A Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity

Name: Stavros Piperidis
Home Country: Greece
Degree: Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
Scholarship: Public Service Fellow, Fulbright Fellow in Greece, Onassis Foundation Scholar

Before joining the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), what were you doing?

I was born, raised, and educated in Thessaloniki, Greece, and discovered my passion for international relations quite early. In high school, I attended a European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg commemorating Germany’s reunification and the fall of the Berlin Wall. This experience shaped my idea of a dream career.

I knew the path to an international career would require continuous commitment and, after completing military service and pursuing six internships while studying, I graduated top of my class with my bachelor’s degree in international and European studies from the University of Macedonia.

Gaining admission to a school the caliber of Johns Hopkins SAIS was a moonshot … but they say the only way to truly fail is not to try, so I tried my hardest.

What led you to Johns Hopkins SAIS?

Gaining admission to a university the caliber of Johns Hopkins SAIS was a moonshot. The school’s international reputation and alumni network convinced me that SAIS offered the highest quality of education in international affairs and, no matter in which continent I ended up working, a SAIS degree would be highly esteemed.

Despite my confidence in my resume and application, I could not imagine that I would stand out in the pile of impressive applications SAIS receives. And if I did, I wasn’t sure an acceptance would provide me with the financial aid that would make attendance feasible. But they say the only way to truly fail is not to try, so I tried my hardest.

In March 2023, I was notified that I had received SAIS’ Public Service Fellowship, a full-tuition scholarship, in recognition of my dedication to public service. This scholarship bridged the gap between my aspirations and financial means. I was also awarded the Fulbright scholarship from the Fulbright Foundation in Greece and the Onassis Foundation Scholarship.

What has been your favorite experience at SAIS?

My upcoming participation in the 2024 NATO Public Forum is a highlight of my SAIS experience. The Public Service Fellows and Scholars (PSFS) program secured two seats for SAIS students, where we will engage with world leaders, observe key meetings with heads of state, listen to international security experts share their insights, and more. I am extremely grateful to the PSFS program for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What do you plan on pursuing after graduation?

Following graduation, I will pursue a career in security and defense, particularly a career that can support NATO, my country, or society in general. Specifically, I would love to tackle conventional and hybrid security threats, leveraging innovation for defense in the Euro-Atlantic region. 

What is one piece of advice you would give to students in the process of choosing graduate schools?

Consider how a specific grad school will help you close gaps in your previous experience, how it will make you a better professional in the present, and how it will get you where you want to be in the future.

What is your favorite SAIS tradition?

I love the vibrant Philip Merrill Center Dining-In, an annual tradition that celebrates the Security, Strategy, and Statecraft focus area’s camaraderie in true military fashion. The military community at SAIS is immense and this event highlights the wealth of knowledge and experience to be shared between civilian students and those in uniform.

The Dining-In is also an opportunity to reflect on the year’s events — for me, this included the fall Staff Ride at Valley Forge, the Quantico Leadership Venture at the Officer Candidate School of the U.S. Marine Corps at Quantico, and the international Staff Ride at Dunkirk, Dover, and London.

---

If you are looking to learn more about what it's like to be a current student at Johns Hopkins SAIS, we encourage you to schedule a virtual appointment with one of our Admissions Fellows.

Enjoyed reading Stavros Piperidis experience? Learn more about our Master of Arts in International Relations.

Back to Student Stories