I am nearly two years into my OU experience, but it feels like just yesterday I was attending Camp Crimson and finalizing my schedule. Just thinking about that gives me chills. Like most students, I have come a long way. Entering college, I was always the kid who thought high school was boring. I must say, I had terrific teachers and faculty, but I just felt so contained. At the collegiate level, and especially at OU, I really found my niche. After bouncing around a few different majors, I stumbled upon the College of International Studies.

While CIS is growing, it is still a lesser-known college at OU. However, with brand new facilities and a broad range of faculty knowledge and expertise, it is becoming an enticing program. There are many different options to explore within the College of International Studies, but the one that stood out to me most was International Area Studies, which is now one of my majors and a primary reason why I enjoy the university. IAS encompasses a variety of fields of study all in one. Although my area of focus has been the Middle East, IAS provides the opportunity to study political relations, language, and culture all around the world, from Brazil to Sub-Saharan Africa to China. In addition, during the next few years IAS expects to add more world-class professors and faculty as they carry out their commitment to advancing our university’s diverse and enriching environment.

One main draw to the IAS major is the vast list of study abroad options. While I have not traveled yet, I plan to attend a summer session in Istanbul, Turkey. However, many of my peers have been to Arezzo, Barcelona, and other places full of cultural appeal.

Foreign language is another essential aspect to the college. While it is known that many languages are available for fields of study, what is not widely known is that the Modern Language Department and the International Area Studies Department have been working together to develop opportunities for students to learn Arabic and its different dialects, Persian (or Farsi), and other Middle Eastern-based languages. Since the Middle East is such a prominent area in global politics, it is exciting to see OU making strides where other universities have not.

The University of Oklahoma has always strived to keep improving. Already nationally renowned, the College of International Studies is a direct representative of the OU experience. Everyone who is involved in the college is very proud of the achievements thus far, but it won’t stop there. While always thinking of the student experience first, I have the utmost confidence in our faculty, and I am thrilled to say that because of the College of International Studies I have especially enjoyed my OU experience. I can only guess what the future will bring!

Jess VanLandingham

Sophomore

International Area Studies and Political Science

Tulsa, OK