When discussing the International Comparative Studies major, or any abstract liberal arts major for that matter, conversations like this usually follow.
"What is your major?"
"International Comparative Studies"
*Insert perplexed face here* "Huh, what's that?"
But just because you might not be familiar with my field of study doesn't mean you should discount it! Here are some things not to ask someone with an International Comparative Studies major.
"Yeah, but what does that even mean?"
Just because you don't know, doesn't mean you should ask me about my life plan in a condescending tone. If I wanted to be a doctor or an engineer I would be, I chose to be an International Comparative Studies major because it is what I am passionate about. Instead of being rude, try asking it like this: "Oh wow, tell me more about that!""That must be easy!"
No. While it is true that I don't have problem sets and labs associated with classes for other majors, you will still find me in the library doing work until sunrise. ICS majors are usually reading hundreds of pages of international discourse before each class, then writing 20+ page papers about said discourse. So, no, it's not easy.
"What are you going to do with that?"
First of all, just don't ask this question because it's rude. International Comparative Studies majors have the opportunity to go into hundreds of different fields because the major is so diverse. You can find ICS graduates in law school, working at non-profits, teaching internationally or domestically, thriving at Fortune 500 companies, starting charitable organizations and working with international governing organizations changing foreign policy.
"Who would hire an ICS major?"
International Studies majors have the "international" appeal. The World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade Organization and the United Nations have all hired International Comparative Studies graduates.
"Out of all of the things you could've done, why choose International Comparative Studies?"
International issues and foreign policy are interesting to me, and I feel that my international knowledge will help me truly make a difference. If I wanted to "make the big bucks" on Wall Street I would do that: but it's just not me. I know with an ICS degree I can promote positive change on a global scale.
So, next time someone asks me what I am going to do with that major, I'm simply going to reply: "Save the world, thanks for asking."
