On the Fast-Track to a Career Focused on Southeast Asia

Ava White
BA/MA ’19
Southeast Asia Studies

Ava was drawn to Johns Hopkins’ accelerated five-year BA/MA program as a way to fast-track herself to a career in international relations. The opportunity to learn Burmese made a Southeast Asia Studies concentration too good to miss. Add to that the accessibility of internships and networking thanks to the school’s strategic location in the heart of Washington, DC, and Ava knew she had found her academic program.

Within her concentration, Ava has made many friends while gaining has valuable insights on the region. She also enjoys the collegial atmosphere of the school and many learning experiences beyond the classroom, such as cooking for the school’s student-run International Dinner, catching up with friends at happy hour, and having meaningful conversations about politics with her colleagues.

After graduation, Ava hopes to put her education to use by working for the U.S. Department of State or a think tank focused on Southeast Asia.