Your Guide to an International Public Affairs Degree

 #Article Highlights

• Launch a global career: An International Public Affairs degree blends policy, communication, and hands-on experience, making you job-ready for roles in international organizations, government, and NGOs.
• 2025s hottest study abroad trend: Programs in public affairs, STEM, and business analytics are in high demand, especially in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany.
• Internships and scholarships open doors: Many top universities now offer internships and scholarships for international students, making study abroad more accessible than ever.

Careers in public affairs can bring something exciting and challenging yet practical to people’s lives. After graduation, international students should be able to obtain a job or pursue further education through an internship after completing their degree. This article points out some of the benefits to pursuing international careers in public relations in global organizations and how it is a promising early career path for aspiring professionals.    The International Public Affairs degree program helps students become better public servants and will prepare them for a career in international affairs. The program will blur the line between policy formulation and execution, giving students what has been termed the “International Politics Degree.” Students will master the language and communication skills needed to effectively interact with various and varying cultures, while they develop solid judgment and a pragmatic approach towards moral questions, ethical dilemmas and the practice of diplomacy. Graduates will understand the policies and politics of current international concerns through a global perspective, become culturally competent and able to manage the ambiguity that arises in international affairs. Students also have opportunities for exposure to an assortment of research opportunities, such as receiving funding from the University for independent study work. Students serve as preceptors in our Department and gain substantial research and employment experience outside of the standard curriculum. Further, students gain professional contacts, often with opportunities to directly interact with individuals on international affairs.

International Public Affairs is a unique major that has the ability to launch you into various professions and make a living from your passion. Its also perfect for students who find content in international studies, natural resources, regional development or security.  

To be considered for admission into the Major, applicants must meet the following requirements: Each applicant must have completed with a grade point average of at least 2.70 (on scale of 1-4). Additionally they must: have at least 64 semester-credit hours in college level courses and have completed a general college preparatory math course with pre-calculus or calculus or an AP Statistics or Pre-calculus/Calculus unit course with at least one advanced placement exam completed that is transferable to their current institution’s degree program. Have ACT of at least 31 or SAT Reasoning and Reading scores of at least 1200, Math of 1115 or have courses approved by the Associate Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs. Many colleges and universities offer internships for international public affairs students. These internships can serve as a great stepping stone for those interested in working with different international organizations and companies. From highly compensated experience, to entry level opportunities, educating oneself about the various types of internships can help someone find the ideal postgraduate position. Consulting, communications and other public affairs agencies offer internships which gives students an opportunity to dive right into these career fields while they still have time remaining before they complete their degrees. In addition, many employers are now offering scholarships that allow potential applicants to focus solely on their education while they work as well. Both of these private sector internships do not require college credits.

When a student is ready to start their career, there are companies which will pay their rent and give them a free salary. This is an attractive arrangement especially when the combined salary is above that of their full-time position, but the only requisite of the internship is a commitment to working as an employee while completing school. In order to establish this sort of relationship, initially you are most likely expected to work with a group or another intern in their business and intern at another company under the same conditions as an employee. After completing two or three internships, the student becomes eligible to apply for permanent employment in a business. 

Public affairs degrees are in their very early stages, giving many students a setback. Students often find themselves at a crossroads when they want to enter the public affairs field but cannot go where they feel they could be doing the most good. To change this, colleges and universities offer advanced placement credits for students by adding an ethics hour and other additional credits. These new programs help form students into professionals of tomorrow.

#Key Takeaways

• International Public Affairs is a career-launching degree: It prepares you for exciting roles in diplomacy, public policy, and international organizations. Want to see what top programs look like? Check out University of Wisconsin-Madisons La Follette School of Public Affairs.
• Top destinations for 2025: The USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany are leading choices for Indian and global students, thanks to their strong universities, post-study work visas, and job opportunities.
• Internships make you job-ready: Many universities offer internship opportunities in public affairs a great way to gain experience and build your global network.Scholarships and financial aid are within reach: Explore scholarships for Indian students to study abroad and make your dream degree affordable.

#FAQs