Kai Carse ’24
I chose international relations because I wanted to take advantage of the best Pomona has to offer. As an interdisciplinary major, IR encompasses politics, anthropology, economics, history, global and cultural studies, and more. I came into Pomona quite undecided, with an interest in politics, Spanish, and economics, and IR helped me feel like I didn’t have to sacrifice one of those interests in the pursuit of another.
At first, I was drawn to the major because of its study abroad requirement. This year, while writing my thesis alongside fellow majors, I've recognized the benefits of immersive global studies. Many IR majors use their experience abroad to craft fascinating and personal theses that span a wide range of topics and methodologies. I studied abroad in Havana, Cuba, during the fall of my junior year, where I witnessed the effects of mass migration and explored a fascinating side of U.S. foreign relations from various perspectives. This enriching experience abroad motivated me to write my thesis on border externalization into international waters.
I have also found an incredible web of dedicated and interesting professors in the IR department. In Intro to IR, Professor [Heidi Nichols] Haddad developed engaging simulations and choose-your-own-topic papers that made me think much more practically about how the world works. In the following year, I joined Professor Haddad as a research assistant, working one-on-one with her and developing my research skills. The Intermediate IR seminar, taken by all IR majors during their sophomore or junior year, is another highlight of my time at Pomona. Studying with Professor [Colin] Beck, I learned how to plan and execute a long-form research paper on any international topic of my choice.
The freedom the department awards its students to discover our interests and pursue them is empowering and makes me grateful to be an IR major.