Course of Study: International Economics and Cultural Affairs
Director: Randa Duvick, Ph.D.
Meier Hall 116
Tel. 219-464-5169
Randa.Duvick@valpo.edu
Web site: www.valpo.edu/ieca
Degrees Offered: International Economics & Cultural Affairs, B.A.
Valpo’s International Economics & Cultural
Affairs program offers interdisciplinary study that teaches you to make
connections between academic areas and between academic subjects and world
affairs. As an IECA major, you have the opportunity to explore in detail
the linguistic, cultural, and economic make-up of a world region.
What is distinctive about Valpo’s
program?
Curriculum
Faculty Research
IECA’s curriculum is distinct in that it
allows you to become a "regional
specialist" and requires a significant
level of language mastery.At some
institutions, interdisciplinary
programs offer a broad selection of
courses but do not link those
courses in meaningful ways.At
Valpo, courses carefully chosen
from different departments are part
of a well-designed program.
Valpo faculty who teach in
internationally focused programs
work closely with each other and
with you to help you find the right
major and study-abroad program.
As a senior, you will complete a
Senior Independent Research
Project. A one-semester research
skills seminar assists you in
conducting the research. Recent
topics have included:
What can you do with this major?
Degree, Skills or Experience Needed for Beginning a Job in this Field:
Valpo’s IECA major is sufficient for entry into the job market. You will
want to study at one of the University’s 14 International Centers to increase
your language skills, develop a deeper understanding of the culture and
customs of your area, and make you even more marketable. You will also
want to consider supplementing your study abroad experience with an internship
or cooperative education program abroad.
Kinds of Work Available to Graduates in this Major:
IECA majors work in the areas of international business (banking, import/export,
marketing, and sales); in government departments or agencies involved
in international matters; and in NGOs (non-governmental organizations)
involved in humanitarian, educational, or cultural services.
Potential Hiring Institutions:
Corporations, large and small, which are engaged in international commerce;
federal, state, and local governmental agencies; non-profit service and
philanthropic organizations.
How does Valpo take IECA
beyond the classroom?
Hands-on Learning
Each spring, all IECA majors participate in a day long International Workshop
that puts them in the middle of a fictional international crisis, which
they must resolve. Ambassador Richard Kauzlarich (VU ’66) facilitated
the 2001 role-play simulation. Kauzlarich is a career diplomat with the
State Department and was most recently US Ambassador to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The workshop puts the theories about cultural interaction and diplomacy
into practice, along with other topics studied in the classroom. www.valpo.edu/ieca/beyond.html
Cooperative Education
IECA students can perform full-time paid work abroad for which some academic
credit may be earned. Several placements are regularly available in Germany,
and other sites can be located with staff assistance.
Internships
Several study abroad and off-campus programs have internships available
for IECA majors. Students who study in France or Japan have internship
opportunities available to them automatically.
Other Off-Campus Opportunities
Study Abroad
Valpo has a study-abroad program for each of the languages included in
the IECA program. Students can take advantage of Valpo’s programs in countries
such as Mexico, England, France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Namibia, China,
and Japan. Students can also spend semesters in New York, Chicago, or
Washington, D.C.
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