International Studies
College of the Atlantic
We’re a small school with a global reach
Many classes have an international focus, and there are numerous opportunities for off-campus study. We love Maine and confess that we’re a bit infatuated with our campus and environs. We have a truly inspirational location in which to live and learn. But our curriculum spans the globe.
On campus, international history and politics classes include The Cold War, Introduction to Global Politics, International Wildlife Law, From Native Empires to Nation States, and French Food Politics. You can explore other lands and countries through literature classes such as World Literature and Contemporary Women’s Novels. Anthropology classes such Blood and Postcolonial Islands give students a cross-cultural perspective on notions of race, nationhood, and identity.
Be sure to check out our opportunities for off-campus study and language learning
Study and travel internationally
Learning about other countries is one component of international studies. Another important skill is learning to work in global settings. Knowing how to problem-solve and collaborate with people from other cultures is essential if we are to make progress on the big issues facing the planet. How can you live and work responsibly in a culture that is not your own? How can you function effectively in international collaborations such as a scientific field station or a UN climate negotiation? These are skills best learned through real-world experience and mentoring. There are many opportunities at COA to travel and study internationally so you can gain that experience.
Reminder: Areas of study at COA aren’t majors or formal concentrations. All COA students design their own major in human ecology and are free to chart their own path. Your major is defined by you, not us.
Faculty
David Rockefeller Family Chair in Ecosystem Management and Protection
Faculty in History, Latin American Studies, and Historical Agriculture
Faculty in Global Environmental Politics, Agriculture Policy, & International Studies
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Student voices
COA Might be Right for You if…
…you are ready to have your life and identity flipped on its head and dunked in the ocean repeatedly.
Jonna Lynn Nielsen ’27
…you don’t know what you want to study because you have far too many interests to just focus in on one of them.
Wilson Korneev ’28
…you want to be in a small community where people will remember your name.
Alya Kiiashko ’25
…you have an open mind, enjoy small communities, and want a well-rounded (however unconventional) education experience.
Seth Sears ’28
…you want to meet politically, emotionally, and academically engaged people.
Alder Ame ’27
…you think being sent to the oceanside to improve your mental health actually sounds awesome (it totally is).
Carolina de Oliveira Castro ’26
…you are passionate about the natural world and want to study it and love spending time outside.
Conrad Kortemeier ’26
…you want to be surrounded and inspired by people who are excited about niche subjects, and by people who are still figuring out what they’re doing.
Marina Schnell ’25
…you can’t choose between the mountains and the sea.
Megan Maloney ’26
…you want freedom in your class structure.
Andie Piliouras ’26
…you want small, intentional community.
Conlan Lamb ’28
…you want to expand your perspective and knowledge of the world around you, and gain valuable connections from all around the world!
Trinket Lester ’28
…you question the answers to your questions, challenge the status quo, and seek tranquility in the heart of the spruce-fir forests.
Greta Bernier ’27
…you have the desire to choose your own path to a degree.
Béatrice St-Louis ’28