Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies

3 Things I’d do if I went back to undergrad (International Studies Edition) 🌐🗺️🕊️✈️

1. Study a critical language: companies look for people who can not only communicate in the most spoken languages, but those who demonstrate they’re able to learn something out of curiosity and stick to it. (🔍 Language Explorers Scholarship)

2. Study Abroad for a year: you can learn a lot in a semester, but a year can be life changing. If you are able to commit to it, do it. Whether it’s to learn the language or learn a new way of life, you will not regret it.

3. Join an organization: participation is key, but so is knowing that it’s intentional. Join organizations that make sense for your career goals, networking= community building. Clubs and organizations are the easiest way to make genuine connections.

5 Language learning tips

Here are my top hacks for learning a language, as someone who learned a language in a little over a year. The most important tip: use it if you don’t want to lose it.

Learning a language is an ongoing practice, so the more you speak the better you get!

From bright-eyed student to working with U.S. Department of State personnel, Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies alumni Timothy McGowan, B.A./M.A. International Studies ’23, seized every opportunity to professionally develop and distinguish himself on and off campus. 🤝

As a Hamilton Lugar student, McGowan pursued concentrations in global development and diplomacy, security and governance, leading him to explore international experiences beyond traditional internship postings.

His advice to students? Don't wait for opportunities to appear.

“It really is just about, if you ask,” said McGowan. “Some of the organizations that didn’t have anything posted were the ones that were most willing to create opportunities.”

🔗Learn more about this Hamilton Lugar alumni: https://hey.iu.edu/uqp8L

We’re here today to test your international knowledge of a very topical sport! How many can you get right?

A while back, we were honored to host Taiwanese Rep. Alexander Yui at the Hamilton Lugar School.

Students and faculty gathered for a timely discussion on the future of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership and its growing impact on everyday life worldwide.

In case you missed the opportunity to attend, our talented student writer, Elizabeth Pierce, wrote an article to fill you in!

Now live 🔗 https://news.iu.edu/hamiltonlugar/live/news/51163-the-world-is-interconnected-taiwan-representative

“The world is interconnected”: Taiwan representative brings U.S.-Taiwan diplomacy to Hamilton Lugar students April 2026 Taiwanese delegation visit to Indiana University campus. Left to right: Associate Vice President for International Affairs Miguel Ayllon, Interim Provost John Ciorciari, Chancellor David Reingold, Taiwanese Rep. Alexander Yui, Madame Karen Lo, Taiwanese Consul-General in Chicago Dennis Le...

Earlier this week we had the wonderful opportunity to partner with Freedom House in a discussion on the current state of democracy during our Chicago Briefing: Strengthening Global Democracy in a Changing World.

Why now?

Freedom House’s Freedom in the World report has operated as a democracy index for 53 years. The 2026 report documents its 20th consecutive year of global democratic decline.

Where do we go from here?

Recent graduate Mahi Patel highlighted the importance of the Hamilton Lugar Global Development Consulting program and the school's inaugural student government, in shaping the next generation of global leaders.

Patel, who now works for the Lieutenant Governor of Illinois as a James H. Dunn Memorial Fellow, cited the Freedom House 2026 policy recommendations to emphasize that young generations must be engaged as builders of digital civil infrastructure where civic identities are formed.

Let’s continue the conversation! How will you uphold democracy today?

Good afternoon Washington, D.C.!

We are so excited to announce that the Hamilton Lugar Washington, D.C. programs are among the first programs operating through the Capital Campus.

- The Global Policy Program gives IU students the opportunity to work and learn in the capital over the summer
- The Regionals Summer D.C. Program is a weeklong study trip where students from multiple IU campuses across Indiana complete a course on civic identity, social institutions and history while touring some of Washington’s most iconic landmarks and museums

This is an amazing opportunity for our students to work alongside policymakers and connect with employers through Hamilton Lugar's immersive programs!

Read more: https://lnkd.in/eZZwN9Ks