Interdisciplinary Studies/International Studies (IDS/IS) seeks to establish a “pipeline” with specific community colleges, a conduit that would send a consistent flow of international students and other students with extensive international backgrounds to our program and/or to the Honors College. To do so, we need to establish durable ties with administrators and faculty from community colleges that have significant populations of international students. Our intent is to help prepare these students for national/International leadership positions in general and in development strategy in particular. That ambition is appropriate both for international students who will return home after their college educations are complete and for those who intend to make their careers here in the US.
IDS/IS is problem-driven and opportunity-oriented rather than founded on a single academic discipline. Students work with faculty from many fields to customize a degree. Our B.A. degree is granted by University College yet we are housed in the Honors College. It is not necessary to be an Honors student in order to major in IDS/IS. Designed for highly motivated students who want a customized, multidisciplinary education and who have both a strong desire to work internationally and maturity to tackle serous international issues, IDS/IS combines work from three fields. Studies in International Systems (generically international courses), Language and Regional Studies, and one of four Functional Tracks (Applied Political Economy, Culture, Development Strategies and International Science & Technology Policy) combine to foster innovation and budding expertise. IDS/IS students thrive because they work hard to define their career path for the years immediately after college. Though we have a cumbersome name that suggests great breadth of learning, our graduates complete highly specific programs, work that is more focused than is common in American undergraduate education.
To succeed in IDS/IS requires maturity, self-discipline, a sense of initiative and a willingness to undertake strenuous academic requirements. Fluency in a second language is emphasized, overseas study is anticipated (for American students), extensive writing is normal, internet skills are essential, and a senior thesis is mandatory. It has been our experience that many international students come to the University with superb language abilities, seriousness of purpose, uncommon maturity and an intense social conscience. Students with backgrounds in developing world often have the special skills and ambition we seek. We are committed to recruiting those students and, when necessary, assisting with English-language issues.
Just as those students are assets to the University, we think we can also help them. The University has unusual strengths in specific fields related to development: public health, applied anthropology, agricultural resource economics, arid lands sciences and geography/regional development to name a few. When combined with an understanding of history, international politics and contemporary business strategy, the foundation for a leadership career grounded in sustainable development is substantial. Both the Honors College and the IDS/International Studies program are committed to recruiting and mentoring community college students who are ready to take advantage of those academic and professional opportunities.
For more information about this program because feel free to contact Dr Wayne Decker, Director, International Studies & External Affairs @ wdecker@u.arizona.edu ; (520) 621-6901
