Announcements

Stay up-to-date with the most recent announcements from the International Studies Program!

May 2, 2022

UCSD International Studies Program Major Sora Heo Named a 2022

Key into Public Service Scholar

WASHINGTON, DC – May 2, 2022– Sora Heo, a third year International Studies – Political Science major, is one of 20 students selected as a Key into Public Service Scholar by The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society.

The award recognizes students who have demonstrated interest in working in the public sector and possess a strong academic record in the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.

Chosen from almost 900 applicants attending chapter institutions across the nation, each scholar will receive a $5,000 undergraduate scholarship and take part in a conference convening in late June to provide them with training, mentoring, and reflection on pathways into active citizenship. Inspired by many Phi Beta Kappa members who have shaped the course of our nation through local, state, and federal service, the award highlights specific pathways for liberal arts and graduates seeking public sector careers.
“The Society selected the 2022 Service Scholars for their intellectual curiosity; breadth and depth across liberal arts and sciences coursework; positive contributions on and off campus through academic research, internships, and community work; and demonstrated commitment to serve others,” Phi Beta Kappa Secretary Frederick M. Lawrence said. “As the world grapples with concurrent health, economic, democratic, and climate crises, the Society hopes that its scholarship award encourages more of our nation’s top students to apply their pursuit of arts and sciences excellence in service of the greater good.”

On campus, Sora serves as the Executive Director of UCSD’s only refugee empowerment organization, No Lost Generation. She is also the Bystander Intervention Director of It’s On Us, a campus wide initiative aimed at combating sexual assault, and an editor for the undergraduate international affairs journal, Prospect. Sora is active in national politics as an organizer for multiple progressive campaigns, working on civic engagement, voter protection, and policy research issues. In her home state of Illinois, she serves as AAPI Caucus Director of the Young Democrats of Illinois. In off campus professional positions, Sora Heo has worked and/or interned for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Middle East Bureau, the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) Korea Chair, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s immigration team, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of East Asian & Pacific Affairs, Run for Something PAC, and NaTakallam, a refugee empowerment social enterprise. Proficient in Korean, Spanish, and Arabic, Sora pursued intensive Arabic language study as a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholar, where she was placed in the Morocco cohort. After graduation, she intends to conduct research on the geopolitical dynamics around South Korea as a Fulbright Scholar and pursue an advanced degree in international relations or Asian Studies before entering the foreign service.
About The Phi Beta Kappa Society

Founded on Dec. 5, 1776, The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the nation's most prestigious academic honor society. It has chapters at 293 colleges and universities in the United States, nearly 50 alumni associations, and more than half a million members worldwide. Noteworthy members include 17 U.S. Presidents, 42 U.S. Supreme Court Justices and more than 150 Nobel Laureates. The mission of The Phi Beta Kappa Society is to champion education in the liberal arts and sciences, foster freedom of thought, and recognize academic excellence. For more information, visit www.pbk.org.

Past Events

ISP Winter 2022 Enrollment Group Advising Session

Thursday, November 4 | 2:30-3:30pm (PST)

Do you have questions about Winter enrollment? The ISP advisors will be holding a virtual group advising session to discuss Winter enrollment, the first/second pass enrollment system, course offerings, and more! Please join us and bring your questions!

ISP Virtual Transfer Group Advising for National Transfer Week 2021

Friday, October 22 | 1-3pm (PST)

In collaboration with National Transfer Week 2021, the International Studies program is hosting a virtual Q&A where students can come and get answers about things like course credits, BA requirements, and more from ISP advisors and fellow transfer students.

Bachelor/Master Program (BA/MIA) Information Session

Tuesday, October 19 | 3:30pm (PST)

If you are interested in joint Bachelor/Master program with the International Studies Program and the School of Global Policy and Strategy, you don't want to miss this information session! You will learn about the BA/MIA program, course and language requirements, the application process and deadline and much more! Advisors will be available to help you determine which courses you need to take prior to winter enrollment. Faculty and Alumni will also be there to share their experiences with the program and answer your questions!

Transfer Talk: Info Session & Meet and Greet for ISP Transfer Students:

Monday, October 18 | 4 - 5pm (PST) - Virtual

The International Studies Program is joining Transfer Triton Week! New transfers can come learn about opportunities specific to their ISP major and meet fellow transfer students. Hear from current students and learn all about resources that can help your ISP journey!

Best Practices in Applying to Graduate Schools & Careers in International Affairs

Wednesday, October 13 | 11am - 12pm (PST) - Virtual

The International Studies Program will be holding a virtual workshop in partnership with the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) on the topics of applying to international affairs graduate programs and careers in international affairs. APSIA staff will walk through ways to discern between graduate programs, create an application, pay for school, and more. They will also discuss different types of international affairs careers in the public, private, non-profit, and multilateral sectors.

Freshman Student Orientation

Wednesday, September 24 | 9-11am (PST) - Virtual

Transfer Student Orientation

Tuesday, August 10 | 4-6 pm (PST) - Virtual

Wednesday, September 22 | 9-11am (PST) - Virtual

Welcome to the International Studies Program and UC San Diego! To learn more about the International Studies Program, major requirements, campus resources and to learn fall course recommendations, we highly recommend that you attend an International Studies Orientation. This is different from your college orientation, so you should attend both.

Maximizing Your Next Year: International Studies Program Edition

Workshop Date: Wednesday, April 28 at 4pm PST

Join us for a workshop with ISP Program coordinator, Eileen Mehrabian, to learn more on how to maximize your next year at UC San Diego!

Personal Statement Workshop

Workshop Date: Tuesday, March 2 at 3:45pm PST

Join us for an interactive workshop for your personal statement. We encourage you to come with your camera on, questions and a draft of your personal statement!

How to Plan for UCDC as an International Studies Major Workshop

Workshop Date: Wednesday, February 10 at 5:15pm PST

Join the International Studies Program for a workshop to learn how to plan ahead for UCDC and the benefits of internship opportunities for one's career goals, graduate school aspirations, and professional development.

UCDC is an academic program run through the UC campuses that allows students to continue their studies and gain valuable on-the-job experience while living in Washington, DC. UCDC hosts California students within walking distance of the White House and gives students once-in-a-lifetime experiences working in our nation’s capital.

ISP: Group Advising for Spring 2021 Enrollment

Workshop Date: Tuesday, February 9 at 3:45pm PST

Join the International Studies Program advisors and other ISP students for a group advising session as you prepare for Spring 2021 Enrollment. The Spring 2021 Schedule of Classes will be released on Tuesday, February 9. You can plan ahead by looking at the requirements that you need to complete!

School of Global Policy & Strategy Joint Programs Application Workshop

Workshop Date: Wednesday, February 3 at 3:30pm PST

If you plan to apply to the BA/MIA Program for Fall 2021, be sure to join us for this helpful application workshop! This will be an interactive workshop so you can learn about all the components of the BA/MIA application, how to complete the application, who to ask for recommendations, and how to start your personal statuement.

ISP Advisors, the Director of Degree Programs, and a GPS Admissions Officer will be available to answer all of your questions!

BA/MIA Application Date: April 10, 2021

You've Got This: Assets & Opportunity in Turbulent Time hosted by UCSD Career Center, Teaching & Learning Commons and the International Studies Program

Workshop Date: Tuesday, February 2 | 3:30 - 4:30pm PST

Join UC San Diego's International Studies Program, Career Center and Academic Internship Program for a workshop on preparing for the future by focusing on the skills and strengths you're building now.

Bachelor/Master Program (BA/MIA) Information Session

Tuesday, October 27 | 3:30 - 5:00pm PST

If you are interested in joint Bachelor/Master program with the International Studies Program and the School of Global Policy and Strategy, you don't want to miss this information session! You will learn about the BA/MIA program, course and language requirements, the application process and deadline and much more! Advisors will be available to help you determine which courses you need to take prior to winter enrollment. Faculty and Alumni will also be there to share their experiences with the program and answer your questions!

The International Studies Program hosts "A Place for Non-traditional Transfer Students"

Monday October 19 | 2:00 - 3:00pm PST

10/19-10/23 is National Transfer Student Week, which gives faculty and staff the opportunity to recognize UCSD’s transfer students. In our Transfer Appreciation Event, we are hosting transfer students whose education at UCSD is just a small part of their busy life. We know that our non-traditional transfer students face unique challenges, and we want to provide a safe space to meet, share personal stories, and voice frustrations! Non-traditional transfer students epitomize our program through their commitments off-campus and through their hard work on campus, and want to hear from them directly.

If you’d like a space to connect with other transfer students, we look forward to having you at our event! Invite your peers – this event is open to all majors

Study Abroad First Steps Information Session for International Studies Majors

Monday, October 12 | 3:30 pm

UC San Diego Study Abroad and International Studies program are hosting a First Steps Information Session for International Studies majors! For anyone interested in studying abroad, this is a great way to learn more about the programs that are most compatible with earning credit towards your ISP major requirements. The ISP academic advisors will also give you more information about how to obtain preapproval before you go abroad and how to petition your courses upon your return.

BA/MIA Information Session:
Thursday, August 6 at 4:00 pm (PST)

For more information or questions about the BA/MIA program, contact gps-ugprograms@ucsd.edu

International Studies Program Fall 2020 Orientation Dates

Freshman Student Orientation:

Wednesday, September 16 at 4:00 pm (PST)

Transfer Student Orientation

Wednesday, August 5 at 4:00 pm (PST)

Wednesday, September 30 at 4:00 pm (PST)

Triton Transfer Day Webinar | Welcome to the International Studies Program!

Monday, May 11 at 4:30 pm (PST)

Are you a transfer student that is still exploring undergraduate programs? Or did you recently commit to UC San Diego? Be sure to join the International Studies Program webinar for more information about our programs! We will cover academic requirements, study abroad, BA/MIA and Honors Programs, and much more! You can sign up through UCSD Admissions. We look forward to seeing you there!

ISP Drop-In Career Counseling

February 4 | February 11 | February 25 | March 3 | March 10

2:00 - 3:00 pm

Robinson Building Complex, Room 3132

Want to learn more about internship and job opportunities? Need help polishing your resume? Questions about applying to graduate school?

Career Coach Mike Stromayer will be holding office hours on Thursday afternoons in the International Studies Program specifically for ISP students! Be sure to stop in to see him and ask any career-related questions that you have! He can answer questions about internships, employment, graduate school, LinkedIn and much more! He is also available to review your resume and provide you with helpful tips!

Bachelor/Master Program (BA/MIA) Information Session

Friday, February 28 | 2:00 pm | Robinson Building Complex, Room 3203

If you are interested in a joint Bachelor/Master program with the International Studies Program and the School of Global Policy and Strategy, you don't want to miss this information session! You will learn about the BA/MIA program, course and language requirements, the application process, deadline and much more! Advisors will be available to help you determine which courses you need to take prior to spring enrollment.

College Fair at San Diego City College
Wednesday, November 13 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Are you a San Diego City College student that is interested in the International Studies Program at UC San Diego? Be sure to check out the college fair. An ISP advisor will be available to answer all of your questions about the International Studies Program!

College Fair at Mesa College
Tuesday, November 5 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Are you a Mesa College student that is interested in the International Studies Program at UC San Diego? Be sure to check out the college fair. An ISP advisor will be available to answer all of your questions about the International Studies Program!

UC San Diego Fall Showcase
Saturday, November 2 | 1:00 - 2:15 pm

Are you a high school student or currently attending community college? If you’re interested in attending UC San Diego – don’t miss this event! International Studies Program Advisors will be available to answer all of your questions about ISP!

College Fair at Southwestern Community College
Thursday, October 31 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Bachelor/Master Program (BA/MIA) Information Session

Tuesday, October 29 | 5:00pm | Robinson Building Complex, Room 3202

Study Abroad Expo
Monday, October 21 | 10 am - 2 pm | Price Center Ballroom

If you are interested in studying abroad don't miss the UC San Diego's study abroad Fair. Obtain information on what steps to take, the programs offered and financial aid and scholarships available to study abroad.

2019 Triton Fall Career Fair

When: Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Where: RIMAC Arena

The Career Center’s Industry Engagement Team works with leading employers from every industry to bring internship and job opportunities to students and alumni through Career Fairs. Attend UC San Diego's Triton Fall Career Fair, where students and employers can meet face-to-face. Don’t miss your chance to meet with over 50 leading companies. You can register and get more information about the career fair on Handshake.

ISP Transfer Student Orientation

Friday, August 23 | 9:00 – 11:30 am | Robinson Auditorium and

Wednesday, September 25 | 9:00 - 11:30 am | Robinson Auditorium

Are you an incoming transfer student majoring in International Studies? Don't miss the ISP Transfer Student Orientation! This orientation will differ from your college orientation so be sure to attend both.

At the ISP orientation, you will learn more about your major requirements, study abroad and internship opportunities, and the ISP Student Organization, ISSA! You will also have a chance to network with current ISP students and alumni. Advisors will be available for academic advising from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

ISP Resume Workshop

Tuesday, May 28 | 10:00 - 11:00 am | Robinson Building Complex, Room 3106

Do you plan on applying to internships and jobs this summer? Would you like some tips on how to write your resume? Don’t miss out on this workshop! Career Coach Mike Stromayer teach you tips on how to write and format your resume. Be sure to bring a copy or your resume so you can gather feedback from Mike and your peers!

ISP Drop-In Career Counseling

Tuesday, May 14 | Tuesday, May 21 | 10:00 - 11:00 am | Robinson Building Complex, Room 3132

UC San Diego: Transfer Triton Day

Saturday, May 11 | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

ISP Drop-In Career Counseling

Thursday, March 7 | Thursday, March 14 | Thursday, March 21

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Robinson Building Complex, Room 3129

Bachelor/Master Program (BA/MIA) Information Session

Wednesday, October 24 | 5:00pm | Robinson Auditorium

Study Abroad Information Session for International Studies Students

Thursday, November 1 | 3:00 pm | Robinson Building 3, Room 3203

The UC San Diego Study Abroad office will be holding an information session for International Studies students! For anyone interested in studying abroad, this is a great way to learn more about the programs that are most compatible with earning credit towards your ISP major requirements. The ISP academic advisors will also give you more information about how to obtain preapproval before you go abroad and how to petition your courses upon your return.

COVID-19 Specific Grading Policies

June 17, 2021

Return To Normal Grading Policies

The International Studies Program will reinstate the normal grading policy for major coursework beginning in Summer 2021. All International Studies major courses taken in Summer 2021 and forward (with the exception of language coursework) must be taken for a letter grade of C- or above. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

March 2, 2021

Degree audits have been updated to properly reflect Winter and Spring 2021 Grading Policies (as shown below) for International Studies majors, minors, and BA/MIA Students. Students should refresh their audits and ensure that all courses are accurately reflected. If there are issues, please contact the ISP Advisors in the Virtual Advising Center (VAC).

January 27, 2021

Winter and Spring 2021 Grading Policies

In light of recent Academic Senate policy changes, the International Studies Program will allow a total of 2 courses to be taken for a P/NP grading option in Winter 2021 towards major requirements and a total of 2 courses to be taken for a P/NP grading option in Spring 2021 with the following limitation:

INTL 101, INTL 102, and INTL 190 may NOT be taken for a P/NP grading option. Students must take these courses with a letter grading option and earn a C- or above.

Students may still take courses towards the ISP Language Requirement for P/NP and these will not be counted in the 2 max P/NP courses per quarter.

Please be mindful that while P/NP grading may relieve pressure, you should not think of it as costless. Employers, internship sites, and letters of recommendation for advanced degree programs often depend on letter grades. Students applying to the BA/MIA program should meet with an advisor to discuss how P/NP grades could impact your BA/MIA application.

International Studies Minors: 1 course towards minor requirements may be taken for P/NP grading in Winter 2021 and 1 course towards minor requirements may be taken for P/NP grading in Spring 2021, with the following limitation:

INTL 101 and INTL 102 may NOT be taken for a P/NP grading option. Students must take these courses with a letter grading option and earn a C- or above.

Current BA/MIA Students: First-Year BA/MIA students should refer to the email from Dr. Gilson and follow up with either Dr. Nancy Gilson or Erin Morey with questions.

December 9, 2020

Fall 2020 Grading Policies

On December 8, 2020, the University announced that the Educational Policy Committee of the Academic Senate will be offering undergraduate students a one-time-only option to petition to retroactively change grading options from Letter to Pass/No Pass in Fall 2020 classes. In this announcement, it is noted that it is at the discretion of each individual department and program whether P/NP will be accepted towards major and minor requirements.

For the Fall 2020 quarter, the International Studies Program will uphold our usual grading policies.

Courses taken for Pass/No Pass will not be accepted for ISP major and minor requirements.

All courses applying to International Studies major and minor requirements must be taken for a letter grade of C- or better, with the exception of language courses which can always be taken for P/NP. If students switch a major course to P/NP, they will not be able to use it towards their major requirements and will have to take an alternative course.

While ISP understands that it has been a difficult quarter and students are experiencing elevated stress, there are several factors that need to be considered for pass/no pass grading. In the future, if a student needs a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, it is very hard for instructors to write a detailed letter of support for a student who simply earned a "Pass" in their course. Additionally, in light of recent suspensions of GRE and GMAT scores for graduate school applications, a greater emphasis will be placed on grades; it is important for students to show their ability to be successful in graduate coursework. At this time, it is unknown how graduate and professional schools will consider P/NP grades in the future.

If students have extenuating circumstances with supporting documentation, they may contact an ISP Advisor to discuss their situation. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

If students have questions or concerns, they should meet with an ISP Advisor during Virtual Drop-in Advising or send a message in the Virtual Advising Center.

March 26, 2020

In light of the UC San Diego Division Academic Senate decision to adopt one-time exceptions regarding Pass/No Pass grades, the International Studies Program has adopted the following policies for Spring 2020 only.

P/NP Grades for Spring 2020

For Spring 2020 only, ISP will allow P/NP grades to satisfy all major courses – this includes:

Language courses for ISP Language Requirement
Lower-division major requirements specifically for IS-International Business, IS-Economics, and IS-Philosophy
- This includes calculus, economics, financial accounting, managerial accounting, and philosophy
INTL Core Courses: INTL 101, INTL 102, and INTL 190
Upper-division Disciplinary Focus courses
Upper-division Interdisciplinary Electives courses

P/NP grades taken during Spring 2020 will not count towards the 25% cap on P/NP
The lowest letter equivalent grade allowable to pass with a P is a C-.

Before opting for P/NP grading, we strongly suggest that all students meet with college, departmental, and financial aid advisers to determine whether there are implications if you are intending to apply to graduate or professional schools, or on scholarships or fellowships.

INTL 101 & INTL 102 Prerequisites: Typically students must successfully complete at least one of their college writing courses with a letter grade to be eligible to enroll in INTL 101 or INTL 102. If your college is allowing you to take your writing course for P/NP in Spring 2020, that will satisfy the prerequisite for INTL 101 and INTL 102 in future quarters. You must refer to your college policies on whether or not you may take your writing course for P/NP in Spring.