So what exactly is the situation in Israel? And how is the United States tied to it? Why are families dying in the Darfur region of Africa, and what reason does the Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, have for calling President Bush the devil?

Sometimes the affairs of other countries confuse even the best of us. It's hard to stay up to date on everything going on all over the world.

But have no fear. Penn State has pledged to help solve the problem.

Students could have the opportunity to earn professorial degrees in international affairs, if the Board of Trustees' recent proposal comes to fruition.

At this month's Board of Trustees meeting, Penn State President Graham Spanier the proposal for a school of international affairs, which could potentially be linked to the Dickinson School of Law. The school would offer professional degrees and specialty study in such areas as diplomacy and conflict resolution, trade and commercial relations, civil and human rights and international economic development, Spanier said.

This sounds like a program that could benefit everyone at Penn State. Students would be able to enhance their knowledge of world events and trends. Penn State can add another feather to their cap, a jewel to their crown. Ties could be strengthened with the Dickinson School of Law.

Even if this program is only offered to graduate or law students, hopefully it will create a new interest in undergraduate political science programs. Penn State offers plenty of political science courses that increase student awareness of international politics and offer valuable lessons to the otherwise ill-informed.

But even if Penn State uses this as another bragging right, a way to say, "Hey we're better than Pitt," it still benefits students.

It will draw more distinguished professors, and hopefully it will create a new generation of problem solvers who will enter the international realm.

Let's just all pray the construction costs for the new school doesn't increase our tuition another $400 a semester.