Read about this month’s International Studies Student Spotlight. Students were asked to share an influential experience they had that connected to their International Studies major or minor.
September 2025 - Yixin Zhang
BA International Studies (International Security, Norms, and Cooperation); minor, Environment ‘26
Affiliations: Central Student Government (2023), Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (2023-2024), Barger Leadership Institute, Center for Global and Intercultural Study
“During my internship last year in Sri Lanka, I embarked on a transformative journey sponsored by the SiSA fellowship. Working with a think tank in Colombo for about two months reshaped my perspectives on global politics and honed my research skills in international relations. Standing on the coast of the Indian Ocean offered me a novel vantage point for understanding the interconnectedness of the world. I thrive on the diversity of perspectives gained from exploring different regions, whether in South Asia, Eastern Europe, or the Americas.”
Future plans: “To work in an NGO or IGO, where I can focus on issues like international law and human rights. After gaining practical experience, I plan to further my education in graduate or law school.”
