Which Careers in International Studies Offer Travel Opportunities?

Some students are looking for a major which allows them to travel in their careers. They wonder if International Studies is the major that would be the right choice for that goal.

International Studies graduates have the chance to work around the world. Part of that will depend on the career path you choose to take. Here is a list of some of the careers which often involve traveling.

Careers where Traveling is Needed or Possible

Please note that it’s possible some of these positions may require higher than a bachelor’s degree. It’s also possible that you can work in some of these jobs and not travel.

Analyze and Specialize

International Development Specialist: Help find what areas countries and communities need to progress in (poverty, education, etc.). Help projects move forward to help these areas grow. It may be needed that you travel to the locations where these projects are located.

International Relations Analyst: Help shape policy decisions made by governments and other organizations. This will be done by analyzing and making reports about policy strategies and risks. You may have chances to travel for these negotiations and research that you do.

Global Policy Analyst: Research and look at the effects of policies. Give the information and advice you get to those who make the policies. You will need to travel for meetings and conferences.

International Trade Specialist: Manage the trade between nations/businesses, as well as make sure rules are followed in doing so. Make the most of these opportunities for these businesses. You may need to travel for conferences and negotiations.

Consult and Coordinate

International Business Consultant: Help businesses find and use opportunities to market and expand to other nations. You may have to travel to research and meet with those you work with.

Cultural Exchange Coordinator: Build cultural connections between countries. You will do this by making programs that allow these connections to happen. You may have to travel to where these programs take place.

Global Health Coordinator: Help more people be able to get good healthcare. Organize projects and programs to make this happen. You may have to travel to where these projects happen to meet with others and make sure the work is going well.

Manage and Represent

Foreign Service Officer: Represent your country’s policies. You will act as a middleman between your organization/country and foreign organizations. You'll need to travel around the world to wherever those foreign organizations are.

International Human Rights Advocate: Research and raise awareness of broken rules in human rights. You may have to travel a lot to go to areas where these rules are broken.

Foreign Correspondent/Journalist: Report on conflicts, events, and other global news to audiences. You will need to travel so you can talk about these issues where they occur.

Global Marketing Manager: Lead in making plans for marketing strategies for multiple countries and areas. You may have to travel to meet with your teams and so you can get some up-close view of how to market in that area.

These are just a few options. The key thing to remember is to find what interests you the most and pursue it.

Sources
University of Miami: What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies?.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Should I Get a Master’s Degree?”.

International Studies Careers: Options and Requirements.

U.S. News: "What You Need to Know About Becoming an International Studies Major".

Norwich University: International Studies vs. International Relations.

EDHEC Business School: Bachelor’s vs Master’s Degree: Key Differences and How to Choose.

Willamette University: What Can You Do with an International Studies Degree?.

Zip Recruiter: International Studies.

Research.com: “2026 Different Types of Global Studies Degrees and Their Salaries”.

Research.com: "2026 Is a Global Studies Master’s Degree Worth It? ROI, Salary & Career Impact”.

Research.com: “2026 Highest-Paying Jobs with a Global Studies Master’s Degree”.

What Can I Do with This Major? Global and International Studies.