AU Community of Scholars

Congratulations, Cohort 2025!

From U.S. foreign policy to disinformation, our 46 summer scholars — from 16 states and 7 countries — have tackled urgent topics in global affairs.

They brought their learning to life during visits to renowned D.C. institutions:

🤝The U.S. Department of State
🇺🇸 The Organization of American States
🇪🇺 The Delegation of the European Union
🇬🇧 The British Embassy in D.C.
🇨🇿 The Embassy of the Czech Republic in D.C.

They wrapped up online with final projects — and we couldn’t be prouder. To the Community of Scholars: we’re so excited to see where you go next!

📸 Stay tuned for more pictures!
Our closing ceremony highlights (and a few bonus shots) are on the way.
📣 Ready to join next summer’s cohort?
Follow to start your journey.

One more alumni reflection to finish the series! Read below to hear Tatiana talk global identity in an international studies program 🇰🇷🇹🇼🇧🇷

……

“As a Korean-Taiwanese-Brazilian-American, American University created a unique and inspiring environment [for self-expression] and to have first hand experiences of globalization and foreign policy… I have enjoyed nearly everything in this program from the class content and style to friends and activities. [But] my absolute favorite thing was getting to visit well renowned organizations that play a key role in foreign affairs. I am extremely grateful for the people I’ve met and the things I’ve learned at the Community of Scholars.”

Stay tuned! Insights from the Class of 2025 to come 🌎✨

Take 2! 🇨🇿 Our second round of experiential learning—and the final off-campus trip of the summer—took us to the Embassy of the Czech Republic!

We’re incredibly grateful to the amazing staff who welcomed us and shared their experiences:

Jan Woska – Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, D.C.
Filip Paděra – Intern, Public Diplomacy
Adéla Škorpilová – Intern, Political Section
Levi Crossan – Intern, Public Diplomacy

✨🌐

Last week’s immersive visit to the British Embassy in D.C. perfectly captured what the Community of Scholars does best: experiential learning 🌍✨

Guided by our program director and panel moderator, Dr. Jeanne Guerrero, students engaged with key Embassy staff 🇬🇧

Josh Stanton – Head of Strategic Communications and Public Diplomacy - and proud alum !!

Mitchell Montreal – Senior Congressional Advisor (Trade, Energy & Economic Policy)

Alexa Mitchell – Policy Advisor, Transport

Right out of the classroom, these young scholars got a taste of real-world diplomacy! Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes from Embassy Trip #2

An adventure to the Washington National's Youth Baseball Academy gave students a chance to get off-campus 🧢⚾️ and a taste of D.C community ✨

Alum spotlight! Read below for Callan’s experience with D.C learning 🎓✨


“Listening to highly trained professionals showed me that I do not have to wait until after college to start my career aspirations… I can do it immediately by being in DC. … I would recommend this program to any student compelled to understand the rapidly changing global world and [who] aspires to be a part of meaningful change.”


Stay tuned for more student insights ! 🧑‍🎓🌎

2025 Scholars saw firsthand the history, art, and culture a D.C. Smithsonian has to offer! Friday, they chose between Museum of African American History (w/ Head RA Michael) 🌎 Natural History (w/ RA Adrián) 🦖 American History (w/ RA Jeremy) 🇺🇸 and the National Portrait Gallery (w/ RA Linda) ! 🖼️

Thursday, July 10, Scholars explored the Delegation of the European Union! Thanks to Deputy Head of Press, F***y Lafourcade, for her meaningful insights on EU development policy 🇪🇺🇺🇸🌎

Thursday, July 9, was an incredible time at the Organization of American States 🇺🇸🌎 Big thanks to Hilary Anderson and Alexander Rivera for making it happen

On Tuesday, July 8, our Community of Scholars visited the U.S. Department of State! 🇺🇸✨
Huge thanks to Moderator Erin Tyler and Panelists Lillian Wahl-Tuco, Eric Rahman, and Melanie Minzes for an inspiring conversation on careers in diplomacy, multilateralism, and global collaboration.
Students left feeling inspired and empowered! 🌍💼

We can’t forget about JR Denson and Michelle Dagne from. !! Thanks for helping our summer community stay alcohol safe and trauma aware 🫶

Big thanks to Chris Hung of for Monday’s community workshop !! Scholars put their lives to paper in personal story maps and practiced connecting the literal strings between them 👏👏👏