EUSP helped me to take the knowledge and skills that I had acquired while studying Russian as an undergraduate student in the US and further develop them to help me land the job that I wanted after graduating. The one-year Master’s program is truly unparalleled in the experience, exposure, and insights that it offers to international students seeking to better understand Russia and the former USSR.
The professors, all distinguished researchers, and practitioners in their fields are phenomenal not only because they are so passionate about the subjects they teach, but also because they make themselves so available to their students.
One aspect that surprised me was how rewarding it was to study topics like nationalism and political change with other international students from all over the world, who introduced different viewpoints and understandings that did not always align with my own as an American. Outside of class, we explored St. Petersburg and beyond together, and the close friendships that I made at EUSP endure to this day.
EUSP has played a pivotal role in my career path. After graduating, I was offered a job working in communications for Eurasia Foundation in Washington, DC. I am confident that this was in no small part due to the deeper understanding of the region that I was able to gain during my time at EUSP. For my next move, this time to Moscow to work at the Higher School of Economics, the network and relationships that I developed at EUSP were once again primarily responsible. I am currently an MBA student at Cornell University and I have little doubt that when I return to work in the region, being a member of the EUSP family will prove invaluable time and again.