Professional & Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning (EL) is not just a component of education here—it's integral to the SIS experience. EL bridges theory with practice, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Through collaborative, hands-on experiences, students gain critical skills, deepen their understanding, and cultivate a proactive, reflective approach to learning, preparing them to excel in a complex and interconnected global landscape.

Discover a wealth of accessible Experiential Learning opportunities designed to meet your academic and career goals. Our range of resources—including internships, research projects, service learning, and study abroad programs—are crafted to accommodate diverse interests and aspirations, ensuring that everyone has the chance to engage and thrive in meaningful educational experiences.

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Student Experiences

SIS Model UN members display their awards from a recent competition.

Study Abroad students in Delhi, India sit down with the Pir for a snack.

SIS students hold a sign supporting their team for the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Competition.

A team of SIS students present their solution to the challenge for the Cyber 9/12 event.

SIS graduate students on a safari trip in Kenya on a break from their practicum.

SIS students hike together during a short-term seminar in Cuba.

Global Scholars Study Abroad class observes stingray while on a boat tour near the Galapagos Islands.

Experiential Learning Opportunities
Program	Level	Type	Description
Abdul Aziz Said Peace Scholars	Undergraduate	Curricular	Advance the celebrated SIS professor’s life’s mission through studying peace, conflict resolution, and interfaith dialogue.
Olson Scholars	Undergraduate	Curricular	Pursue advanced research and undergo fieldwork in international studies as you enter your sophomore year at SIS.
SIS Undergraduate Research Symposium	Undergraduate	Research	Organize and lead a day of educational exchange of international affairs student research.
Career Mentoring	Undergraduate/Graduate	Career Readiness	This program connects students with alumni mentors for one academic year to help foster career skills and professional goals.
Career Site Visits	Undergraduate/Graduate	Career Readiness	These trips allow students to meet with professionals, explore organizations, and prepare to engage in professional settings.
Graduate Dual Degrees	Graduate	Global Experience	These programs allow graduate students to earn two Master’s degrees from two universities in two countries over two years.
Ritsumeikin University Sakura Scholars, Japan	Undergraduate/Graduate	Global Experience	Earn a joint bachelor of arts in global international relations with AU and Ritsumeikan University in Japan.
UN University for Peace, Costa Rica	Graduate	Global Experience	UPEACE, in Costa Rica, is dedicated to quality teaching, research, and service to help humanity build a peaceful world.
Korea University, South Korea	Graduate	Global Experience	KUGSIS prepares students for leadership roles in governments, NGOs, multinational firms, and international financial institutions.
Three Year Global Scholars Program	Undergraduate	Service Learning/Student Leadership	First-year students complete their academic requirements on an accelerated timeline and engage in community service as a cohort.
Honors Program	Undergraduate	Service Learning/Student Leadership	The Honors program is designed for high-performing, curious juniors and seniors who are seeking additional academic challenges.
	Undergraduate	Research	Organize and lead a day of educational exchange of international affairs student research.
SISU 306 Poster Conference	Undergraduate	Research	The conference allows students to showcase their research and engage in broader scholarly dialogue with the AU community.
Internship Abroad	Undergraduate/Graduate	Global Experience	SIS provides students with direct connections to internship opportunities at organizations abroad.
Undergraduate Semester Abroad	Undergraduate	Global Experience	Students take courses alongside international peers and are fully integrated into student life at the host institution.
Graduate Summer Abroad	Graduate	Global Experience	Students spend the summer taking courses at the host institution and are fully integrated into student life at the host campus.
Graduate Semester Abroad	Graduate	Global Experience	Students spend one semester taking courses at the host institution and are fully integrated into student life at the host campus.
	Graduate	Service Learning/Student Leadership	The JIS editorial process allows students to participate in peer mentorship, publicize research, and improve professional skills.
	Graduate	Service Learning/Student Leadership	The GSC serves as the representative body to meet the needs of all AU SIS Graduate Students.
	Undergraduate	Service Learning/Student Leadership	The Council liaises with SIS students and faculty to advocate for and establish programs for the SIS student body.
Skills Institutes	Graduate	Career Readiness	These weekend-long intensive workshops introduce students to professional skills relevant to careers in international affairs.
Practica	Graduate	Career Readiness	Students spend one semester working in teams to conduct policy and program analyses for external clients.
Internships	Undergraduate/Graduate	Career Readiness	Students can gain hands-on experience at a local organization through for-credit internships.
IAPA Integrated Policy Expertise	Graduate	Curricular	In this capstone course, students create a portfolio of deliverables organized around a modern problem in international affairs.
Applied Substantial Research Paper	Graduate	Curricular	This independent research project allows students to integrate and apply knowledge from the field into a scholarly project.
Undergraduate Research Course Sequence	Undergraduate	Curricular	The methods & methodology course sequence gives students essential research skills to empower them to conduct their own research.
	Undergraduate/Graduate	Global Experience	Students may pursue academic studies abroad with the different options available through AU Abroad.

Bringing internship experience to Model G20

Nuha Hamid, SIS/BA ’18

Model G20 Student Organizer

I was excited for the new challenge of helping to organize Model G20.

I'm the Summit General Coordinator for AU’s Model G20 Summit, which provides students the opportunity to replicate a G20 Leader’s Summit. As an intern at the British Embassy, I've gained a greater appreciation for international cooperation and the amount of work that goes into sustaining diplomatic relations, both bilateral and multilateral. When designing simulations for Model G20, I’m now more aware of the intricacies involved in formulating a state’s policy prior to coming to the negotiating table.

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