The international studies program at AUS is known across the campus for its vibrant and close-knit student community. Playing a large part in achieving this strong sense of community is the International Studies Students Association (INSA).

Every semester, INSA hosts a variety of interesting and engaging events that offer students insight on a range of topics, from current events to scholarly matters. Through INSA-hosted talks, students get to hear from expert speakers such as government officials, leading academics, motivational speakers and more. On a broader scale, INSA organizes annual conferences that tackle timely topics such as climate change and migration, drawing student attendees from around the world. 

Recognizing the value of hands-on experience, INSA hosts engaging trips that help students learn about various organizations, fields or causes and can even spark their professional interests. One example is the INSA visit to the UAE warehouse of the World Food Programme, the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.

Rounding out each semester is the INSA gala dinner, which celebrates that semester’s graduating class. Attended by faculty and students, INSA’s galas mark this important milestone in students’ lives and reflect the spirit of the tight-knit community that international studies students and faculty members embody.

All international studies majors are automatically members of INSA and can vote for the association’s officers. As the student-led representative arm of the international studies program, INSA elects new board members at the conclusion of every academic year to serve for two-semester terms. INSA is advised by a faculty member from the Department of International Studies. 

For more information on INSA, please contact [email protected].