Majors
Ian May '03
International studies and Hispanic Studies
Ian May believes that study and travel abroad is central to his education. He intends to see as much of the world as possible, and then do his part to help people in developing countries. Among his short-term goals after graduation are medical school and a stint in the Peace Corps—both in preparation for a medical career in either Latin America or Africa.
Last summer, with funding assistance from the Society of Junior Fellows, Ian traveled to Ecuador and Columbia, where he studied the effects of globalization on indigenous people. After spending this fall semester at the University of Nebrija in Madrid, Ian is off to Rhodes University in South Africa. He is applying for a State Department internship.
"What you find at WC is the potential for so many different experiences—dozens of opportunities to study and travel abroad, as well as paths for personal growth and leadership. If you have the drive to do something, you can do it now, without waiting until your senior year."
Gretchen and Bridget Purcell '02
When either of this pair of international studies majors comes across an opportunity to learn or experience something new, she usually jumps in and then encourages her twin to try it, too. Whether they opted for the Summer Seminar in Cuba (each did, in succeeding years), a USAID Internship in India (Bridget), or a semester abroad in the London program (Gretchen), they both understood the value of immersing themselves in cultures different from their own. "India truly changed me," Bridget says.
The two sisters were in Denmark last fall, at the University of Copenhagen, intent upon learning a new language, studying Danish politics, and traveling through Europe. "When I was in Cuba, I thought it would be so fun if Gretchen were here," says Bridget. "I wanted to share it with someone I love." They consider Copenhagen to be their capstone college experience, a final opportunity to do something together.
Still, they never intended to go to the same school, or even to major in the same field. "It felt right for both of us," says Gretchen. She switched her major when she saw that Bridget's program of choice offered so many options. With the support of the Margaret Bennett Fund, international studies majors can afford to take advantage of State Department and USAID internships as well as other study and travel abroad opportunities.
"Because there are so many programs available to a relatively small number of students, you can do anything you want," says Bridget. "There's nothing holding you back."
Carl Johan-Nordberg '98
International Studies and Economics
Carl Nordberg works in finance and is currently a principal with Katalyst LLC, a venture firm that integrates venture capital, operational execution and merchant banking in a single firm. He previously worked as an investment banking analyst with Legg Mason Wood Walker, and, as an undergraduate, interned for an international trading company in Hong Kong. After three years in the workplace, Nordberg is about to embark on his training for an MBA.
In college, the Swedish-born Nordberg was active in the Student Government Association and played on the tennis team that captured the NCAA Division III title in 1997. He also participated in several model diplomacy programs, earning recognition as a top delegate. He graduated at the head of his class.
"What intrigued me about International Studies was the ability to understand how countries pursue their national interests. The theories, simulations, and class discussions sharpened my analytical skills, which I rely on extensively in my professional life."
Tim Tawney '98
International Studies and Economics
PMI at NASA
After graduating from Washington College, Tim attended the Georgetown Graduate School of Foreign Service, where he specialized in German and European Studies. In June 2000 he was awarded a coveted Presidential Management Internship. The Presidential Management Intern (PMI) Program attracts to federal service outstanding graduate students who are interested in careers in the analysis and management of public policies and programs. As a PMI intern, Tim was placed at NASA, where he is going through rotations of assignments in international affairs, legislative affairs and public outreach.
At the conclusion of his two-year training (which for Tim includes courses in astronomy and planetary science), he expects to stay on at NASA with civil service status, at least for a few years. His focus will be on collaborative projects associated with the international space station and other international science initiatives.
His first foray in the international affairs office was with the space agencies of Russia and Romania. On-going responsibilities in that office includes writing, negotiating and concluding international agreements with various foreign space agencies, support for higher level travel abroad for government officials, and support for scientists