Our History
In 1993, Howard University established an International Affairs Center to serve as a hub for the University’s extensive international activities and interests. Named after esteemed diplomat and founding head of Howard’s Political Science Department, Ralph J. Bunche, the Center serves as the university’s point of contact for a range of international organizations, governments, embassies, universities, and corporations.
Read more about Ralph J. Bunche here.
Our Mission
Our mission is to serve as the hub and catalyst for enhancing international engagement for the benefit of the HU community. In doing so, the Center integrates global perspectives into the HU experience, promotes education abroad, facilitates deeper scholarship on global issues, supports cross-cultural dialogue and respect for cultural diversity, and prepares leaders who can find solutions to global problems.
Our Vision
Through our exceptional, internationally focused programming, the RBC will position HU to be a leader among higher education institutions in preparing and empowering students to be globally competent leaders with the capacity to affect change at home and abroad.
We will do this by maintaining the integrity of our core values of:
- Promoting cross-cultural dialogue, civil discourse, and respect for cultural diversity within the university and beyond;
- Facilitating deeper scholarship and engagement on global issues, particularly within the African diaspora;
- Leading Howard University’s effort to be in the top five institutions sending students of African descendant on education abroad experiences;
- Preparing students for careers in international leadership and service;
- Advancing the University’s effort to expand its international footprint and role in world affairs;
- Empowering socially conscious global citizens who can create innovative and sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
Ralph J. Bunche
RBC Programs
To accomplish our mission and vision, the RBC is home to a broad range of programs, including, but not limited to:
- The RBC Annual Lecture Series
- HU Bison Abroad
- Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship
- Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
- Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship
- Patricia Roberts Harris International/Public Affairs Fellowship
- The Biennial HBCU Symposium on Study Abroad
- Co-sponsored events and conferences with various Howard University departments, external organizations, and other internationally focused groups.
- The Bunche Brigade student volunteer group & Bison Abroad Ambassadors