DUE TO rapid globalization and Korea's elevation of status in international circles, more and more people have started working for international organizations. There are many kinds of organizations in areas such as development, gender equality, environmental issues, refugee rights, AIDS research, culture and education. To help the students who find themselves lost, The Yonsei Annals would like to introduce some courses that may lead you to a career in international organizations.
- < Basic steps >
■ International Relations (POL2102-01-00)
: An introductory course for international studies
# Macroeconomics (ECO2101-01-00)
# Microeconomics (ECO2102-01-00)
: All foreign language courses: Strongly recommended.
"It is important to academically learn about international studies, but it is also important to obtain fundamental knowledge such as a foreign language and a background of economics. Foreign languages are especially useful for JPO exams,: says Rhee La-hee (3rd Sem. Yonsei Graduate School of International Studies).
- < For professionalism >
◈ Theory of Poverty (SOW3105-01-00)
◈ Social Work with Women (SOW3118-01-00)
: Poverty and gender equality are important issues in international organizations.
■ The Third World Politics (POL2112-01-00)
: This course may be useful for those who want to contribute in developing third world countries.
■● The Politics of Int'l Trade (POL4106-01-00)
: This course is recommended to those who want to work in international economic bodies such as the IMF or WTO. Focuses on theory.
- < In the real world >
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (www.mogef.go.kr) offers internship in international organizations for female graduate school students. Students are picked based on their resumes, English skills and Korean/English interviews.
The Yonsei Leadership Center (www.yonsei.ac.kr/~ylc) also offers internships at the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program).
- < Establish and broaden your perspective >
▣ International Organizations and International Relations (UCI1133-01-00)
: A good way to learn about the basic role of international organizations.
* Int'l Trade Economic Organization (TRA3101-01-00)
: Different ambassadors teach this course which makes the course vary from semester to semester. At the end of the semester, group presentations concerning various international organizations are informative. A case-oriented course.
▣ Globalization and Multi-culturalism (UCI1151-01-00)
: Destroying prejudices and tolerating diverse cultures is a new trend in international studies.
⊙● International Conflicts and Cooperation (IEE3185-01-00)
: Provides students with theoretical knowledge regarding international cooperation, a pioneering field in international studies.
⊙● The United Nations and International Organizations (IEE3222-01-00)
Many students are afraid of taking English courses at the DIEE, but a certain level of English is required in international organizations. Moreover, professors of the Yonsei GSIS teach many courses at the DIEE, so courses are strongly recommended.
■ Dept. of Political Science
# Dept. of Economics
▣ General Elective Subject
* Linked Major - A Study of Foreign Affairs and Trade
⊙ Div. of Int’l Education & Exchange
◈ Dept. of Social Welfare
● English Courses
Interview 
Jung Hee-jung (4th Sem., Graduate School of International Studies)
It is important for students to find a field they are interested in and build experience in that field, rather than wanting to work for an international organization without any goals or purpose. Foreign language skills are also very important because conferences and papers are all done in English. Finally, rather than working at an international organization directly after graduation, you could also try working at a related public sector and build experience first.
* Jung was an intern at UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) from Aug. to Oct. in 2005.