Student Spotlights in International Studies

International Studies Alumnus Michaela White explains her journey at the University of Miami and what led her to Japan after graduating with a B.A. in International Studies in May of 2024

"Michaela White graduated from the University of Miami with a B.A. in International Studies in May of 2024. Through her coursework, White also completed the pre-medical track, as well as minors in Modern Languages and Literatures (Japanese and Italian) and Chemistry. Through her time at the University of Miami, White discovered a strong passion for bridging global politics with linguistics, using this combined platform to encourage intercultural learning and exchange. On campus, White revived ‘Canes Chat, an organization that dedicates itself to strengthening relationships between international students and American students, and chaired COISO’s Asia Night in 2023. White blended her Japanese language interests with the world of business by interning with Japan Business Consulting (JBC), a firm that specializes in assisting North American companies with market entry to Japan. She was also an Undergraduate Researcher in the Puentes Consortium, a participant in the Princeton in Ishikawa Program, and a winner of the 2023 South Florida Japanese Speech Contest, which allowed her to be invited to the 2024 Kakehashi Project cohort by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a one-week trip to Japan to strengthen US-Japan-Canada relations. White completed her university career by receiving the “Outstanding Student for Japanese” as well as the “Outstanding Student for Italian” awards. Post-graduation White will be moving to Japan to work as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) with the JET Program. "

Clara Foulon is pursuing double bachelor's degrees in International Studies and Communication Studies at the University of Miami. Following an internship at a digital security firm, she has developed a growing interest in new technology, media, and artificial intelligence. She explains how she plans to bridge the gap between Communication and International Studies.

Clara Foulon is currently studying at the University of Miami, pursuing double bachelor's degrees in international studies and communication studies (B.A. 2026). She grew up in Shanghai, China while being fully immersed in the French educational system. She found her passion for geopolitics, and especially the Sino-American relationship as she discovered the United-States during her first years at UM. She also developed a growing interest in new technology, media, and artificial intelligence following an internship at a digital security firm. Combining her knowledge in international relations and communication she wishes to work for media or news companies and help spread information through creative                                                                                      channels and projects. 

"I would like to implement my knowledge of various international relations topics in content creation such as short videos, documentaries or films to be spread on social media and helping the global audience to know the world better. For example, I would love to film and edit educational videos for News media companies about a specific topic, such as the Russo-Ukrainian war, the Taiwan dispute, the Tech war between China and the US, etc. I want to leverage my language skills and my critical thinking to interpret these hot topics through different perspectives." - Clara Foulon

Lindsey Faucher, a University of Miami Alumnus, graduated in 2024 with a BA in international studies, psychology, and French. She explained how she became involved in throughout her time in the University  and what she plans to do next.

Lindsey Faucher graduated from the University of Miami in 2024 with a BA in international studies, psychology, and French. During her undergraduate career, she actively participated in several research projects, notably in the Social & Cultural Neuroscience Lab and the Puentes Research Consortium. On campus, Lindsey served as a teaching assistant, vice-chair of the Homecoming Executive Committee, and philanthropy chair of Psi Chi. Her passion for international experiences led her to study abroad in Switzerland, intern in Portugal, and take part in an educational trip to the Middle East. Following graduation, Lindsey will pursue a Fulbright grant as an English Teaching Assistant in Switzerland.

Lucia Moglia is a sophomore at the University of Miami majoring in International Studies and Economics with minors in French, Creative Writing, and Global Health. Through her coursework in the international studies program, she has taken an interest in topics such as Post-communist Russian Politics and International Economics. She explains her plans to explore her interest in world affairs further during her time at the University of Miami.

Lucia Moglia is a sophomore at the University of Miami majoring in International Studies and Economics with minors in French, Creative Writing, and Global Health. By taking courses from the INS program’s expansive offerings, such as Post-communist Russian Politics and International Economics, she has fostered a passion for public service and diplomacy. During her first year at the university, she served as the Freshman Liaison of the Miami International Relations Association, as a staff writer for The Miami Hurricane, a member of Model United Nations, and as a Research Assistant for INS professor Dr. Laura Gomez-Mera. Lucia is currently interning at the City of Coral Gables Economic Development Department where she has gained experience in government affairs and public administration. In addition, she interned for the Bell Rosquete Reyes Esteban, PLLC law firm the summer after her freshman year. Lucia plans to further explore her interest in world affairs through the remainder of her time at UM.

Aidan Rowe graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Miami in 2023, with a BA in Political Science and International Studies. The Alumnus explains his experience while earning his degree in International Studies and what led him to where he is now.

"Aidan Rowe graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Miami in 2023, with a BA in Political Science and International Studies. During his undergraduate career, he served on the executive board of the Miami International Relations Association and International Studies Honor Society. He also worked as a research assistant under the U-LINK initiative, furthering interdisciplinary research in port resilience in collaboration with Port Miami, and co-authoring a peer-reviewed research article published in Maritime Economics and Logistics.

Upon graduating, Aidan joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program, a federal civil service program aimed at uplifting impoverished communities. In this role, he developed capacity-building initiatives for a global nonprofit providing resettlement services to refugees and immigrants. He now works in community engagement and capacity development as an employee of CWS Global."