LA&PS is home to a unique international bachelor’s degree which prepares you for success in the global workforce and provides international perspectives and experiences.
The iBA program reflects York's continuing commitment to providing you with the opportunities to gain international experience and skills. You will have the opportunity to learn a new language and complete a term abroad, providing you with the cross-cultural knowledge that is in demand in today's global workplace.
These additions to your BA will help distinguish you and your degree!
iBA Benefits

Gain a Globally Recognized Credential

Increase Your Intercultural Understanding & Global Awareness

Strengthen Your Language & Communication Skills

Open Doors to International Study & Career Opportunities
Programs

Choose among the Honours iBA, Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor in 11 specializations:
Requirements
Students are required to complete internationally-oriented courses (12 credits), language courses (18 credits) and an international exchange with one of York University's 120+ global partners within the 120 credits.
What is the difference between an Honours BA and an Honours iBA? Check out the detailed breakdown.

Internationally-Oriented Courses Requirement
Complete ANTH 2300 3.00 plus at least 9 credits of internationally-oriented courses.

At least one full term abroad as a full-time student at one of York University’s 120+ exchange partners.

Internationally-Oriented Courses Requirement
To pursue the iBA, you will need to complete ANTH 2300 3.00 - Intercultural Training Skills, plus at least 9 credits of internationally-oriented courses to be completed from the list of pre-approved courses; these courses can be additional courses in your major.
ANTH 2300 prepares you to negotiate learning goals in a cross-cultural context while on university exchange. Topics covered may include culture, participant observation, culture shock, risk & safety, managing intercultural conflict, friendship, travel, politeness, cleanliness, gender & sexuality, gifts, poverty, religion and health. (This course should be completed before the term(s) abroad.)
See below for pre-approved internationally-oriented courses. To select other courses to fill this requirement, consult with your iBA Coordinator.

Language Requirement
Language credits: at least 18 credits in a modern language offered by York University, including the advanced-level course in the chosen language.
A student may be exempted from some of the language requirement credits if he/she has a degree of fluency in a language. If an iBA student is fluent in a language, he/she may undergo an examination to test language proficiency by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics (or the Department of French Studies for French language). Students exempted from one or more of the language courses may substitute the required credits with another language or cultural course. Please speak with your program iBA Coordinator for more details.

Academic Exchange Requirement
International exchange: at least one full term abroad as a full-time student at one of York University’s 120+ exchange partners. Course credits earned on exchange will be transferred to the degree, and can be classified as fulfilling major, internationally-oriented, language, or free choice credit requirements.
Students are recommended to apply during second year in order to spend their third year abroad. By third year, students should have adapted to the demands of university life and have the skills required for study in a foreign teaching environment. Those in their final year of studies have less flexibility in course selection and may experience increased difficulties in finding courses abroad.
All academic exchanges are organized through the Office of York International.
Pre-approved Internationally-oriented Courses
iBA Coordinators
| iBA Major | Coordinator | Department Contact | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | Lisa Davidson | updanth@yorku.ca | Department of Anthropology |
| Communication & Media Studies | Casey Mecija | cmdsupd@yorku.ca | Department of Communication & Media Studies |
| French Studies | Luke Arnason | frenud@yorku.ca | Department of French Studies |
| German Studies | Christina Kraenzle | kraenzle@yorku.ca | Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics |
| Global Political Studies | Dennis Pilon | polschr@yorku.ca | Department of Politics |
| History | Stephen Brooke | chairhis@yorku.ca | Department of History |
| Humanities | Avron Kulak | akulak@yorku.ca | Department of Humanities |
| Italian Studies | Samia Tawwab | abdeltaw@yorku.ca | Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics |
| Philosophy of Law | Michael Giudice | giudice@yorku.ca | Department of Philosophy |
| Politics | Dennis Pilon | polschr@yorku.ca | Department of Politics |
| Sexuality Studies | Nick Mulé | sxtcoord@yorku.ca | School of Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies |

Questions?
Do you have any general questions about iBA degree programs offered in LA&PS that are not answered here or by the Program Coordinators listed above? Connect with the LA&PS Study Abroad team at studyabr@yorku.ca for more information.

