a
M

Drew University’s United Nations Semester Gives Students Behind-the-Scenes Look at International Relations

A look at one of Drew’s seven New York Semesters

October 2024 – Hands-on learning experiences have long been a hallmark of a Drew University education. Look no further than the New York Semester on the United Nations, which has been running for more than 60 years.

It’s still around for a reason—students love the experience and it prepares them for their futures.

Every fall, juniors and seniors take the short train ride into New York City to explore the world of international diplomacy.

At the United Nations’ global headquarters on the East River, and in a classroom right across the street, Drew students meet with diplomats, policy experts, and UN Secretariat staff to learn about how the UN functions.

Students also visit major non-governmental organizations—Human Rights Watch and the Population Council are two student favorites—to explore the myriad focuses within the international relations field. In learning from experts, students tackle big questions and topics: solutions to global challenges; peace and security; climate change; sustainable development; human rights; disarmament and terrorism; humanitarian and health emergencies; gender equality; and food production.

The UN Semester is often a catalyst for students looking to enter one of these fields in graduate school or directly into a career.

“The UN program is one of the opportunities that equipped me with the transferable skills and knowledge necessary to make my goals a reality,” said Chekwube Okunowo C’24, currently pursuing a masters in international affairs at Johns Hopkins University.

In addition to top graduate schools, former UN Semester students are currently in positions with well-known NGOs, the U.S. Foreign Service, diplomatic corps of foreign countries, and the UN Secretariat.

“This program not only imparts valuable knowledge about global affairs and diplomatic intricacies, but also provides a unique space for individuals to explore and understand their strengths, passions, and potential,” said Carlos Yordan, associate professor of international relations and director of the UN Semester. “By engaging with real-world issues and collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds, students emerge from the program with a heightened sense of self-awareness, resilience, and global citizenship, poised to make meaningful contributions to society and effect positive change in an ever-evolving world.”

To learn more about Drew’s seven New York Semesters, click here.

Recent News