Program Overview

It’s a small world, and getting smaller. Transnational corporations, continent-wide trade agreements, and the World Wide Web are blurring borders, and more and more people are crossing those borders to study, work, or volunteer. Problems are world-wide too, but there is an optimistic sense that as international co-operation grows, solutions are within our grasp.

The University of Waterloo’s International Studies program will help you understand this exciting world, whether you’re planning a career in the foreign service or in overseas business or development, interested in exploring the international aspects of your major program, or thinking of going on to graduate work in international studies or a related field. You’ll also benefit from our international connections. Our student exchanges allow you to learn in 20 countries around the world, and our professors use their international research experience to bring your classes to life.

International Studies is for you if...

you’re aiming for a career in international business, overseas development, or the diplomatic service
you’re planning to go on to further studies in an international field
you want to focus on the international aspects of your major.

Whatever your particular interest, you can explore it by combining your major with courses in International Studies. Here are some of the possible combinations:

Interested in the way transnational corporations, trade blocs, and shifting borders are changing the way we do business? Combine courses in International Studies with a program in Economics.
Want to focus on Canada’s evolving role in international development and peacekeeping? Add courses in International Studies to a program in Political Science.
Want to understand how Europe went from total war to the European Union in one generation? Combine a program in History with courses in International Studies.
Explore environmental problems such as cross-border pollution, global warming, and the shrinking rainforest, by adding courses in International Studies to a program in Environment and Resource Studies, Geography, Environmental Engineering, or the Environmental Program in Science.
Want to study a particular region of the world in depth? Consider adding courses in International Studies to a program in Spanish and Latin American Studies, German, Russian, or Slavic Studies.
Interested in studying travel and tourism around the world? Add courses in International Studies to a program in Recreation and Leisure Studies.
Broaden your understanding of the world’s religions and cultures by combining a program in Religious Studies or Anthropology with courses in International Studies.

More Information

International Studies

Program Overview

International Studies is for you if...