Frequently Asked Questions

The School of Humanities and Sciences permits double counting certain introductory courses with no prerequisites. The IR Program can permit double counting ECON 1 towards the Introductory Economics core requirement. 

The School of Humanities and Sciences permits double counting only introductory courses with no prerequisites. The IR Program will therefore double count STATS 60 to fulfill the IR Skills Class core requirement. Note: ECON 102A cannot be double counted for the IR Skills Class core requirement because it has a prerequisite and therefore is not considered an introductory course in this context. 

• Complete the 2nd year, 3rd quarter class in the language of your choice.

OR

• Arrange for a proficiency exam with the Language Center.

Technically, no. Multilingual students who are "native speakers" of a language other than English may request to have their native language satisfy the IR foreign language requirement. Note that, for the purpose of the language requirement, a "native speaker" is someone who has completed 10 or more years of schooling (all subjects) in a language other than English. To request native speaker consideration, please submit a letter to the IR student services officer with the following information: where you lived outside of the U.S., your native language (other than English), years of education in your native language, and any other information relevant to demonstrating your native language proficiency. In some cases, the IR program may consult with the Language Center to determine if the requirement has been met.

Language courses may be taken for CR/NC. Please note that if you plan to double major or minor in a foreign language, the respective department may require you to complete language courses for a letter grade.

No. Currently Stanford only offers American Sign Language (ASL), which is not considered a foreign language. 

Technically, no. But we recognize that, for some students, attending Stanford is a study abroad experience. Students who lived outside of the U.S. for a significant number of years and attended a foreign high school may request that their time here count for this requirement. To request this substitution, submit an IR Study Abroad Substitution Petition providing the following information: reason that you lived outside the U.S. (e.g., international student, parent(s) job location, active duty military, etc.); years living outside the U.S.; country or countries in which you resided; type of schools attended and instructional language (e.g. international school with courses taught in English, public school with courses taught in German, etc.); other relevant information that might support a substitution. 

In special circumstances (e.g., a varsity student-athlete who competes and/or trains year-round), we might consider an accommodation that permits some flexibility in meeting the requirement. To apply for an accommodation, please also complete the IR Study Abroad Substitution Petition. If you have questions about what kinds of accommodations might be acceptable, you should speak to the Faculty Director and/or the Associate Director. Any such arrangement should be approved ahead of time. 

You should ideally try to study abroad during sophomore or junior year.  Study abroad during senior year is not advisable, especially if you need to complete a senior thesis.

Yes, but non-Stanford programs MUST be pre-approved by the IR office prior to enrolling in the program; please submit the IR Non-Stanford Overseas Studies Petition Form. Upon return, you will need to provide the IR office with a transcript for verification of program participation. Please keep in mind that approval of a study abroad program does not imply course credit approval.  To count courses from the program towards IR degree requirements, please submit an IR Course Petition Form for each course. You will also need to have the course(s) approved by the Stanford Transfer Credit Office.

Transfer credit must be approved first through the Office of the University Registrar.  Once approved by the Registrar, you may request review for approval to satisfy IR major or minor requirements by submitting to the IR Office the IR Course Petition Form along with a copy of the syllabus and the transfer credit documentation (note that for AY20-21, there is no specific sequence, so you can first request IR approval—see the Registrar's website for details). Transfer courses from universities outside of Stanford must receive a 'B-' or better to count towards IR degree requirements. Up to three non-Stanford courses, for a maximum of 15 units, may be counted towards IR degree requirements. 

Very possibly. Please fill out the IR Course Petition Form and include a course syllabus.

Please read the IR Major Advisor Guide. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to an IR Peer Advisor, the IR Associate Director, or IR Director. We are always here to help!

Stanford IR majors pursue careers in government, NGOs, the non-profit sector, and business or go on to graduate studies in international law, international policy, political science, business, journalism, and economics.   

IR Alum of Stanford Job Titles