Cambridge International Studies Association

From StudentWiki

The study of international relations (IR) in Cambridge has enjoyed a long and distinguished history, marked by its multi-disciplinary nature. Recently, the University's Centre of International Studies, the institutional home of the subject, has undergone considerable expansion and development – most notably in the recent appointment of its first Chair in International Relations and its separation from the Faculty of History leading to greater autonomy and visibility.

Cambridge International Studies Association (CISA) is a society for those interested in international affairs at the university and beyond. Founded in 2000, it has grown into Cambridge’s most wide-ranging students’ society with a focus on international politics. CISA seeks to enhance the academic and social life of its members by hosting prominent speakers, facilitating panel discussions on topical international issues, holding bi-weekly PhD presentation seminars, organizing an annual conference, organizing study trips abroad, screening international films and arranging other social events, such us pub meetings, a Christmas party, several Formal Halls and a garden party.

In its activities it reflects the interdisciplinary approach to international relations fostered by the Centre of International Studies. Despite its close ties with the Centre, CISA is operating independently of it and creates an open forum for students interested in the field.

CISA Committee is made up of nine people: two co presidents, a secretary, a seminars coordinator, a treasurer, a social events coordinator, a marketing responsible and two advisers. They normally meet every Monday and discuss, in a friendly and open manner, all the issues related to the functioning of the society.

During the academic year 2006/2007, CISA kicked off with a talk by Christopher Hill, director of the Centre of International Studies, on the 14th November, focused on the interlink between multiculturalism and foreign policy. Since then, several seminars and conferences have taken place every second Tuesday, dealing with different interesting topics of international life: Sino-Japanese relations, Kuwait, Libya, Sudan and Venezuela.

Building up on the successful study trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina in April 2005 and to Israel and Palestine in 2006, CISA organised a trip to Libya, held between 25th February and 5th March. Near thirty students had the opportunity to visit this African country and attend to the 30th anniversary of the proclamation of the Libyan Jamahiriya, in a series of seminars and conferences of great interests to international relations.

CISA also maintains close relations to other student run associations in Cambridge, such as the Post Conflict and Post Crisis Group or the Cambridge University European Union Society (CUEUS).

CISA welcomes all students in the university and others interested in international affairs. There is an annual subscription charge of £5, or you may purchase a life membership for £11. Please contact the CISA Committee. If you do not wish to join, but would like to participate in some CISA events, you may attend events for a charge of £1 per event. You may also be put on our mailing list.

We always need volunteers to help with the organization of our events, and we welcome ideas and suggestions for future activities. If you would like to become even more involved there are currently several positions available on the committee.

We look forward to welcoming you to our events.

For more information on CISA, see [[1]], or email the president: Miguel Medina mama4@cam.ac.uk

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