November 16-20 is International Education Week, an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of the efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.
At the Clinton School, international impact is a core part of the mission and curriculum. The school’s International Public Service Projects take students abroad each summer, exposing the students to unique challenges around the globe. The IPSP provides immediate and long-term impacts for the students and their organizational partners. Clinton School students have completed field service projects in 93 countries, 48% of the 195 recognized independent states.
The Clinton School has welcomed international students representing 43 different countries in its 15-year history. The Dr. Tom Bruce International Student Prize is annually presented to a graduating student from outside the United States who has visibly contributed to world peace during their time at the Clinton School. Past recipients include Reiko Muranaka (’20), John Mensah (’19), Darlynton Adegor (’18), Arjola Limani (’17), and Nouroudine Alassane (’16).
Alumni From Across the World
Khalid Ahmadzai (‘17) | Kabul, Afghanistan
Ahmadzai is the Director of Economic Advancement Canopy NWA, a refugee resettlement organization in Fayetteville, Ark.
“My two years at the Clinton School helped me see my line of work, in both for-profit and non-profit worlds, through a critical lens of curiosity, service, and compassion. In my work, not only do I ask myself if it is a good project or a program, but also, is it the best holistic approach for the issue being addressed and the people involved?”
Arjola Limani (’17) | Tirana, Albania
Limani is working as a Research Consultant for Europe and Central Asia in the department of Social, Resilience and Urban Development Global Practice of The World Bank.
“I have been fortunate to have studied public service. Through my degree and the skills I gained during my studies, I have been able to work with teams that go the extra mile and show a level of caring for those that they serve.”
Thato Masire (‘16) | Gaborone, Botswana
Masire is working with the United Nations Children’s Fund as a Communications Assistant in the Botswana office. He is in his second year with UNICEF after spending one year with the UN’s International Organization for Migration.
“I am applying lessons from the Clinton School. As a young professional, Program Planning and Development has provided me with a holistic and structured approach to complex issues. In my role, I find myself applying on a daily basis key learnings and techniques from the Communication and Social (Ex)change courses, particularly when facilitating with various stakeholders.”
Wenjuan Abigail Bi (‘16) | Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
Bi has joined Walmart China as a Senior Corporate Affairs Manager. In her new role, Bi will lead issue monitoring and analysis related to United States-China trade and macro-political and economic policies.
“My time at the Clinton School of Public Service is a precious experience in my career. It not only taught me knowledge and skills, but also provided me with incomparable practice opportunities and networking resources. The Clinton School deepened my understanding of social justice, developed my social skills, and inspired me to think seriously about diverse approaches to empower vulnerable groups more effectively.”
Tina Tian (‘09) | Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
Tian is managing the China Services Group at Grant Thornton, LLP, an accounting firm in Toronto where she deals with China-related clients.
“The Clinton School provides a unique experience in public service. The program helped bridge the gap in my experience between the public and private sector. Through the program, I gained knowledge and solid experience in my area of interest, which helped open doors to many opportunities.”
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