Hometown: Chicago, IL
Education: B.A. in European Studies
Work Experience: Research Assistant for the Institute for the Study of International Migration; State Department Intern for the Bureau of European/Eurasian Affairs
Why I Chose MAGES: I chose MAGES because Zoe and the professors appeared extremely dedicated to my professional development and academic aspirations. Due to the small nature of the program, I felt that I would get a lot of attention and this was a priority coming immediately from an undergraduate institute. Additionally, I enjoy language learning and the requirement for 2 European languages was attractive. Funding was also relatively generous!
What I've Gained from MAGES: I chose MAGES for multiple reasons. First, I came from a very large undergraduate institution and wanted to experience the personalized nature of a smaller program. MAGES is exemplary in this aspect. Many of my professors are familiar with my particular research interests, and do their best to send me articles and internship opportunities that align with these! Similarly, because the cohort size is relatively small, I've been able to make terrific close friends.

The interdisciplinary curriculum of MAGES was also alluring. Outside of having a regional focus in the transatlantic sphere, I wanted to have functional expertise in migration diplomacy and asylum policy, so being able to take classes from the entirety of Georgetown, like Arab Studies and Government courses, aided me in this goal. Another aspect of the program that MAGES students often profit from is the amazing alumni network. There are individuals located in the public sector, private sector, think tanks and so on, and in a variety of fields. Coincidentally, this past summer, I interned at a migration think tank and my boss was a MAGES alumna!

Lastly, it has been my dream to enroll in a political science doctoral program so that I can conduct research on EU migration competencies, and the professors and academic supervisors in MAGES have been instrumental in these efforts. PhD applications have multiple components, and without their assistance, whether it be editing drafts or providing emotional support, I would have had a hard time completing the necessary requirements.