28/11/2023 Article, Social & Humanities
“Communication, dialogue, collaboration, and cooperation are the keys to achieving stability and peace, both regionally and globally,” said Indonesian President Joko Widodo during a public lecture at Gaston Hall, Healy Building, Georgetown University, Washington DC, United States, on Monday, November 13, 2023. In this lecture, he emphasized that Indonesia is open to cooperation with all countries.
The International Relations Program at UPH is the perfect starting point for students who aspire to make a global impact. By studying international relations, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to navigate the complex dynamics of diplomacy, global cooperation, and foreign policy—preparing you for a career that spans borders and cultures.
Since the proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945, Indonesia’s foreign relations have continued to develop through various bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums with over 162 countries and one special territory. Indonesia’s role in international relations includes its membership in the United Nations (UN) and the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961 to ease Cold War tensions. Indonesia is also one of the founding countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on August 8, 1967.
Indonesia’s diplomatic role on a global level is supported by the contribution of diplomats and professionals in the field of International Relations. They are not only involved in diplomacy but also make significant impacts through various roles in global institutions, including governments, NGOs, multinational corporations, and international bodies such as the UN and ASEAN.
Interested in building an international career?
The first step to achieving this goal can begin by studying International Relations. Here are five things you’ll gain from majoring in International Relations (IR):
A Broad Field of Study
IR offers a wide scope of academic disciplines. In this major, students will learn about history, culture, a country’s cybersecurity issues, and much more. They are also encouraged to stay up to date with global issues, from historical to current events.
Critical Thinking Skills
IR students are trained to develop critical thinking skills. They can analyze global phenomena from various perspectives, become agents of global peace, and think deeply about the causes and effects of world events.
Applicable Knowledge
All the knowledge gained in IR is highly applicable—from basic research skills and negotiation techniques to conflict resolution strategies.
Strong Reading, Writing, and Communication Skills
In IR, students are trained by competent lecturers to develop a passion for reading, strong writing abilities, and excellent communication skills.
Diverse Career Opportunities
The wide range of disciplines studied provides students with many career options, including becoming diplomats, embassy staff, policy advisors, politicians, and more.
Excellent International Relations Education at UPH
The International Relations program at UPH equips students to critically analyze and respond to various national and international phenomena and issues. During their studies, students will explore multidisciplinary subjects, including politics, economics, global business, transnational investment, and international political economy. In terms of soft skills, students are also trained in diplomacy, negotiation, debate, and persuasion—skills essential for responding to real-world issues such as conflict, war, global health, economic crises, cultural matters, and foreign policy.
The IR program at Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) offers three specialization tracks:
International Trade
This specialization prepares students with insights into global economics and international finance, opening career opportunities as business consultants, entrepreneurs, or professionals in multinational companies.
Corporate and International Security
This specialization focuses on human rights issues, citizen security, and interstate conflict, offering career paths in multinational companies, government institutions, and research organizations.
ASEAN and Southeast Asian Studies
This specialization equips students with in-depth knowledge of the Southeast Asian region, leading to careers in government institutions, NGOs, and private companies.
Beyond classroom learning, IR students at UPH have the opportunity to participate in various student activities to sharpen their skills. According to Firman Daud Lenjau Lung, Head of the IR Study Program at UPH, these experiences help prepare students for the workforce.
“One of the biggest expectations students have when choosing IR at UPH is to be involved in numerous student activities and interactive learning processes. These experiences help prepare them for the professional world. UPH supports this through active encouragement of student engagement in the International Relations Student Association (HMPSHI) and its sub-organizations such as IRDC (International Relations Debate Club), MUNC (Model United Nations Community), and FPCI (Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia). In terms of curriculum, the IR program also offers a variety of courses that accommodate student interests and expand their career options,” Firman stated.
What Do Students Learn in UPH’s IR Program?
IR students at UPH study a wide range of topics related to international relations over the course of 10 semesters or 3.5 years. The program uses a blended learning model that combines onsite classes with online sessions. Some of the subjects covered include:
International Law
Indonesian Political System
International/Global Politics
International Economics
Global Political Economy
International Organizations
Diplomacy
UPH IR students can also enhance their language skills through elective foreign language courses such as Mandarin, Japanese, and Russian. For a full list of IR courses at UPH, please visit this link.
Career Opportunities for UPH IR Graduates
The future career prospects for IR graduates are very promising. In today’s era of globalization, countries are increasingly interconnected and need professionals in international relations. Besides becoming diplomats, UPH IR graduates can pursue careers as foreign trade specialists, import-export experts, political analysts, international consultants, and negotiators. They can work in multinational companies and international organizations.
UPH IR Alumni
Since its establishment in 2005, UPH’s IR program has proven its track record. Some of its alumni have built careers in various sectors and institutions, including:
Masayu Octora (IR 2011), Commercial Advisor on Food and Agriculture at the Danish Embassy in Indonesia
Vinsensius Kangen (IR 2011), Global Risk Management Analyst at Meta
Wanda Widya (IR 2014), Diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
Enroll in the International Relations Program at UPH!
Through the International Relations (IR) Program, UPH is committed to preparing graduates who are competent, excellent, and full of integrity—ready to become leaders who make a real impact in both the education sector and community service.
Now that you’ve learned about the study program, career prospects, alumni profiles, and other exciting aspects of IR at UPH, there’s no reason to hesitate. Come and join the IR Program at UPH! Special tuition discounts are also available that you can take advantage of when registering for your studies.
Contact our Student Consultant at 0811-1057-7765 for more information!
also read:
Communication Studies: Course Info, Career Prospects, and Alumni Profiles
