Trinity Magazine: Fall 2005

In Their Words:Jesmeen Kahn '07

Destination: Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic
Major: International affairs
While away, she: Met with diplomats and policy makers
Aspires to: Work for the U.S. State Department after completing her Master's in International Affairs

The news of my admittance into the Intelligence Scholars Programs left me to quickly choose a study abroad program. This is something I did not plan to do until the summer before my senior year.

After thoughtful consideration and helpful advice from faculty, I decided to travel with the International Missions on Diplomacy in Central and Eastern Europe. The whirlwind trip throughout Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic was designed to give students the opportunity to observe and assess the economic and diplomatic progress of these countries after decades of political disorder following WWII and into the Cold War.

In Austria I visited the Parliament, where Members discussed Austria’s governmental structure and how it has evolved over time. At the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, young diplomats discussed the importance of diplomacy and how diplomats must constantly adapt to the ever-changing field of international relations. Additionally, my visit to the United Nations and meeting with diplomats from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe provided e with the opportunity to learn about international crisis management and how each respective organization responds.

In Hungary, an ambassador from the U.S. Embassy met with my group to explain the embassy’s role in international relations, and spoke about his own experience as to how he came to work for the U.S. Foreign Service. I also visited the Parliament, where members of the Foreign Ministry spoke about foreign policy. In the Czech Republic, I went to the Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty headquarters to learn more about the organization and its objectives. Our study abroad group also met with economists from the Czech National Bank and the Diplomatic Academy of Prague.

What shocked me the most throughout my trip was the presence of the Roma (gypsies). As these countries all belong to the European Union, which implies a high level of advancement and human rights, I was surprised to witness Roma sleeping on the streets and begging for money. This was most prominent in Hungary, where I felt as if I had stepped into the developing world rather than an EU country.

I had an unforgettable experience that will stay with me throughout the rest of my life. Not only did I learn more about the politics and rich history of these countries, but to be immersed in these cultures convinced me that I must return someday — hopefully permanently.

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