Rachel Schaffnit

“The international studies major—which incorporates political science, economics, history and language—represents the perfect liberal arts education.”

— Rachel Schaffnit


Rachel Schaffnit doesn’t waste any time. The summer after her freshman year, Rachel interned at the Center for International Policy in Washington, D.C., where she worked on the Freedom to Travel to Cuba project. She then spent a semester studying in Spain, and for three weeks last summer she backpacked through Mexico.

While double-majoring in international studies and Spanish, Rachel welcomes all the real-world experience she can get. Next summer, through AmeriCorps, she’ll be working with inner city children in Texas. Someday she’d like to join the Peace Corps or go on to graduate school, where all of this experience will serve her well.

For Rachel, the international studies major—which incorporates political science, economics, history and language—represents the perfect liberal arts education. Her academic concentration is Latin America, but it is not all she focuses on during the year. Since her freshman year Rachel has been a disc jockey for the campus radio station, WARC. She snowboards and went caving with the Outing Club several times this year.

When asked what has helped her succeed at Allegheny, Rachel responds, “Definitely the great professors! They are extremely helpful and really care.”