What is studying International Relations like?

[cherrynabongss]

Hello!

About a month ago, I was telling you guys that I was interested in Asian Studies, Psychology, and Human Resources Management.

I'm just starting to consider International Relations/Studies and I was wondering what kind of knowledge you need to have before studying it.. Judging by descriptions on uni websites, Asian Studies appeals to me more but it's kind of limited and culture-based while International Relations is more broad and there is a significant economical focus, which is good since I want to minor in business and work with companies and stuff. 

 

Does anyone here study IR? Any advice/warning you can give me? Which is better, Asian or International Studies? 

[cosmic latte]

my bachelor was communication, but i'm going to study IR for my major next year! I'm working on the preparations now..hopefully i can get a scholarship ><

 

i'm very interested in the subject as well, but since i haven't learned much about IR i can't help you much. Asian studies is more culture based because the countries are very diverse in terms of culture, and of course it's applied on their political communication. Do you mean East asian studies or all Asia? if all Asia you need to learn about middle east studies and south and SE Asia? that's a lot but it's very interesting to learn about their political culture. 

[SouFiel]

idk about every school, but for me you have to pick two tracks( like political, economical, cultural, etc) plus a region when do you an international relations major

 

so you can still incorporate your want of doing Asian studies 

[cherrynabongss]

idk about every school, but for me you have to pick two tracks( like political, economical, cultural, etc) plus a region when do you an international relations major

 

so you can still incorporate your want of doing Asian studies 

Thanks! I hope I can choose a region  

[KtothePop]

I'm currently doing a combined degree, international business and international relations. I, honestly, enjoy IR more. In Canada, it's divided in thematic clusters (international institutions and governance, International political economy, and security & strategy). If you are looking for a degree that will ensure your future financial security, then, this is not a degree for you. however, taking this degree is and will be rewarding as you move forward in learning more about inter-state relations in the international system.

[cherrynabongss]

I'm currently doing a combined degree, international business and international relations. I, honestly, enjoy IR more. In Canada, it's divided in thematic clusters (international institutions and governance, International political economy, and security & strategy). If you are looking for a degree that will ensure your future financial security, then, this is not a degree for you. however, taking this degree is and will be rewarding as you move forward in learning more about inter-state relations in the international system.

I'm from Canada too. Do you get to choose a region to focus on? On one of the uni websites in my province, it says that Asian Studies is included in IR. I was planning to minor in Business. Why doesn't your combined degree have good job prospects? I thought that business and IR would be a good combination.

[cheap thriâ„“â„“s]

Hi I study IR, I'm in 6th semester, starting 7th next year, basically prior hand you have to have some knowledge of international politics and public policies and bit of modern history (especially last century history)  if you're the type to read newspaper. books, watch news and inform yourself about the world you will be fine, read a lot because during the whole career you will be reading a lot, you gotta be very analytic 

I don't know about your country but in my university they say it's important to have good english since diplomacy's language is english , I also study french because knowing languages is important to communicate but that's up to you :D

 

if you have any doubts just Pm me 

[�ри]

I have a BA in international relations. My advice to you is watching news everyday and reading newspapers from different sources from different countries. And obviously you have to read a lot of history books because HISTORY KNOWLEDGE is the most important!!!

You should get familar with all the International treaties and conventions too ! 

 

If you're interested in Asian studies , I suggest you learn chinese! It would be a pain in the ass to master it but it's totally gonna be useful in the future. 

And good luck!  

[cherrynabongss]

I have a BA in international relations. My advice to you is watching news everyday and reading newspapers from different sources from different countries. And obviously you have to read a lot of history books because HISTORY KNOWLEDGE is the most important!!!

You should get familar with all the International treaties and conventions too ! 

 

If you're interested in Asian studies , I suggest you learn chinese! It would be a pain in the ass to master it but it's totally gonna be useful in the future. 

And good luck!  

Thanks! So is Asian Studies basically a smaller part of International Relations? 

[sakurahanabira]

Thanks! So is Asian Studies basically a smaller part of International Relations? 

 

nah. They intersect (particularly if you choose to focus on Asia in your IR studies), but are two different disciplines. At least that's how it was at my former uni.