This is the second article in our series on abroad experiences for students in the Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) and the Master of International Service (MIS). While our first piece, Cultivating a Global Perspective: Summer Abroad Opportunities, explored students' expectations for their time abroad, we are excited to share students’ reflections now that they have returned from their travels. Students engaged in various abroad programs, including practica projects—semester-long, 3-credit capstone courses where student teams complete consulting-style projects for external clients—in the Philippines and Northern Ireland. Additionally, students engaged in a short-term seminar in Belgium that included visits to key European institutions.

Faculty leading these programs observed students applying classroom concepts and developing essential practical skills and professional competencies.

Philippines Practicum

Under the guidance of Professor Stephanie Fischer, students worked on developing monitoring, evaluation and accreditation tools for the Child Protection Network (CPN), an NGO focused on preventing and treating child abuse, working to improve access to services for abused children and instrumental in establishing Women and Child Protection Units (WCPUs) throughout the country.

Students interacted directly with CPN staff and local partners. Professor Fischer mentioned, “Students worked as part of a team conducting fieldwork for the Department of Health in the Philippines. This provided them with valuable hands-on experience that they can add to their resume.” 

They were able to speak to the people involved, the staff leading the work, and network with them,” Fisher added.

Najja Lyle (MAIR), shared, “The practicum in the Philippines instilled in me the value of social justice by focusing on protecting vulnerable populations. It also fostered collaboration, as I worked with diverse stakeholders to create a system that empowers WCPUs to serve their communities better.”

These opportunities are particularly valuable for our online students. The structure of a hybrid practica with online sessions and a short travel period, allows students to meet their classmates face-to-face and interact directly with faculty while gaining practical experience.

Jason Kissinger (MAIR), who also participated in the practicum, stated, “As an online student, being able to meet with other students in person is something that I would not have been able to do without this opportunity. I gained perspectives from a wide range of students, including the experiences of folks outside the United States. It was an incredible value.”

Northern Ireland Practicum

In Northern Ireland, Professor Hrach Gregorian, led students in evaluating the WAVE Trauma Centre’s Citizen Education program through interviews and report compilation. WAVE operates across Northern Ireland, with multiple regional and satellite centers, dedicated to supporting those affected by the Troubles.

The Citizen Education program, focuses on professional development throughout the Northern Ireland student population to better equip young professionals to meet the needs of Victims and Survivors on the ground, once they enter the work world.

Professor Gregorian highlighted the impact of the practicum, “The practicum increased student understanding of the challenges and opportunities for sustainable peacebuilding in the aftermath of violent conflict.”

Regarding the importance of the hands-on work that students carried out, Professor Gregorian added, “The interviews the students conducted in Northern Ireland with the victims and survivors of 'The Troubles' provided insights into the impact of trauma that desk research alone could not.”

“It was an ideal opportunity to demonstrate to students how peacebuilding is achieved on the ground by expert practitioners working in real-time,” said Gregorian.

“It was highly satisfying to see students’ eyes light up when presented with concrete examples of relatively abstract themes we cover in academic courses and how they drew together as a team, supported each other’s efforts, and utilized creative problem-solving methods to produce a useful study for the practicum client,” Gregorian concluded.

The collaborative nature of these projects help students develop essential teamwork skills that are crucial as they move forward in their careers.

Belgium Seminar

In Brussels, Professor Garret Martin, conducted a short seminar, NATO at 75: Understanding European Security. The seminar coincided with the organization's 75th anniversary. Students visited key European institutions, including NATO headquarters, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Europe's security landscape.

Professor Garret Martin emphasized the unique access provided to students,

 "The key international experience that students gained was access to a wide-ranging collection of experts and policymakers. At a time when Europe faces a myriad of major security challenges, it is vitally important for students to engage with and understand the perspectives of diverse actors."

The program aimed to immerse students in European security issues, Martin explained, “Through these site visits, students had a chance to better understand the role and priorities of each institution, as well as how they approach today's very complex security environment.”

MIS student Alison Morano shared her experience, "I deepened my understanding of international affairs through insightful briefings at key institutions like the European Commission and NATO, which significantly enhanced my knowledge. Building connections with world leaders and fellow students was incredibly enriching, allowing me to form valuable professional relationships."

“This trip turned out to be so much more than I could have hoped for. The effort and dedication that [was] put into organizing the experience were truly incredible. The group of students I traveled with were equally amazing, embracing the journey the same way,” Morano concluded.

Access to Valuable Experiences

International opportunities are crucial for students aiming to start or advance careers in international relations. The flexibility of short-term study abroad offerings give students access to valuable experiences that have proven instrumental in shaping students' understanding of global issues and international relations.

As Kissinger noted, “I would not have been able to meet such amazing people in the Philippines without having this experience, while simultaneously gaining insight into some inspirational and incredible work that folks are doing for women and children in WCPUs. Each staff member we met and interviewed had experiences and stories that gave meaning to their work and emphasized its importance.”

Lyle describes the value of abroad programs, “AU's abroad programs are life-changing! It's a supported adventure that will enhance your resume and broaden your horizons!”

Faculty:

Stephanie Fischer, Executive-In-Residence and Executive Director of Experiential Learning.

Hrach Gregorian, MA International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program Director

Garret Martin, Senior Professorial Lecturer, Co-Director Transatlantic Policy Center

Students:

Najja Lyle, (SIS/MAIR ‘24)

Jason Kissinger, (SIS/MAIR ‘25)

Alison Morano, (SIS/MIS ‘24)