Can you share some of your fondest memories from your time at Schiller International University? 

Lively discussions led by Dr Blair about Bob Marley’s political leanings, comparing and contrasting Caribbean and UK culture in Dr Brzezinski’s Organizational Behaviour class, actually finding economics interesting thanks to the course International Economic Problems. 

How would you describe the spirit and culture of Schiller during your years on campus? 

Immediately, I think of the solidarity of my year group. Students in the International Business and International Relations and Diplomacy streams had a number of classes in common, and outside of class, we shared many experiences around Paris and abroad. Professors were also very approachable and encouraged respectful debate. 

 Are there any qualities of the Schiller education that you believe continue to benefit students today? 

The international element goes much deeper than simply being located on campuses across Europe. For me, having grown up in the Caribbean and studied in the United States, at Schiller I interacted daily with people from cultures that are typically depicted through a very narrow lens.   

 What skills acquired or developed at Schiller do you see yourself using the most for your work? 

The rigor and breadth of the M.A. in International Relations & Diplomacy at Schiller has obviously been invaluable from a professional standpoint. Personally, I developed resilience and resourcefulness and significantly improved my proficiency in French. 

 What do you consider to be the most valuable aspect of your Schiller experience? 

Apart from the quality of the education, my experience at the Paris campus made me want to return to France, which was one of the reasons I accepted my current position.  

Is there a specific person (teacher, student, etc.) from your years at Schiller you remember in particular?  

Dr Kingston was always engaging and eventually became my thesis advisor. 

What advice would you give to current students to help them make the most of their Schiller experience? 

The professors are expert practitioners in their fields and possess a wealth of knowledge that cannot be conveyed in the short time allowed for class, so it is important to build a rapport with them to extract the full value of their very varied backgrounds. I think it is also crucial to participate fully in classroom discussions by contributing personal experiences and our own cultural influences. With this, of course, comes a responsibility to be respectful of other classmates’ views and experiences. 

 Which would be the first things you would recommend to someone in their last year at Schiller? 

Check, double check, and triple check that all requirements for graduation have been met!  

With your experience in your field of work, what recommendation would you give to a current student aiming for a similar career path? 

 A career as an international civil servant is extremely rewarding. Read broadly in all your languages and from different perspectives. An open and analytical mind will be your greatest asset.