We welcome your interest!
At the International Relations Students’ Association (IRSA), we provide students with opportunities to develop practical professional skills in a safe and inclusive environment, all while serving their fellow members. IRSA will support you with a team of like-minded peers with the ultimate objective of improving the undergraduate experience for all students interested in International Relations.
Why Get Involved?
A Few Reasons:
Academic and Professional Growth.
Members who engage with IRSA frequently draw on their experience when applying to graduate programs and professional opportunities, especially in politics, government, and law.
A Community of Committed Students.
When you join IRSA’s team, you become part of a community of students who have dedicated themselves as volunteers to fostering a better undergraduate experience for all students interested in International Relations.
Serve Your Peers.
For those in the International Relations program, IRSA team members serve hundreds of students. You will be a leader among your classmates and directly work towards their interests.
A Diverse Community.
Members across UBC are involved in IRSA from various faculties, including Arts, Science, and the Sauder School of Business, and various departments such as Political Science, History, Philosophy, Economics, Psychology, Cognitive Systems, and FHIS. International Relations is a multidisciplinary field, and IRSA reflects that diversity!
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I join?
IRSA posts Auxiliary Member positions primarily in the summer and fall, with occasional year-round openings. Executive Member nominations usually open in March for the next fiscal year.
What is the difference between an Auxiliary and Executive Member?
Both types of members play an integral role in IRSA’s operational and financial work. The Active Membership (all registered IRSA members) elects Executive Members, who in turn hire or appoint Auxiliary Members.
What are portfolios?
IRSA has portfolios headed by one or two Executive Members. Each portfolio appoints or hires its own Auxiliary Members to manage the portfolio’s affairs.
I have no previous experience, can I nominate myself for an Executive Member position?
Absolutely. Outside of the President Executive Member position—which requires previous Auxiliary or Executive Member experience per AMS procedure—IRSA encourages all eligible students to nominate themselves for Executive Member positions.
Are there any other ways to be involved other than Auxiliary Membership?
Yes! IRSA has historically hosted mentorship programs, policy competitions, academic journal editing (through the Journal of International Affairs), and volunteer intakes for students wishing to contribute their expertise in other ways! Keep an eye on our Instagram.
Do I have to be an International Relations (IR) student to apply or be elected?
Any IRSA member (including non-IR students) may nominate themselves for Executive Member positions, and unless otherwise stated, all Auxiliary Member positions are open to all students.