Opportunities

International Affairs Club

The Lafayette International Affairs Club (LAFIA) is a student organization open to any student who hopes to gain a multifaceted perspective on globalization, world issues and international affairs. LAFIA strives to promote international affairs at Lafayette and foster academic interest in global studies. Initiatives include sponsoring guest lecturers, professor discussions, peer discussion panels and other special events that allow students the opportunity to  enhance their understanding of current events and connect with professionals in the field of international affairs.

If interested in LAFIA or have any further questions, please contact one of the 2024-2025 Board Members:

President: Danni Archibold
Co-President: Nick Zarbin

Model United Nations

The Model United Nations Club provides an opportunity to learn diplomacy by doing it. A longstanding Lafayette tradition, Model United Nations Club members participate in simulations of United Nations and other diplomatic meetings, learning about major international issues by role-playing as a country delegation or other major international actor. We attend Model United Nations conferences in the fall and spring, providing students an opportunity to practice research and public speaking. Model United Nations is a great opportunity to learn about the world and build experience and contacts for future careers in diplomacy while having a great time.

If interested in Model United Nations, contact Professor Caleb Gallemore.

EXCEL Scholars Program

Open to sophomore, junior, and senior full-time Lafayette students in all disciplines who maintain a 3.25 GPA or higher, The prestigious EXCEL Scholars program gives students nominated by a faculty member an opportunity to pursue research alongside a faculty adviser/researcher. These studies open career doors for students, as the work is fully collaborative and involves cutting-edge research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge.

The EXCEL Scholars program runs both semesters and during the summer. Students receive hourly wages and are provided housing during the summer session. Further details are available on the EXCEL Scholars webpage.

Current examples of EXCEL Scholar projects with International Affairs professors include:

• “A Global Comparison of Third Gender Reforms” – Betsenat Gebrewold ’20 with Professor von Wahl
• “Mapping Global Voluntary Carbon Offsetting” – Jessica Furtado ’20 with Professor Gallemore.
• “Sustainable Palm Oil in German Manufacturing” – Samuel McQuillen ’20 with Professor Gallemore.
• “The Global Geography of Green Building Certification” – Daniel Gonzalez ’20 with Professor Gallemore.
• “Globalization in Practice: The Everyday Work of Environmental Certification” – Maha Alaoui Hijazi ’22 with Professor Gallemore.

Sigma Iota Rho  – The National Honor Society for International Studies

Sigma Iota Rho is a national honors society founded in 1984 to promote and reward scholarship and service among students and practitioners of international studies, international affairs, and global studies and to foster integrity and creative performance in the conduct of world affairs.

Lafayette College’s Beta Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Iota Rho was established in 2005 and consists of the best and brightest students in the International Affairs (IA) and International Studies (INS) programs. Our chapter offers opportunities to closely interact with fellow IA and INS students, alumni, and faculty members while attending guest lectures and professional development events. Membership also allows students the opportunity to be published in the national peer-reviewed Journal of International Relations. Our chapter accepts and inducts eligible members once a year during the Spring semester. Students will be invited via email with eligibility being based on the following:

• Have declared a major in IA or INS
• Be of junior or senior standing for IA or senior standing for INS
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher in all courses, and 3.6 or higher in IA/INS major courses