Research is the core focus of the department and the department has established links with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore,Institute of Social Science, New Delhi,Centre De Science Humaines, New Delhi, Observer's Research Foundation, Chennai & New Delhi Chapters, Center for Security Analysis, Chennai, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, C.P. Art Foundation, The Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai and several other institutions. To apply to these research agencies the student must submit a comprehensive research proposal along with the internship application.

The department of International Studies has been successful in obtaining useful internships with Multinational Corporations and students have worked in the field of logistics,investments,business intelligence etc.

Those who are applying for journalism should have a flair for writing and sharp editing skills and a nose for news.Over the past five years the students have worked as interns at “The Hindu” a leading National Daily in Chennai, the Indian Express and CNBC. Internships may be available with other leading newspapers like the Times of India, Deccan Herald, Deccan Chronicle and the electronic media like the NDTV, CNN IBN.

Students could seek Internships in the area of Non profit, Non-Governmental organisations like the Action Aid,
Organization for Eelam Refugee Rehabilitation,Ability Foundation,World Vision, CRY, Tibetan Center for Human Rights & Democracy, Bay of Bengal Programme(Intergovernmental Organization).

During the first semester students have to submit a “letter of intent” outlining their professional objectives and qualifications together with a detailed biographic statement.The department suggests possible choices and assists in working out the details of the summer internship. The process of negotiating an internship can take several months. Each case is very different from the other.Students often have a clear idea of where they wish to work. If so they may pursue their objective on their own and arrange internship details, but only with the prior approval from the department. Incase the students applies for international agencies like the UN, it would be the sole responsibility of the student to complete the application form and submit it well within their deadline.The department welcomes ‘self starters’ and encourages initiatives and self reliance in all aspects of the internship program.Students are advised to draft a strong letter of intent and a well organized curriculum vitae.The organization where a student does her internship expects a genuine contribution to the organization.