What We Do

 

 

The International Relations Student Association (IRSA) was established in 1983 at the University of British Columbia. Our mandate is to provide students from a variety of disciplines with a forum for the discussion of international issues in a casual environment. Discussions reflect upon all areas of international interest. In addition, a host of other activities such as diplomatic simulations, academic publications, and conferences make IRSA the most active academic student group on campus and one of the most recognized throughout Canada.

 

IRSA exists to help students get to know each other on a social level, and to also help tie the theoretical knowledge gained in classes to the realities of living in a fluid international system. Not just for IR students, IRSA acts as a meeting place for students of all faculties who are interested in global events. Our mission has been to provide a forum for international discourse and build a strong community for students and faculty to share their interests in international relations.

 

Each year we organize, facilitate and host guest speakers, socials and beer gardens, conferences, diplomatic simulations like the annual UBC Model United Nations Conference, and academic publications such as the Journal of International Affairs.  We have close partnerships with various groups such as the Economics and Political Science Students Associations at UBC, and with our sister group at SFU, the International Studies Students Association. We also have close relationships with key professional communities including the British Columbia Consular Corps and the Canadian International Council (CIC). IRSA encourages students to broaden their academic horizons by acting as a focal point for connecting and networking, both with fellow students and with professionals working in international affairs.

 

We have close partnerships with various groups such as the Economics and Political Science Students Associations at UBC, and with our sister group at SFU, the International Studies Students Association. We also have close relationships with key professional communities including the British Columbia Consular Corps and the Canadian International Council (CIC). IRSA encourages students to broaden their academic horizons by acting as a focal point for connecting and networking, both with fellow students and with professionals working in international affairs.