Ava Shen, MAIR, 2022

I am from Zhengzhou, China and I am a cum laude graduate of Boston University where I majored in International Relations and French Studies.

I'm interested in Chinese foreign policy in Asia, cross-strait relations, and US-China relations.  I chose SAIS for its academic and professional development opportunities. I get to learn from seasoned academics and practitioners and meet people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. In addition, I have taken courses that helped deepen my interests in China and other Asian countries. At SAIS China, I found my community, gained new skills, and confidence, and broadened my professional horizons.

I was the Editor in Chief of the SAIS China Studies Review, which was my first long-term project at SAIS. Leading the student journal was a journey of personal, professional, and academic, growth. This experience also enabled me to learn more about China and I gained to develop my skills in editing, leadership, and teamwork and learned a lot about China-related issues.  After graduating from SAIS, I hope to work in China research at a think tank or to work in political risk.

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