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FAQs

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions in the Department of International Studies

Foreign Language

Q: To earn a degree in International Studies am I required to study a foreign language?

A: You must be able to demonstrate competence in a foreign language appropriate to your regional focus, either by completing the third year of language study or by passing a departmentally administered proficiency exam at the same level. Since this requirement is met by proficiency and not credit hours, you may have learned the foreign language outside of a classroom, for example, from relatives or by living abroad.

Study Abroad

Q: To earn a degree in International Studies am I required to study abroad?

A: No. Studying abroad is a valuable experience and is encouraged, but not required. If you have any questions regarding study abroad, visit Education Abroad page.

Majors

Q: What is my major code?

A: The major code for International Studies depends on your regional focus area as follows: Europe = ISEE; Asia = ISEA; Africa = ISAF; Latin America = ISLA; and Middle East = ISME.

INTL Classes

Q: Must I complete INTL 101 before I can enroll in other INTL courses?

A: No. The INTL core courses (INTL 101, 211, 216, 226, 240, 247, 395, 396, 407, 471, and 499) may be taken in any order.

Q: Is it acceptable to use courses from other departments to satisfy my Regional Focus requirements?

A: Yes. The regional focus classes can be taken from any department, as long as they are upper division courses with a concentration on your region of focus. A list of suggested courses is compiled and made available every term from this office.

Q: Why is it required that I take INTL 395 three times?

A: The INTL 395 colloquium covers a different topic each term. The objective of this requirement is that each student be exposed to a variety of international topics.

Q: Can I take another class in place of INTL 396?

A: Yes. Other options include EC 340, HST 436/437, PS 345/454, or SOC 320 with advisor approval.

Q: What is INTL 499?

A: This course, Senior International Experience, doesn't appear in the class schedule. See your International Studies Advisor or contact internationalstudies@pdx.edu for more information.

Q: How can I get a list of classes that satisfy my "Regional Focus" requirements?

Check the course suggestions under forms/lists page or contact internationalstudies@pdx.edufor more information.

Q: How can I get a list of classes that satisfy my "Connected Learning" requirements?

Check the course suggestions under forms/lists page or contact internationalstudies@pdx.edufor more information.

University Studies

Q: What is University Studies? Does it relate to the International Studies major?

A: University Studies is a unique program that PSU requires for its students to take, and it is separate from International Studies Program. Check the University Studies page for more information.