A Valuable Education on Two Continents

Phuong-Anh Nguyen
MA ’19
General International Relations
First Year: SAIS Europe
Home Country: Vietnam

Anh was first exposed to the Johns Hopkins SAIS community when she spent her junior year of college in Bologna, Italy. During her time there, Anh took an introductory class on international law at SAIS Europe, and right away she was certain this was a community that she wanted to be a part of. With a dynamic and rigorous curriculum, she felt Johns Hopkins SAIS would equip her with the skills to attain a career in international relations. The chance to return to Bologna for her first year of graduate studies at SAIS Europe was just the icing on the cake! She also valued the opportunity for a broader perspective on European affairs while immersed in culture, knowledge and history.

Anh appreciates the thought-provoking conversations she has had with classmates, whose diverse backgrounds have immensely enriched her education. She has been inspired by her professors to learn all about their research and practical experience addressing challenging issues in the world today.

Most important to Anh is the privilege to gain knowledge on the Southeast Asian political economy. Studying this diverse and dynamic region has been both challenging and enticing. As someone who grew up in Southeast Asia, it is fascinating for Anh to analyze the region as a field of inquiry while critically engaging with peers and experts to explore its significance in global politics.

After graduation, Anh hopes to return to Southeast Asia and apply her qualitative and quantitative skills to explore the intersection between politics and business.