More and more people consider themselves citizens of the world, but interacting with others whose backgrounds and customs are different from our own is not an easy task. There are many challenges we must face and considerations we must make when interacting with the world. To exist in a global environment, you need to have some level of political, economic, and cultural sophistication, calling upon your critical thinking, communication, language, collaboration, and technology skills.

First of all, you may choose to pursue a degree in international studies or increase your exposure to other cultures during your undergraduate studies. If that is the case, there are many activities you can do outside the classroom to gain knowledge and practical experience. Study abroad programs are a great way to encounter a foreign culture in a safe environment. Many universities and colleges have exchange agreements with foreign universities to make study abroad more affordable for students. For students, traveling internationally can be incredibly affordable through discounted airline tickets and good rates at hostels. If you cannot travel, try going to an international festival or ethnic restaurants. You can even connect with international communities through service learning and internship opportunities in your town or city.

While working on your international studies degree and as you prepare to enter the workforce, you may want to think about your degree’s employability quotient. If you want to enter the workforce, think about where you want to work and the transferable skills you may need. For example, if you want to work abroad, what language will you need? If you want to do research, how are your communications and writing skills? Graduates of international studies programs can find themselves in many different careers, from federal government to local government, from security to journalism, from nonprofits to the private sector, so it is key that you identify what path you may want to take and build your skills while you are still in school.

Perhaps you want to continue your education. Graduate programs are a great way to further focus on a topic of interest to you. Many colleges and universities offer international studies programs at the master’s and doctorate levels. Master’s programs tend to prepare you for a career in your field of choice whereas doctorate programs allow you to focus intensely on a narrow topic in order to qualify you for jobs in the professoriate or in research for the government or privately funded institutes like think tanks. You may also consider business and law school.

Overall, international studies courses and programs can help you to think more clearly as borders shift and help you develop intercultural competence. International studies fosters an appreciation of the multiple perspectives that guide perceptions and visions across the world, as well as offers opportunities to study global issues that transcend state jurisdictions. Wherever your path takes you, international studies endows you with the skills necessary to succeed.