The Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies at Yale is the University’s focal point for promoting teaching and research on all aspects of international affairs, societies, and cultures around the world. It draws its strength by tapping the interests and combining the intellectual resources of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and of the professional schools.

The MacMillan Center offers nine degree programs and has numerous interdisciplinary faculty councils, centers, committees, initiatives, and programs. These provide opportunities for scholarly research and intellectual innovation and encourage faculty and student interchange for undergraduates as well as graduate and professional students. Learn about the center’s programming below.

The Latin American & Iberian Studies Council (CLAIS) and the European Studies Council have recently created Undergraduate Fellows Networks to support their students and increase awareness of the region-specific activities being held at Yale. These two councils have also jointly created a Career Conversations series to help current students to learn about different fields and seek advice from experienced professionals.

The Chairs of CLAIS and the European Council discuss the benefits of their new programing:

“The Latin American & Iberian Studies Undergraduate Fellows Network was launched to increase awareness on activities related to the region and support collaborations between students. I am also delighted to be working with the European Studies Council, Jackson Institute’s Global Health Studies Program, and Yale-NUS to be a part of a broader effort to feature alumni working on and in Europe and Latin America as part of our Career Conversations series. Students are learning about career trajectories and opportunities in an intimate and informal setting where they are free to ask detailed questions. These initiatives have been important in building community, especially at this time, and we are excited about supporting this network as it grows.” – Professor Claudia Valeggia, Chair, Council on Latin American & Iberian Studies

“This collaborative series has been just great for students! Our alums are marvelous, knowledgeable and lively, and there is no better way for students to learn from them than in these informal encounters. I’ve heard both tidbits of inside info in these Conversations, and distillations of career wisdom – as well as answers to students’ burning questions. I’ve learned quite a few interesting things myself. Faculty, you should recommend this to all of your students!” – Professor Julia Adams, Acting Chair, European Studies Council

Learn more about the Latin American & Iberian Studies Council’s Undergraduate Network and Career Conversations here.

Learn more about the European Studies Council’s Undergraduate Network and Career Conversations here.