spring

An agreement was established in 1991 between Michigan State University and Yonsei University to facilitate the exchange of students between these two institutions. The purpose of this exchange, in MSU’s viewpoint, is to acquaint non-Koreans with the language and culture of Korea.

Lund University

Lund, Sweden | Fall/Spring

Along with the academic component of the program, students will also have the opportunity to deeply immerse themselves in the Swedish customs and culture, enhancing their overall study abroad experience.

Spanish Language, Literature & Culture in Valencia

Valencia, Spain | Summer

Located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, Valencia is a beautiful and ancient city that was founded by the Romans and later inhabited by the Greeks and Moors, all of whom left a significant mark on its history.

Internships in Dublin

Dublin, Ireland | Summer

Interns may be placed with internationally recognized companies, domestic government agencies, as well as national and European organizations, while experiencing the warmth and individual attention of a small welcoming city.

Italian Language, Literature & Culture

Ferrara, Italy | Summer

The Italian studies program in Florence brings together the study of language and the culture and civilization of late Medieval and Renaissance Italy. Florence, the capital of Tuscany and the cradle of the Renaissance, is situated on the banks of the Arno River in central Italy.

Tel Aviv University

Tel Aviv, Israel | Spring/Fall/Summer

Located in Israel's cultural, financial and industrial heartland, Tel Aviv University is the largest university in Israel and the biggest Jewish university in the world. Founded in 1956, Tel Aviv University boasts a diverse and dynamic student body and offers an extensive range of study programs in the arts and sciences, within its Faculties of Engineering, Exact Sciences, Life Sciences, Medicine, Humanities, Law, Social Sciences, Arts and Management.

Serling Institute for Jewish Studies & Modern Israel at Hebrew University

Jerusalem, Israel | Summer

This study abroad program is located in Jerusalem, an ancient city sacred to three major religions, and a modern capital city at the center of some of the world’s most challenging political dilemmas.

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, & Sexual Politics in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands | Summer

In this program, students learn about sex and gender politics, policy, and history in the Netherlands, one of the most sexually liberal countries in the world. Yet this 'culture of tolerance' has its limits and is fraught with apparent contradictions.

Arabic in Jordan

Amman, Jordan | Summer

Students participating in this program will obtain a maximum exposure in the Arabic language and the Levant dialect, which will help them converse confidently in the Arabic language, and research about the Middle East and its culture.

Internships in Sydney

Sydney, Australia | Summer

Offering a range of internship opportunities throughout Australia, our partner (GAV) works to connect students with highly relevant placements in a variety of professional fields. Sydney is the largest city in Australia and the capital of the state of New South Wales.

German Language & Culture in Mayen

Mayen, Germany | Summer

Mayen is a city of approximately 22,000 people, surrounded by areas of great scenic beauty and historical interest. During the five weeks in Mayen, daily classes are augmented by excursions to sites of local and regional interest. Students spend the sixth week traveling across Germany to the larger cities of Jena, Weimar, Dresden, and Berlin.

Internships in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa | Summer

This program explores a post apartheid South Africa that has experienced rapid transformations. The end of the legally-enforced racial inequalities of apartheid has opened a complex array of opportunities for all South Africans, and a host of challenges stemming from the legacies of that history.

Internships in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina | Summer

Buenos Aires is the largest city and capital of Argentina. It is a mix of European and Latin American sights, sounds and flavors and is often referred to as the Pais of the Americas. Buenos Aires is a hub of education, business and finance in South America.

Academic Year in Freiburg at Albert-Ludwigs University

Freiburg, Germany | Academic Year

The program offers you the opportunity to improve your command of the German language by taking a blend of specially designed program courses in language, culture, and literature, along with German classes and courses in related fields offered at the Albert-Ludwigs Universität.

French Language, Literature & Culture in Tours

Tours, France | Summer

The Department of Romance and Classical Studies is offering its French study program in Tours. This program will give students a unique opportunity to increase their knowledge and understanding of the French language and culture.

Internships in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain | Summer

This program is designed to engage students in a variety of experiential opportunities that reflect their career interests and provide an academic component to reflect upon their professional development as well as broaden student understanding of contemporary Spanish culture.

Spanish for Healthcare Professions

Oaxaca, Mexico | Summer

The objective of this program is to enhance the students’ classroom language study and provide an immersive culture experience. It is a short term study abroad program designed for intermediate Spanish students (SPN310 or above) in health-related majors.

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