IS graduate Avery Ebenal on his unexpected journey in international studies

Avery Ebenal’s journey at SFU began with a plan to major in Dance. However, a serendipitous enrollment in IS 101 piqued his interest and set him on a new path. Captivated by how the course combined his passions for human rights, climate change, history, and different cultures, Ebenal decided to pursue a Bachelor of Arts with two majors, one in International Studies and the other in Dance.

Ebenal found the International Studies program to be a fascinating intersection of diverse perspectives and thought-provoking topics. One of his favorite courses was IS 350W Seminar on Global Problems in Interdisciplinary Perspective taught by instructor Neil Mathur. The course's structure, which focused on researching and writing on a single topic from multiple angles, significantly honed his writing skills and analytical abilities. "My writing improved, and valuable skills were developed that I continue to use," Ebenal remarks.

Courses like IS 325 Social Movements in a Changing Africa, taught by Jason Stearns, and IS 322 Central Asia: Conflict and Security, taught by Nicole Jackson, further enriched his academic experience. These classes fostered adaptability, independence, critical thinking, and collaborative work through engaging class discussions and opportunities for in-depth research. Ebenal particularly appreciated how these courses allowed him to delve into his personal interests while contributing to broader academic conversations.

He credits faculty like Brenda Lyshaug, who taught IS 302 Humanitarian Intervention: An Introduction, and Sumercan Bozkurt-Gungen, who taught IS 423 International Development Practice and Ethics, for honing his ability to look critically at past humanitarian interventions and pinpoint ethical factors that are at play in global development.  

One of the most memorable experiences in Ebenal’s academic career was the final assignment in IS 322. Students were grouped to represent UN countries involved in a Central Asian security issue and tasked with negotiating a course of action within three hours. This exercise not only tested their knowledge but also their ability to work under pressure and collaborate effectively.

Avery Ebenal’s story is a testament to the diverse environment at SFU's School for International Studies. His journey underscores our commitment to interdisciplinary learning, preparing students to tackle global challenges with a well-rounded perspective.