Nina Iskandarsjach

Nina (she/her) is a junior majoring in International Relations. Her specializations are International Security and Middle East studies. She is also minoring in Middle Eastern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, with a focus on Arabic. She spoke with us about how she became interested in IR, her favorite class, and her internship this past summer!

What sparked your interest in IR?

I love learning languages and immersing myself in new cultures, so International Relations felt like the perfect major for me. I think it's great to learn as many languages as you can! Even just a few words or phrases have the power to connect you to so many new people and can open the door to so many new experiences. I also love International Relations because it has allowed me to steadily build my knowledge of the world, while always leaving room for more things to uncover!

What is your favorite class you’ve taken in the IR department?

During the fall quarter of my freshman year, I took a class called State Responses to COVID-19 in the Arab World. Not only was the content of the class extremely timely (I was attending via Zoom from Wisconsin as with all of my classes freshman year), but it also gave me strong foundational knowledge of the Middle East that I have carried with me through my undergraduate career.

Can you tell us a little bit about your internship experience this past summer (or any time in the past)?

Over the past summer, I interned at the U.S. State Department Office of the Inspector General. I had an incredible experience working with, learning from, and getting to know State Department employees from all walks of life. I especially enjoyed hearing stories of Foreign Service Officers who served as diplomats in dozens of countries. Their zeal for learning new languages and cultures and their appreciation of diversity and new experiences was infectious, and I aspire to experience that level of passion for learning in my lifetime.