Globally yours

Friday May 4 2007 14:36 IST

Pavithra Srinivasan

‘What India needs right now is a regional convention for refugees,’’ states Vidhya Srinivasan, a 22-year-old second year student of International Studies, Stella Maris College. ‘‘When I visited the refugee camp at Gummidipoondi, I understood what they were going through. It’s a different experience from what you study.’’ Vidhya feels that her knowledge about the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, as part of her course work, has helped her connect theory with real life. ‘‘My focus is on Sri Lankan refugees in India, on whom I did a lot of research during my two-month internship,’’ she says. ‘‘I concentrated particularly on the socio-economic status of the refugees and the legal framework.’’ A holder of a UG Degree in BBA, Vidhya was primarily interested in international law, human rights, conventions and treaties, which influenced her choice of study. ‘‘One needs to know international law and history before attempting to work in the field.’’ These are two of the many aspects of emphasis placed on the course.

Stella Maris College offers International Studies, a two-year post-graduate programme that specialises in international issues such as human rights, international business, global trends and country analysis. Begun in 2002, the core subjects of the course include Historical Background to International Relations, Environmental Protection and Global Policy, Conflict and Co-operation in South Asia, among others, while electives offer French and German courses.

‘‘Our training methods are innovative and creative,’’ asserts Priya Suresh, head of Department of International Studies. ‘‘We hold simulations and presentations and make sure the students receive skill-mentoring and concentrate on soft skills. Visiting dignitaries often accept our request to give a lecture to our students on various subjects.’’ Some examples of such visitors are the Consulate Generals of Singapore and the US, and the Venezuelan Ambassador Miliena Sanata Ramirez.

The course also has an exchange programme, allowing French students to study here for two semesters. Credits are transferred during the course of study. There is also the Scholar in Residence Programme, which offers guest lectures from representatives of the Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies and the National Institute of Advanced Studies, to name a few.

At present, Stella Maris College is one of three centres in India that offer the course.

‘‘Our focus is on research,’’ adds Suresh. ‘‘Our students work in every aspect of current affairs and international relations, and we ensure that they understand not just laws and facts, but also gain practical experience. We educate and provide analytical abilities for future analysts and researchers in regional and international affairs. We equip our students with diplomatic skills and knowledge of factors that determine global politics and historic trends.’’

All of this played an important part in her current position as research analyst in DakshinChithra for Anupama Shekar (31). ‘‘I worked with the UN in the developmental sector, even as I pursued the course,’’ she says. ‘‘I returned to studies after a period of work. I wanted to know, first-hand, the connection between the theoretical framework and reality. This course helped me gain that insight.’’ Her thesis was on Cultural Politics, for which she centred on Censorship of Music in Pakistan. Research involved interviews with the music band Junoon during their performances in India, which provided her the primary information. ‘‘My course helped me understand the mechanics of culture and politics first-hand. I now have a better understanding of how conflicts evolve, and to develop a strategic foresight.’’

Summer internships are offered by the college as well, for a period of 45 days in various high-profile agencies and organisations, at the end of the first year. ‘‘I’ve chosen Tribal Ethnicities,’’ says Meena S, a I-year student who has chosen the CP Arts Centre for her internship. ‘‘I am intrigued by the dynamics of their life. Learning about them will enhance my own, city-bred perceptions.’’

For Janani Narasimhan, now a part of the Competitive Intelligence Team of Frost & Sullivan, the course served to open newer alternatives. Holding a Bachelors in Sociology, she opted for the course, choosing a rigorous four-month internship at the Institute of Social Sciences, Delhi. ‘‘Later, I was admitted to the University of Cambridge. In my present position, I often advise the Board of Directors about the research I conduct on our competitors. Recently, I am into healthcare advising as well,’’ says the 24-year old. ‘‘My eventual aim is to work with the United Nations.’’

The course fee is between Rs 40,000 to Rs 45, 000 for two years. Students from any discipline are eligible to apply. Admission is based on a minimum of cut-off of 50 percent in the UG, and an entrance test based on current affairs and issues.

Applications are given out in the first week of May on the Stella Maris College campus. For more details, visit the website: http://www.stellamariscollege.org/departments/internationalstudies.as