Bard MA in Global Studies

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As we wrap up Spring semester classes and internships, MAGS students have been taking advantage of several professional development opportunities through the Internship in Global Affairs course. Guest speakers Ambassador Frederic Hof, Bard's Diplomat in Residence, and Malia du Mont, Bard's Vice President for Strategy and Policy, joined us for a round-table discussion on life and careers in international affairs. These engaging experts shared their experiences developing careers while balancing other interests and passions.

Next up was a visit to the United Nations! Students toured the UN and its many assembly rooms to learn more about the history and ongoing work of the organization. Several students were able to visit the UN for events or as part of their internship experience, acquiring unique insights into the work of this multifaceted organization.

We're looking forward to seeing their culminating projects as the capstone to another great year!

Check out this great shot from our next student, Bajis! Read on to hear more about his role at CIANA this semester.

"My name is Mahmoud Bajis, and I am an outreach, case management, and education intern at the Center for the Integration and Advancement of New Americans (CIANA). My organization is working on supporting and providing an array of culturally competent and language appropriate services for new immigrants, with a focus on newcomers from the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. I conduct outreach and work closely with immigrants to listen to their problems and provide support for them as part of our mission. I am very excited to see the improvement in immigrants’ lives through CIANA’s services that help them find their path in NYC."

Meet our next student, Palak! Read on to see what she shared with us about her time as an intern at and life in NYC throughout the semester!

"Foreign Policy Association (FPA) is a non-profit organization that provides a platform for discussion and debate on foreign policy, gives access to critical global issues, and inspires others to participate in international affairs and the foreign policy process through its initiatives and events. As an executive intern at FPA, I have been incredibly lucky to be able to witness a lot of these events first-hand. This has not only given me a unique insight into critical global issues but has also allowed me to network with reputed speakers and other long-time members of the organization.

In addition to my internship, living in NYC as an international student has proved to be a unique cultural experience. The city is full of opportunities to explore, learn, and meet new people, and being able to immerse myself in this new environment has not only been challenging but incredibly rewarding as well. Having the opportunity to experience and explore this city has been absolutely surreal and my journey so far was nothing but wonderful!"

Coming at you with another student internship highlight! Check out what Daorsa shared with us about her illuminating experience with MAGS so far!

"Hey everyone! I'm super excited to share my experience as an intern at Oxford Analytica, and how I've been exploring the coolest spots in NYC while doing it remotely! 🌆🤓

Oxford Analytica (OA) is a global analysis and advisory firm that specializes in providing expert insights into economics, politics, and social issues for businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations. I’m learning so much about what consultants actually do and how to address global issues!

Oxford Analytica has been an incredible journey so far - from working with a talented team to diving deep into global affairs and strategy, it's been nothing short of inspiring. 💼🌍 I get to do what I love most: find interesting questions to ask and research their answers! The best part? The job is remote, so I've been uncovering hidden gems in NYC to work from! 🏙️🚲

From cozy cafes in Brooklyn to inspiring rooftop gardens in Manhattan, I've found the perfect balance between work and adventure! And let me tell you, there's nothing like sipping on your favorite latte while gazing at the skyline and getting those creative juices flowing. 🌃✍️"

Our next student internship spotlight comes from Nadia, who is also interning at the Institute for Economics and Peace this semester! Here's what she shared with us about her experience so far:

"My name is Nadia and for this semester, I am interning at the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). I am one of three interns who have the opportunity to work hand in hand in driving logistical and organizational needs for IEP, such as conference organizing and other administrative work. Over the past few months, I have been able to retain incredible knowledge about peace-building and the concepts of positive peace globally, as well as applying my own skills toward furthering the work of the institute."

Nadia also shared with us that this image was taken at a meeting co-hosted by the IEP surrounding the new 2023 Global Terrorism Index!

Next up in our student internship spotlights is Emina! Check out what she shared with us about her role as an intern here in NYC.

"My name is Emina Hadzimuhemdovic and I am a Communications, Outreach, and Research Intern at the Centre on Armed Groups. The Centre supports efforts to reduce violence and put an end to armed conflict by conducting forward-looking research, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and providing practical advice. Over the next few months, I’ll be working with the team to promote their important work on understanding and responding to armed groups around the world. From developing social media content to helping manage their network of Fellows, I’ll be helping to share their insights with a wider audience."

Check out our next internship spotlight for Tamara, who is currently interning at CFR. Read on to hear more about her role and how it contributes to the work of a renowned organization.

"Established in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher. CFR is a trusted and indispensable resource on the foreign policy choices facing the United States. As an intern at the Global Communications and Media Relations department, I am working to ensure CFR experts are visible in the media. My responsibilities include responding to public requests for CFR experts, drafting press releases, and recording CFR mentions in media outlets. Working from one of the CFR's central locations, the landmarked Harold Pratt House in the heart of Manhattan, I am lucky to attend many lecture series from prominent foreign affairs experts."

Check out another course we're offering this semester: "Organizing the World: International Institutions & Global Governance" with Dr. Christopher LaRoche.

Students will use this course as an opportunity to examine contemporary international institutions and multilateral systems of governance, as well as to challenge their role as thinkers and future practitioners of the field.

Next up in our internship spotlights is Nay! Read on to hear about his time as an intern in NYC so far!

"My experience of studying here in NYC for our second semester has been delightful. I am currently interning at the US-ASEAN Business Council where I do research, write portfolios about sustainability, and analyze transport, infrastructure, and manufacturing issues in ASEAN countries. This has been an invaluable opportunity for me as it has provided hands-on professional work experience. It has also been amazing to explore the city’s magnificent diversity in terms of its food, people, culture, headquarters of multinational companies and organizations, and the unique blend of historical and modern buildings. I feel that the vibrant energy of the city has been broadening my understanding of global issues and enriching my perspectives and networks with people from different corners of the world. In my free time, I have enjoyed walking around Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park by capturing photos and watching the diverse range of people."