Global Studies | North Central College

James Nebl

“North Central’s global studies major is eclectic,” says James, currently a graduate student focusing on international affairs and Chinese studies at the prestigious Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. “Other schools just look at political or cultural issues, but at North Central you take all types of classes from a variety of disciplines. It’s a very well-rounded major.”

As an undergrad, he studied in China and Japan for 15 weeks. Choosing the international relations track, he researched the reintegration of Hong Kong into mainland China and secured a Richter Independent Study Fellowship to fund his work. He presented his findings at four academic and honors conferences.

James's North Central experience profoundly influenced his career path. He wants to work in international relations, possibly with a U.S. consulate or embassy. “China is becoming an important country and a global economy, but East Asia still isn’t fully understood,” he says. “I’m eager to get involved in the field.”

Majors Minors and Programs : Global Studies

Students return to Kenya to build, serve and learn

North Central students are eager to return to Nairobi, Kenya, July 17-Aug. 2, for the fourth consecutive summer to serve with the nonprofit ministry Koinonia Community, which works with street children and women and youth from poor backgrounds.

Students head to Mexico to serve for fifth summer

Students will travel to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, July 5-12, to serve with Casa de los Angeles, a nonprofit organization that provides a medical clinic, transitional housing, daycare facilities and other services for poor working mothers. North Central’s Catholic Campus Minister Kevin O'Donnell and eight students will help in the daycare centers and work on renovation and construction projects in various facilities.

Shindler and Larsson give presentations at international conference

Jack Shindler, professor of English and director of international programs, and Kimberly Larsson, assistant to the director of international programs, gave presentations at the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) Conference June 1-4, in Kansas City, Mo. Some 7,000 educators attended worldwide. Shindler was chosen from among 11 other presenters nationwide to give his session at the international conference.

Students serve summer long, around the world

From San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, to Nairobi, Kenya, to San Pablo City in the Philippines, North Central students wiill travel to do service projects.

Each summer, students at North Central College head to places around the world to serve alongside nonprofit organizations and people in disadvantaged communities. This summer, they'll work in three communities in Mexico, Kenya and the Philippines.

China's Consul General to Chicago to speak April 7

North Central College welcomes Huang Ping, the Consul General of China to Chicago, to speak on its Naperville campus Wednesday, April 7.

North Central College welcomes Mr. Huang Ping, the Consul General of the People's Republic of China to Chicago, to speak on its Naperville campus Wednesday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the College's Koten Chapel at Kiekhofer Hall, 329 E. School St.

He will discuss the state of China today. His talk is free and open to the public.

North Central sends record number of students to research conference

College hosts annual Chinese New Year Festival Feb. 10

"Blue Gold" addresses worldwide shortage of fresh water

The College’s Cultural Events and Office of International Programs will co-host the free screening of the documentary Blue Gold: World Water Wars at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in Meiley-Swallow Hall. Some business circles have referred to fresh water as “blue gold” just as oil is called “black gold.” This film features interviews with 13 specialists who address the worldwide shortage of fresh water.