Tina Li

Tina Li (She/Her) is a junior majoring in International Relations with specializations in East & South Asia and Social Development & Human Well-Being, and is minoring in History. She is also a Peer Advisor for the Program in International Relations. Tina spoke with us about her research interests, favorite IR classes, study abroad experience, and what she enjoys outside the classroom.

What sparked your interest in IR?

Growing up in both China and the US really got me interested in comparing international cultures and histories at a young age. I loved learning about both the differences but also similarities in them. Coming to Stanford, I found myself loving history and moral philosophy classes with an international scope, and most of these classes were taught by faculty associated to the International Relations department. I really loved the interdisciplinary aspect of IR and decided to declare the major my Freshman Spring.

What are your primary academic/research interests?

I am personally really interested in Chinese Education Policy and I research how the historical education system and Gaokao College Entry Exam is seeming to break down in recent years with unemployment and uneven educational resource distribution across rural and urban China. I also work as a Research Assistant for Professor Oriana Mastro at CISAC analyzing US, China, Russia relations.

What is your favorite IR class so far and why?

One of my favorite IR classes was “History of the International System since 1914” with Dr. Rakove. It was a very informative class and I really enjoyed going to lectures to learn about the detailed history of the international system since 1914 which I previously never explored in depth. I truly learned a lot from the course and really enjoyed taking it with my other IR friends last winter.

Can you tell us a bit about a recent internship or study abroad (e.g., BOSP) experience you've had?

I studied abroad in Beijing my Sophomore Spring and really loved my experience. Though I was originally from China I never visited or lived in Beijing before my experience. I also never learned about China in such an academic way, as growing up, it felt natural that the notion of China was just my lived experience as a child. I really enjoyed my learning experience and the friends I made on the trip. Following Studying Abroad I worked at a British law firm in Shanghai and explored how capital markets and IPO filings worked on a global scale. Since I’m on the Pre-Law track it was a really rewarding experience.

Are there any extra- or co-curricular Stanford activities or student groups you would recommend for IR majors?

I really encourage any students in IR to get involved with the Society of International Affairs at Stanford and specifically the Stanford Journal of International Affairs if interested in editorial work. As the Editor-in-Chief of SJIA, I met a lot of friends and mentors during my time working for the journal. The editorial publishing work is super rewarding especially when we receive the physical published books of our work in the spring.

What are your future career goals?

I aspire to become a lawyer in the future who is grounded in ethics and international justice working in international arbitration.