A Focus on US-Korea Policy

Christina Lee
MAIR '21
First Year: SAIS Europe
 
Q: What encouraged you to apply to Johns Hopkins SAIS? 
 
A: After studying and working in Seoul for seven years focusing solely on North Korea issues, I sought a brief change in setting to gain a broader perspective outside of Korea, and thought that Johns Hopkins SAIS was a great option especially since I would have the opportunity to study in both Bologna and Washington DC. I viewed it as a necessary refresher before jumping back into the realm of Korea policy. 

Q: What extracurricular activities have you been involved with during your graduate studies?

A: I have been involved in the Global Security and Conflict Management Club, where I participated in a student-led study trek to Amman, Jordan in February 2020 to learn more about how the country is dealing with the changing dynamics of the refugee crisis. My classmates and I wrote a summary about the trip.

I also served as the Social Media Coordinator for the Bologna Institute for Policy Research, which allowed me to keep an eye on key policy developments in Italy and the EU. In addition to this, I worked part-time for my former employer as a Social Media Consultant so that I could stay on top of news on the Korean Peninsula. 

Q: What was one of your top experiences studying at SAIS Europe? 
 
A: The collective struggle of solving a tough Micro or Trade problem, finding new spots in the city for group studies, and cooking non-Italian food when I have had enough pasta goes on top of my list. 

Q: What was one of your favorite things about studying in Bologna? 
 
A: I think the sole experience of navigating a new city with a diverse and ambitious group of people plays a major factor. I was also motivated to travel frequently throughout the year. When I first arrived in Bologna, I enjoyed exploring nearby Italian cities or other European ones. In Bologna, I lived with a mix of SAIS, Erasmus and local Italian students, which was a great way to share our cultures while practicing Italian and French. Spending the holidays in Italy also made me appreciate all the festivities and food that come with it. I will definitely look back at this time in my life with the fondest of memories.  

Q:  What do you hope to do with your degree after you graduate? 
 
A: I hope to continue down the path of working on Korea issues, armed with what I learned at SAIS, specifically on US-ROK policy analysis or Asia political risk consulting. 

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