News & Media

Shaheen Nanji, who encountered challenges in Canada because of her lack of local experience, now utilizes her international expertise as the executive director of SFU International, showcasing how her global background has turned into a valuable asset.

SFU International Studies professor and Simons Chair in International Law and Human Security, Megan MacKenzie, has been named co-director of the Research Network on Women, Peace and Security (RN-WPS).

Summer Chan is a recipient of the 2024 Simons Foundation International Travel Grant. She travelled to France for academic exchange, and now she's back to dive into an account of her experience abroad.

A big congratulations to all of our International Studies graduates who crossed the stage this month. We've selected a few heartfelt reflections from graduates to share their favorite moments from their school journey with you.

Mariah crossed the stage this year, proudly receiving her International Studies degree with a concentration in Comparative World Politics, Culture, and Society, alongside a minor in Political Science. As a Malaysian-Filipino, her unique background fostered a deep interest in global issues, driving her passion for pursuing International Studies.

Nooria Sarhadi, a recent SFU graduate with a double major in International Studies and Political Science, was drawn to the International Studies program through her passion for global issues, cultural diversity, and international relations. Inspired by exceptional professors, Nooria's academic journey was enriched by their mentorship and support. Her story highlights the diverse and supportive environment at SFU's School for International Studies in preparing for her next big steps.

Avery Ebenal’s journey at SFU is a testament to the transformative power of interdisciplinary education. Combining his passions for human rights, climate change, history, and diverse cultures, Avery pursued a double major in International Studies and in Dance. His academic path was enriched by diverse perspectives, thought-provoking courses, and engaging professors who sharpened his critical thinking and analysis skills. Avery’s unique blend of interests and experiences at SFU prepared him to tackle global challenges with a well-rounded perspective.

At International Studies, Miri Abel found an ideal environment to explore her curiosity in culture, history and language, which allowed her to challenge Western-centric views and integrate Indigenous viewpoints into her studies. Now, as she prepares to pursue her master's at SFU, Miri hopes to foster dialogue between the International Studies and Indigenous Studies disciplines.

Students from Team Research Raccoons and Team Her Majesty's Smurfs receive their awards.

The School for International Studies extends a warm welcome to our newest faculty member and assistant professor, Rupak Shrestha.

In January 2023, Carissa Gelinas embarked on an extraordinary adventure supported by the International Studies Travel Grant to explore Bangkok, Thailand.

Sterritt’s newest book Unbroken showcases Indigenous cultures unbroken by colonialism. Read the article by International Studies student Karissa Ketter.

For Yussuf Osman, turning his passion for activism and his deep-rooted connection to his homeland into the focus of his Master of Arts in International Studies thesis felt like a natural choice. Learn about his journey to combat climate change-induced conflict.

An award-winning author and scholar, Shahrokni’s research delves into the captivating world of gender politics, globalization, feminist geography and ethnographies of the state in Iran, the Middle East, and beyond.

The School for International Studies is excited to welcome Dr. Ricardo Arredondo as our newest Adjunct Professor!

Nicole Jackson is an Associate Professor of International Studies and an expert on Russia and and post-Soviet Central Asia.

In this event from SFU SIS and SFU Public Square, a panel of international experts met to discuss how media has played a role in shaping public opinion and narratives in different ways. Read the recap here.

Sam Sommerfeld was one of the recipients of the 2021 International Studies Travel Grant and was able to participate in a 6-month exchange to Germany. Now that he’s returned he’s taken some time to reflect on his experience abroad.

International Studies major and star debater Miranda Pinter-Collett takes some time to reflect back on her time at SFU, and offer some advice to current and incoming students.

Professor Darren Byler shares his expertise on the mass detention and surveillance of the Uyghurs in Northwestern China.

Studying photojournalism sparked Dr. Darren Byler’s interest in becoming a sociocultural anthropologist and he has spent nearly 20 years researching the Uyghurs and the dispossession of their homelands in Chinese Central Asia.

Jasheil Athalia says one of the most important ways her academic training has informed her grassroots involvement is fostering her “systemic understanding of issues.”

Jenna Richmond, who is graduating with a major in International Studies, has been awarded the Dean’s Convocation Medal for academic excellence in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Congratulations, Jenna!

Members of our current cohort of Master's in International Studies students discuss what they are most excited for in the upcoming summer co-op term, as well as how the MAIS program has prepared them for career success.

Assistant professors Irene Pang and Darren Byler are the only two researchers from Canadian institutions among 11 fellows awarded by the American Council of Learned Societies.

Simon Fraser University ranks among the world’s top 50 universities for its commitment to sustainability, according to Times Higher Education’s (THE) 2021 University Impact Rankings. The rankings measure environmental, social and economic contributions toward meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Professor Tamir Moustafa and Adjunct Professor Robert Springborg's new Routledge Handbook on Contemporary Egypt handbook serves a dual purpose of introducing readers to Egypt’s history and contemporary political economy and as a comprehensive key resource for postgraduate students and academics interested in modern Egypt.

Tori Wong, an alumnus of the Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS) program, shares insights to their role as a Strategic Advisor at Women and Gender Equality Canada.

SFU International Studies remembers Andrew Mack, long-time Associate member of our faculty, and a truly remarkable man.

A recent graduate of SFU's Master's in International Studies, Vanessa Milost Gonzalez found her master's program gave her ample opportunity to explore and discover her passions.

International Studies student Ayaan Ismail used her time at SFU to advocate for refugee students and Black scholars.

Megan Mackenzie, an expert on women in war and military culture, looks forward to facilitating interdisciplinary initiatives as the new Simons Chair in International Law and Human Security.

Through coursework and cultural experiences, studying abroad in Paris shaped her critical understanding of politics and society in new ways writes Alex Senchyna, Simons Foundation International Travel Grant recipient.

SFU's Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Dr. Catherine Dauvergne as Vice-President Academic and Provost. Dauvergne will be a member of the School for International Studies.

When Rozy Karim came to Canada as a refugee in 1974, survival was her primary focus. Today, at the age of 65, she's learning how to make herself happy.

As the first Canadian president of the Latin American Studies Association, SFU Professor Gerardo Otero hopes to promote youth engagement and academic accessibility.

"The International Studies Travel Award (ISTA) was invaluable toward my research process" ISTA winner Rupi Sandher shares her experience conducting research on gender roles in Punjab, India.

Eleanor Li is spending the semester in Düsseldorf, Germany, completing a co-op position at the Consulate of Canada. An international studies major in the program's security and conflict concentration, Li first worked with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through co-op last year.

"While there were vast differences in language, cultural practices, and politics, overall, I think my experience abroad taught me about the similarities people share." Simons Foundation travel grant recipient Jenna Richmond reflects on her time in Prague, Czech Republic.

Angie Hall, a graduate of Simon Fraser University’s School for International Studies, was recently named to the Women’s Executive Network’s list of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada for her work with HSBC.

Morgan Holt's enriching study abroad experience brought him everywhere from Paris, France to Izmit, Turkey.

Yara Younis is using policy and public programming to make a difference in the lives of newcomers, with help from the environment and background she’s found in the School for International Studies.

Gaining an insider’s perspective into the world of NGOs and a first taste of working in the international field.

Nicolas Tellez-España, recent international studies graduate minoring in economics, is now working to support individuals overcoming homelessness and poverty at Mission Possible in Vancouver’s DTES.

Jason Stearns, United Nations expert on armed conflict and award-winning author, encourages practice and engagement in the School for International Studies.

IS Director Tamir Moustafa honored by the Law & Courts Section of American Political Science Association (APSA) for his book's lasting impression on the field of law and courts.

Bulletins from the SFU School for International Studies - Summer semester 2019.

The annual congress is a convergence of over 70 scholarly associations, each holding their annual conference under one umbrella.

Bulletins from the SFU School for International Studies - Spring Semester 2019.

"I had the opportunity to meet and work with some incredible scholars, activists, and community leaders who inspired me to continue the work I was doing outside of my degree."

Drawn to international studies because of its interdisciplinary nature, Virk says one of the most valuable facets of her SFU education was taking her “hands-on experiences working with vulnerable populations globally” and incorporating these into “policy-making ideas”.

The key to her success has also been her biggest challenge: getting and staying organized to establish and maintain balance in her home-life, work-life, school-life.