Student Stories

Making the Most of Learning; both Inside and Out of the Classroom

Alexander Guglia, a MAIA Cooperative student from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, discusses learning at SAIS, and how this occurs both in and out of the classroom. Guglia speaks about past events and gatherings that he has been able to join, as well as a future study trip he plans on taking.

Two Universities for a Complementary Education

Petr Pesov, a MAIA Cooperative student at SAIS Europe, explains how his multidisciplinary education from two universities, Tel-Aviv University and SAIS has helped define who he is and what he wants to become.

From Nonprofit to Sustainability Consulting: How SAIS Equipped Me to Serve Communities with a Systemic Understanding

Don’t be afraid to pivot. If you don’t like what you’re doing, try something different until you figure out what works.

SAIS Staff Rides: From Participant to Organizer

I became interested in SAIS through my undergraduate studies. I had a great opportunity to learn about the school through coursework with SAIS DC professors, interacting with impressive SAIS alumni, and attending one of the staff rides as an undergraduate participant. This helped me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in international relations and to continue my studies at SAIS.

Gaining Insights into Effective International Cooperation

SAIS was certainly a major factor in me forming this goal: coming from a very different sector to that which I wanted to transition to, it was easy to feel a little lost at times. However, the academic and professional experience I have gained since has given me both the knowledge to form well-defined aspirations, and the skillset to pursue them.

Multiculturalism & European Policymaking

I spent a lot of time debating with American and European friends from Poland, Italy, and the United Kingdom – I felt like SAIS was a great opportunity to practice collaborating and communicating with people from other countries the same way that I do now at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States.

Striking a Balance between Life and Academia

I was also able to continue my work in sports development for the Asia Pacific Lacrosse Union through my proximity to the middle east and traveled to Saudi Arabia for a lacrosse development trip. These trips have helped me form life-long friendships and relationships with my classmates.

Understanding the Inner Workings of the European Union

SAIS gives you easy access to a network of incredibly interesting individuals willing to share their stories, give advice, and provide insight into their careers.

Global Policy through the Lens of Digitalization

SAIS education provides an ideal springboard to start an international career. Within the scope of my current position as a Parliamentary Official for the Italian Parliament, I hope to support my country's sustainable growth towards a fairer, more equitable European and global society.

Advancing Diplomacy Between the U.S. and the International Community

SAIS prepared me for this experience by equipping me with adequate regional expertise on the MENA region, strengthening my expository writing skills, and providing me with a multidisciplinary understanding of global processes and relationships.