Name: Allie Goodman-Callender 
Degree: B.A. in International Studies and Political Science
Expected to graduate in: Summer 2026
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Why did you decide to take international studies courses during the summer?
I decided to take international studies courses during the summer so I could stay on track with my degree requirements while making room in my schedule for the 2025-2026 academic year. These classes are offered online and give me the flexibility to balance my summer commitments with my academic ones. I am very grateful that the Jackson School gives students like me the opportunity to focus on core requirements over the summer.
What courses are you taking and how do they relate to your personal/academic goals and aspirations?
This summer, I am taking two of the Jackson School core classes being offered, JSIS 201: The Making of the 21st Century and JSIS 202: Culture and Power in International Studies. These are core requirements that are necessary to complete a degree in international studies, but they also provide me with foundational knowledge in global systems, international relations, and cultural dynamics. This foundation is especially valuable as I prepare to study abroad in Rome in early fall, where I will be studying the comparative legal cultures of the United States and Italy. It will also prepare me for more advanced Jackson School classes.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in international studies?
As an international studies and political science double major, I was drawn to the Jackson School due to its interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. The international studies major offers me a comprehensive lens for understanding complex global issues that compliments the courses I am taking in political science. Furthermore, the multitude of opportunities offered through the Jackson School have allowed me to meaningfully engage with peers and faculty to learn and grow, both academically and personally.
Would you recommend a summer at the Jackson School to your peers?
Absolutely. The Jackson School’s summer courses offer a lot of flexibility to students without compromising on quality. I would highly recommend taking summer classes at the Jackson School to anyone looking to take classes over the summer while balancing other commitments.
