Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a B.A. and Minor, as well as a Graduate Certificate and a MA in Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies (REES). The REES major offers a multidisciplinary understanding of a broad region stretching from Eastern Europe to Central Asia.
REES majors take courses in language, arts, science, history, geography, economics, and cultures of the REES world area. They learn about global topics like migration, human trafficking, environmental policy, democracy development, human rights, natural resource management, and international affairs, as these issues relate to the REES region. The degree may be customized according to the student’s interest in one or more of these issues.
The language skills, analytical tools and cultural awareness gained in earning a REES degree are compatible with a broad range of careers in the public or private sector. Program graduates have found employment in government, Non-Profits & NGOs, education, business, media, and the arts.
Department of Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies
Sample of Related Skills
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing in either Russian, German, or a Central/East European language or in a Eurasian language
- Understand the region of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia including its history and culture
- Possess specialized competency in the field of concentration consistent with the disciplinary expectations of the chosen field
- Acquire advanced-level language proficiency in Russian, Romanian, Polish, and/or Turkish
- Learn analytical multidisciplinary methods for cross-cultural comparative research
Popular Career Paths
Business, Commerce, Trade: Uses foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to work with international partners in all aspects of global business, management, banking, and trade.
Communications & Media: Utilizes foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to work for domestic or international employers in the areas of journalism, broadcasting media, communications, public relations, and advertising.
Foreign Relations: Works with US government agencies and international non-profit organizations to inform and enhance relations between countries through foreign diplomacy, intelligence, policy, and law.
International Development & Human Services: Works with US government agencies and non-profit organizations to develop and advocate for economic, political, and social quality-of-life issues on behalf of those living abroad and those immigrating to the US.
Research: Involves conducting research to inform educational programs, policy development, and other educational or political interests.
Teaching/Education Administration: Utilizes foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to build educational systems in developing countries, oversee educational exchange programs for students and educators, and teach language skills domestically or abroad.
Jobs to Consider
- Diplomat
- Economist
- English or Foreign Language Instructor
- Foreign Exchange Trader
- Foreign Service Officer
- Fundraising/Development Officer
- Grant Writer
- Human Rights Advocate
- Immigration Specialist/Analyst
- Intelligence Specialist/Analyst
- International Correspondent
- International Program Coordinator
- International Relations Specialist
- Lawyer - International, Travel, or Immigration Law
- Linguist
- Lobbyist
- Policy Researcher/Analyst
- Social Worker - Immigrant Populations
- Study Abroad Coordinator
- Trade Specialist
- Translator/Interpreter
- Travel Agent
- Travel Journalist
Places to Seek Employment
- Consulting Firms
- Domestic/Foreign Banking & Financial Institutions
- Domestic/Foreign Corporations
- International Trade Firms
- Multilateral Organizations (e.g. United Nations)
- Newspaper, Magazine, and Book Publishers
- Non-Profit Organizations
- US Federal Government and Military
- US State and Local Governments
- Research Institutes and Foundations
- Public/Private Schools
- Travel and Hospitality Providers
- TV Networks and Film Studios
Job and Internship Search Resources
- Resources from REES - local and national resources to assist REES majors
- Amnesty International - human rights advocacy organization that offers jobs and internships
- Brookings - think tank and publisher that offers jobs, internships, and fellowships in foreign policy, economic studies, and global economy/development
- Cultural Vistas - non-profit organization that offers international internships, fellowships, and other global programs
- Central Intelligence Agency Careers - career paths and current job and internship openings within the CIA
- Council on Foreign Relations - think tank and publisher that offers jobs, internships, and fellowships in foreign relations
- Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) - teaching programs in nearly 10 countries around the world
- Dave's ESL Cafe - comprehensive website about teaching ESL; includes job postings, discussion forums, and certification program information
- Department of Homeland Security Careers - career paths and current job and internship openings within the DHS
- Department of State Careers - career paths and current jobs and internship openings within the DOS
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Careers - career paths and current job and internship openings with the FBI
- Foreign Policy Research Institute - non-profit devoted to research and public education on international affairs; includes jobs, internships, and a think tank directory
- Government & Non-Profit Resources - more from career.ku.edu
- Human Rights Watch - non-profit organization that offers jobs, internships, and fellowships in human rights advocacy
- Go Government - job profiles of education jobs in the federal government including available positions and number of positions by region and governmental agency
- LanguageCorps - programs for teaching English abroad in 19 countries around the world
- NAFSA: Association of International Educators - career information and job listings for international educators
- PeaceCorps - federal service program that currently sends US volunteers to serve abroad in over 75 countries
- RAND Corporation - think tank that offers jobs, internships, and fellowships in international affairs and national security
- United Nations - explore UN career paths and current job and internship openings
- US Citizenship & Immigration Services - explore career paths and current job and internship openings with the USCIS
- Working Abroad Resources - more from career.ku.edu
- Youth at the United Nations - list of internships through the United Nations system and other international organizations.
Career Exploration Hub
Employment Strategies
- Identify areas of interest related to your major so you can focus your academics and experiences towards these fields.
- Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent studies, internships, part-time jobsstudent organization involvement, or volunteering
- Register for Hire Jayhawks and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
- Consider joining a professional organization related to your area of interest, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field.
- Practice interviewing on your own or by conducting a mock interview at the University Career Center.
- Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest.
- Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals.
- Complete an independent study to gain advanced research skills.
- Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school.
- Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest.