Mr. Mitch Barltrop
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

I am an undergraduate in History (MA Hons) at the University of Edinburgh. I have a passion for politics and international relations, and look with particular interest towards Africa. Having traveled in parts of sub-Saharan and North Africa, I have a developed a keen understanding of the continent. To this end, I found my exposure to the work of Fund for Peace, the World Affairs Council and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in Washington D.C. very intriguing. At the launch of the Failed States Index by Foreign Policy Magazine I was lucky enough to question Admiral Mike Mullen on the US role in Africa, in relation to the military support given to Uganda in the hunt for Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The extensive interaction with such a huge variety of organisations on Capitol Hill allowed me to further my knowledge about foreign affairs and challenge my thinking about America's role in a globalised economy. The question of whether the US 'does nation building' kept recurring and was a common theme throughout the time with Oxbridge Learning Academy. My time in Washington D.C. has complimented by previous experience well. I have pursued my interest in Scottish politics having spent six months interning for an MSP at the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood. My work was orientated around education policy, with main tasks involving research into the state of childcare and secondary education in Scotland and the UK. Working in the run up to the 2011 Scottish General Elections was a thrill and gave me a great understanding of how a devolved state operates, in practice. I have worked in Westminster for an MP and the Conservative Middle East Council (CMEC), with main tasks involving research into social action projects in Gaza and the West Bank. This has matured my awareness of the Israeli-Palestine conflict and has complimented my studies in modern Middle Eastern history. I continue to keep Africa at the heart of my interests having spent extensive time in Uganda working with the Methodist Relief Development Fund (MRDF) and Voluntary Action for Development (VAD) in their main aim of improving water and sanitation in rural communities. Humanitarian development is a subject that compliments my understanding of politics, and as Secretary for Edinburgh University International Development Society (EUID) and previously Student Charity Coordinator in my schools days, it has broadened my thinking extensively. As Commissioning Editor for The Pryer, a student-led political blog on defence and foreign affairs, I am constantly updating my knowledge about global developments. My experience in journalism has been well suited to this, having worked on the Sunday Times Business Desk. After finishing an internship with Grayling, the world's second largest public relations firm in their public affairs division, alongside my full-time studies I am currently working for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), as a researcher into agricultural policy in Nigeria. My prospects after graduation include further studies in order to channel a career in foreign affairs, diplomacy and humanitarian development.

Mr. Eduardo Baudet
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar Summer 2011
Georgetown University Campus

I am an undergraduate in International Relations and History (Joint Hons) at the London School of Economics. Born in Venezuela, raised in different countries in Latin America, and now studying in the UK, I value the learning that comes with interactions and experience. This is what attracted me to the Oxbridge Power and Politics session- its objective to expose students to both the theoretical and practical side of politics. The three weeks included classes led by Oxford academics, a conversation with Ralph Nader about the dysfunction in U.S. politics, and even some of us appearing on C-SPAN. Outside the magnificent campus of Georgetown University, beyond the walls of the Senate, my time in Washington D.C. was spent with my fellow classmates. Hailing from different places, including Albania, Brunei, China, UK, Switzerland, among many others, these people made my experience invaluable. They also helped me confirm one of my strongest beliefs. When people interact with others that are different to them, there is an increased empathy towards the others' nation, culture, and even political stance. Building relationships with those of different backgrounds thus allows for a greater degree of awareness, understanding and cooperation between one another. In the context of the political deadlock in Washington, the importance of empathy was clear. Following my belief in the importance of international understanding, and in line with the Oxbridge Learning Academy ethos -first think, but then do- I intend to teach in China for a year before joining a multinational company that focuses on improving the lives of people.

Ms. Katarina H.S. Birkedal
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

I am currently studying for an M.A. in International Relations at the University of St Andrews. Here, I am secretary and a founding member of the Benelux Society, and have written for the student newspaper, The Saint. I have in the past participated in other seminars, including Merrill Lynch Global Young Investors. The Oxbridge Power and Politics Seminar provided me with valuable insights into the workings of American politics, and complemented my studies excellently. I am interested in attempting to combine my studies in International Relations with Evolutionary Psychology, focusing perhaps on Decision Making and international norms. In the future I would like to pursue a PhD, hopefully with the above as my focus. I am interested in working in many different fields and industries, and, coming from Norway, my current ambition is to become involved in Norwegian politics.

Mr. Taylor Carey
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

I am an undergraduate at the University of St Andrews, reading History and International Relations. Prior to coming up to St Andrews in 2011, I was educated at Shoreham College and Lancing College, both in Sussex. My principal interests within my field of study pertain to the most pressing issues in contemporary politics: international development, the environment and the international political economy. In 2012 I was honoured to be awarded a Nisbet Prize in International Relations, as well as the annual Grieve Prize for the best student in first year Moral Philosophy. I was delighted to have been selected to join the Oxbridge Alumni Club. My experiences in Washington proved incredibly valuable in helping me to appreciate the realities of politics 'on the ground' and understand the intricacies of public policy implementation. Prior to my visit to the USA, I benefited greatly from internships at the Houses of Parliament and the UK Department for Education — experiences which have been helpfully contextualised by my time spent on the 'Power and Politics' seminar. I take a keen interest in writing on a number of topics. I have recently stepped into a new role as US Politics Editor at The Student Journals, alongside regular contributions to other political blogs and St Andrews student newspapers. I am also fascinated by Theology and contemporary developments in Christianity, and aim to expand my reading and writing on both of these topics alongside my regular study. I hope to be able to continue exploring the many thoughts and ideas that the 'Power and Politics' course opened up to me. In particular, I have been inspired to engage more closely with Political Philosophy and examine the development of modern conservatism through such figures as Friedrich August von Hayek and Leo Strauss. I am also interested in applying the fruits of these schools of thought to wider issues in contemporary international relations.

Mr. James Chandler
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

My name is James Chandler and I have just completed a Master's degree in Public Policy at King's College London, during which I specialised in health policy and higher education policy. Prior to joining King's I studied a Bachelor's degree in Politics and International Relations at the University of Reading. The Power & Politics seminar has perfectly supplemented my academic studies, providing a fascinating insight into the inner workings of American politics and the U.S. political system. My main field of interest is British politics and in addition to my academic exploits, I have pursued this interest by interning for Boris Johnson's re-election campaign, for London Mayor in 2012 and working in the office of Rob Wilson MP. In the future I hope to use my Master's degree to become more involved in policy making and implementation.

Mr. James Fredrickson
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
*Valedictorian*
Power and Politics Seminar
George Washington University Campus

I am currently in my third year of undergraduate study at the University of Edinburgh, completing an MA with honours in politics. Much of my work has focused on theories of international relations and in 2010  I was awarded the Simon Gray prize for the most distinguished achievement in second year politics courses, for my study of US – UK cooperation post 9/11. I have also developed a strong interest in theories of justice, in particular, Robert Nozick's response to the proposals of John Rawls and his right libertarian counter-proposals. The Oxbridge Power and Politics course gave me the ideal opportunity to develop my understanding of both of these subject areas. It presented the prospect of witnessing how right libertarian thinking has influenced US public policy, but also how that in turn has structured its approach to international relations. Thus my time with the OLA has inspired my plans for future post-graduate study; a re-assessment of right libertarian thinking, with a focus on the works of Robert Nozick and Friedrich von Hayek. After completing my post-graduate studies, I hope to pursue a career in domestic politics.

Ms. Morgan Guinnip
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
George Washington University Campus

I am currently in my third year of study for a B.A. in both History and Politics at New York University. I am the president of my sorority, Alpha Epsilon Phi, a member of the Order of Omega: Greek honor society, and a member of the Undergraduate Law Society. As a student of politics and history I seek every opportunity to advance my knowledge on the subject, but what really attracted me to the Oxbridge Power and Politics Session was the practical engagements. As a student of the 'Power and Politics' session I had the opportunity to speak with members of Senate, the political counselor of the Chinese Embassy, a commander of the U.S. Marine Corps, a classified Homeland Security person, and even Ralph Nader. Being able to listen to these intellectuals and actually engage in dialogue with them was an invaluable experience that I hold in the highest esteem. Equally as rewarding as the practical engagements, was the downtime spent with my fellow scholars. Discussing American politics with citizens of countries all around the world on a day-to-day basis allowed me to see the United States in an entirely new light and broadened my perspective infinitely. I anticipate to graduate NYU in May of 2013 and then go on to study law. In 2007 and 2009 I organized mission trips to the Dominican Republic where I helped to build a primary school in the village of Manoguayabo. In the future I hope to one day be able to return to the Dominican Republic and secure the rights of those people who do not have the means to do so themselves.

Mr. Philipp Hagspiel
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Markets Seminar
New York University Campus

My name is Philipp and I am fourth-semester undergraduate student pursuing a B.Sc. degree in Business Administration at the University of Munich in Germany. Besides from studying, I spend a lot of time on sports, such as skiing, mountain biking, playing soccer, running and hitting the gym. Sports is an essential part of my life and it helps me to always keep a clear head which I think is absolutely necessary for academic success. I have been interested in the field of business, economics and finance for years and I always seek for new opportunities to extend my knowledge - which is exactly why I applied for the 2011 'Power and Markets' seminar in Manhattan. I have already been to New York City twice prior to the program and I have developed a deep love for this amazing city. Although I have not been able to get an inside view of the business life in the Big Apple, I could really feel the heartbeat of the world of finance even from outside. Right from the beginning it was absolutely clear to me that New York City is the place where I want to live and work in a couple of years - rather sooner than later! The 'Power and Markets' program appeared to me as the perfect opportunity to get to know NYC from a more business and finance related perspective - which is why I had pretty high expectations of the seminar. All of them have been fully met! From an academic perspective, it was a perfect combination of learning about the basic concepts in finance theory, talking to and discussing with outstanding professionals in the business arena and getting access to some of the world's most vibrant business places, such as the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street or Bloomberg Headquarters. From a more social perspective, the program brought together young people from a variety of different countries with different ideological and educational backgrounds. The communication within the group has been awesome right from the start which made the three weeks a very interesting and educational time, especially in terms of overcoming common cultural stereotypes. To sum it up, I can say that the 'Power and Markets' seminar definitely was a success and gave me an interesting insight into what I want to do as a professional and especially where I want to pursue a career: in New York City. I expect to graduate in summer of 2013 and then go on for a Master's Degree right away; in the United States if possible. Until then, I want to constantly embrace my knowledge and experience in what I assume to be critical for a successful professional career, no matter what field it may be in: theoretical concepts, the ability to apply your skills in practice and, maybe most of all, social interaction and behavior. I hope to take the next step in the latter soon since I will return to the 'Power and Markets' program in 2012 as an intern for the Oxbridge Learning Academy, being in charge of an international group of students and - with no doubt - interested, talented and fun young people from all over the world.

Mr. Joshua Hampson
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

My name is Joshua Hampson. I am doing a joint-degree between International Relations and Economics at the University of St. Andrews. With this degree I hope to work within international economic politics, international politics, or investment. I am interested in think tanks, consulting organizations, NGOs, and international organization work. Because of the importance of economics within the globalized international structure of the modern world, I believe that both aspects of my degree work very well together. I am also interested in possible investment careers as well as advising positions for the political realm and corporate sphere. In academia, I hope to continue on to studies of international relations and international politics in possibly a Master's or PhD. I hope to one day be involved in political organization working towards promoting peace between states, non-state actors, and international alliances. I have traveled to 9 different countries and hold citizenship in the United States and the United Kingdom. I have been involved in the entrepreneurs society at the University of Saint Andrews as well as am the current Student Representative for Junior Honors Economics.

Ms. Julia Held
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

My Name is Julia Held and I am studying a Magister in History with a minor in Classical Archaeology and Egyptology and Bachelor's degrees in Politics at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. In 2008/2009 I studied as a scholarship holder at the University of Poitiers, France. In addition to my University studies I was an executive editor of the Heidelberg student newspaper for the last two years. Currently, I work for the Heidelberg Institute for International Conflict Research (HIIK) in the field of Sub-Saharan African conflicts. I recently worked for the Development and Peace Foundation Bonn, Germany (SEF) as an intern helping to organise and document a conference about adaptation to climate change. My research interest is contemporary African History and Politics regarding the African image in the Western media and the new African challenges such as globalisation, climate change and the economic rise of the BRIC-states. In the future I would like to intensify my studies during a PhD and work for an international organisation or research centre.

Mr. Igor Kovač
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

Igor Kovač - I have graduated from the University of Ljubljana and gained my bachelor degree in International Relations. I gained my first master degree in Sport Science from University of Ljubljana as well. Currently, I am in 2nd MAIS (Master of Advanced International Studies) year at the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna and doing my thesis on "Power structure of the world after the end of the cold War". At the Diplomatic Academy I am a research assistant of prof. Markus Kornprobst, working on a book 'Understanding International Diplomacy: Theory, Practice and Ethics'. I was also elected for DASI (Diplomatic Academy Student Initiative) president. My special field of interest is geopolitics and diplomacy. In 2012 my book on Geopolitics in 21. Century is scheduled to be published. Since 2004 I am the President of the Slovenian Paneuropean Youth. During the presidency of Slovenia to the EU in 2008 I was liaison officer for Estonia and in 2009 and 2010 I have worked for the Permanent mission of Republic of Slovenia to OSCE and other International Organizations in Vienna. In 2011 I received scholarship from Rotary Club Ljubljana and received Tuition Waiver from the Diplomatic Academy. Beside my mother tongue – Slovenian, I speak as well English, German, Serbian, Croatian and French. My hobbies are sports, playing percussions and reading. Life motto is: Dum spiro, spero. My career aspirations lay in the field of international relations analysis. In the future I wish to have my own think tank.

Mr. Mario Kyprianou
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

I am entering my second year studying for an Economics BSc at the University of Warwick and enrolled in the 'Power and Politics' seminar as a fun way of supplementing my understanding of the political economy. Upon completing my A-Levels, I was hired by Deloitte & Touche as a full-time Associate in the Tax and Consultancy Departments to build upon my experience at AXA Investment Managers. At Deloitte, all of my theoretical knowledge of business and microeconomics was put into practice and stretched to the limits, and I can safely say that the learning curve at the world's most successful Consultancy is the most intense I have faced. Interacting with Executive staff at globally-recognized client firms across Europe opened my mind to how much there is to learn from questioning our own customs and practices based upon local, not universal, value-judgments; this attitude of intellectual broadening fuelled my interest in the 'Power and Politics' seminar in Washington, DC. After a year at Deloitte, I decided to enroll in the University of Warwick's globally-ranked Economics Department and have ambitions to graduate with First-class honours. In this context, my experiences in Washington were invaluable in furthering my understanding of how macroeconomics, and to some extent even microeconomics, operate as functions of highly complicated political mechanisms. In our lessons with outstanding Oxbridge academics, these mechanisms were given a historical context not only in the United States, but in a number of political economies which have become key players in global affairs. Practical engagements such as private talks with senior figures at the World Bank in DC, the Chinese Ambassador to the United States and events keynoted by Senators John McCain and John Kerry allowed our class to ask the hard questions to those with real policy-making experience and, in turn, gave our education a new dimension beyond textbook theory. Outside of my intellectual ambitions, I am a strong believer that a healthy mind requires a healthy body and, since an irreparable knee-injury ended my years as a rugby player, I have tried to dedicate my physical pursuits to greater causes. As such, I have undertaken a number of challenges for my father's charity; these have led me to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; cycle across Italy and, soon, to become the first Greek-Cypriot to cycle the perimeter of the recently-divided Cyprus. My passion for travels has also taken me backpacking as far as South America, where I trekked to Machu Picchu, and to live alone with and teach Buddhist monks in the remote hills of the Himalayas. I am extremely fortunate for the number of enriching and intellectually broadening experiences I have already enjoyed only a year into university. Now I feel ready to get the most out of my next two years at Warwick.

Mr. Jie Li
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

I received my MA in Psychology at the University of St Andrews in 2010. In the following summer, I worked as a volunteer with One Heart Source teaching local children HIV prevention in Arusha, Tanzania. I am currently studying International Politics-East Asia and the Pacific, Foreign Policy Analysis, and China in Comparative Perspective at London School of Economics and Political Science. I have received an offer doing PhD research at King's College London, China Institute. My research interests are East Asian international relations and Foreign Policy Analysis with a focus on China and the U.S. When I finish my PhD degree, I will go back to China either to continue my research or to have more practical experience in related fields.

Mr. Ruaraidh McAndrew
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Finance Seminar
New York University Campus

Currently I am in my third and final year of study of Economics with Econometrics BSC at the University of York, UK. This is a route I chose primarily due to a profound fascination with understanding the forces that shape the society we observe. The decision to specialise in Econometrics could again be attributed to this interest, as it is ultimately a science of empirical observation and statistical methods for analysing naturally arising data. The Oxbridge seminar in New York furthered this passion greatly, as not only were we able to learn about the financial system from a wide range of experts in their fields, but we even had the amazing opportunity to visit the places where this theory becomes practice. Talking to a day trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange is an experience I don't think I will ever forget! In terms of employment, I have accepted an analytical position within the civil service (Department of Health) which I look forward to greatly. Further study at Mcs or even PHD level is also something I would also consider coming back to in the future, either in Econometrics or pure Statistics. As for other interests, I am massively into politics and political debate and am an active member of amnesty international. I also hold a senior grade in karate.

Ms. Ina Metko
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

I joined the Mander Portman Woodward, a sixth form college in Cambridge from Ismail Qemali High Scool in Tirana Albania. I obtained 4 As at A levels including maximum marks in 6 Mathematics Units, 5 Law Units and 4 Government & Politics Units. I am now reading Law at London School of Economics and Political Science in my third year. On the basis of my second year results I am expecting a 1st.

Ms. Veronika Ostrihonova
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
George Washington University Campus

I am a Senior at New York University studying Politics with a minor in History and French. Coming from Slovakia, having spent a year and a half living in Paris, while studying in New York, I truly do not know which country my path will lead to next. After I get my Bachelor's degree, I want to take some time off before heading to graduate school. I would like to do political reporting, preferably at a network like CNN or BBC. I would also love to spend some time volunteering with children in Africa; joining one of the many youth help missions. Eventually, I would like to get a Master's degree and one day perhaps participate in the tiny, yet fascinating cosmos of Slovak politics.

Mr. Marshall Palmer
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Georgetown University Campus

My name is Marshall Palmer. I am a Canadian student currently studying Bsc International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. I am especially intrigued by the role of ideology in informing individual and state behaviour. Moving through my degree and attending the Power and Politics program have been enlightening experiences for me. Studying the creation of the US state and the brilliant political ideas that defines it was made all the more interesting by seeing its politics in action. Once I finish my undergraduate, I would like to pursue further education of politics in the form of a Master's or even a DPhil. One day, I hope to become involved with either the Canadian government or a political organisation aimed at the promotion of the Western liberal ideals I passionately believe in.

Mr. Guillaume Pellé
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

I am French and currently studying at the Rennes Institut d'Etudes Politiques which provides us with wide ranging exposure to every discipline of the social sciences. I am particularly interested in History, International Relations and the internal or domestic impacts of global developments; therefore I am eager to pursue my degree course in International Affairs once my Master is over, aiming at working then in diplomacy or geopolitics. Attending the Power & Politics seminar has been a huge experience for me since the very comprehensive and intensive teaching opened up new and numerous ways of thinking about the USA, the world - and education itself.

Ms. Krisztina Pusok
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

My name is Krisztina Pusok and I have recently completed my Master's degree in International Security Studies at University of St Andrews, Scotland. I had the honor to be accepted into the first generation of alumni in the Power and Politics seminar at the Georgetown University Campus. The experience was unique as it perfectly combined the academic content taught in class with the practical engagements that supplemented the theory. My academic interests focus on research on human and environmental security, and political economy. Further in my career, I seek to analyze and contribute to developments in these fields via a doctoral research program.

Ms. Aimi Ramlee
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

Aimi Ramlee has recently completed her MSc in Theory and History of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), for which she was awarded a full academic scholarship from the Prime Minister's Office DANA Fund, Government of Brunei Darussalam. Prior to joining the LSE, Ms. Ramlee briefly worked as an Education Officer with the Ministry of Education, Brunei and as a Junior Writer in a financial news company in Melbourne. Aimi holds a B.A. with honors (1st Class) in History and English Literary Studies from the University of Melbourne, Australia, also under full academic scholarship. She has spent the past year traveling to 11 different countries, including an educational visit to The Hague as part of a 'Politics of International Law' course, as well as the 'Power and Politics' program in Washington DC with the Oxbridge Learning Academy. She is currently working as part of the Asia/Middle East Investor Relations team at Euromoney Institutional Investor and hopes to pursue a PhD in International History in the near future.

Mr. Fritjof Rindermann
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

My name is Fritjof Rindermann and I study at the University of Freiburg. My interest in political systems and International Relations has led me to pursue a degree in Political Science. I have chosen Islamic Studies as a minor and thus have the pleasure of learning Arabic. After completing my Bachelor's Degree I will probably pursue a Master's Degree in International Relations. I am interested in Climate Change Diplomacy, humasn rights and peace studies and how they interact. The Power and Politics Seminar has broadly enhanced my perception of American politics and has granted authentic insights into the life and work of a politician. It is a fascinating approach that the theory is directly embedded in practical experience. After graduating from university I would like to work for an international organization or pursue a career in diplomacy.

Mr. Matthais Schmidt
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
*Valedictorian*
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

I was born on 26 August 1988 in Bielefeld, Germany, and attended a local secondary school, Ratsgymnasium, which traditionally started with Latin as a first foreign language. Nevertheless, I was soon drawn towards spoken foreign languages, in particular English but also French and Spanish. After exchanges to Britain and France, I attended Abingdon School, Oxfordshire, England for two terms in 2005-2006. I was first granted a scholarship by Ratsgymnasium and later a full scholarship by the school itself. It was here through numerous discussions with fellow pupils, their parents, teachers and friends and due to varying perspectives on many political questions that I developed a particular interest for law and political sciences. In 2007, back in Germany and preparing to sit my Abitur, I participated in the German Federal Foreign Languages Competition with the languages English, French and Spanish. I won a first prize that included a preliminary acceptance to the German National Academic Foundation, the country's oldest and largest scholarship scheme for universities. In 2008 I passed my Abitur with a grade point average of 1.0 (IB equivalent 45) and in October 2008, I enrolled at the University of Heidelberg for Law. I decided to study law because it allows an insight into a society's primary basis and system. Despite the necessity for accuracy when studying law, I remained interested in the big and most visible legal questions, which traditionally arise in the area of public law. Also, I believe that a system can only be understood by comparison with influences from outside, though legal studies in many countries regularly deal only with domestic questions. This is why at a very early point in my studies I was determined to focus on international, European and comparative aspects and why I showed an interest in political sciences, dealing with the same matter from a different perspective. In October 2009 I obtained a permission to enrol for a B.A. as a second degree and chose the subjects Political Sciences as well as English and American Studies. I also started working as a student research assistant to Prof. Dr. Armin von Bogdandy and the visiting American Professor Russell Miller at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law in Heidelberg and successfully passed a three-semester course in American constitutional and civil law, which the university offered apart from regular courses. In 2010, I decided to continue my studies at the University of Freiburg due to its specialisation programme in International, European and International Private Law, nevertheless continuing to work for the Max Planck Institute. I was also permanently accepted to the German National Academic Foundation, having passed its two-year preliminary period. While in a seminar in Freiburg, I attended the introduction to the Oxbridge Power & Politics Programme by its director, Dr. Mason Meiringer. Despite my own tight schedule, I was immediately convinced to apply and found my expectations of the programme fully met. The daily classes with Dr. Matthew Williams from the University of Oxford as well as Dr. Meiringer's additional lectures provided a very profound insight and introduction to the American Political System, together with outstanding students from around the world, embedded into the atmosphere of one of the world's best universities in Washington D.C. It was also highly interesting to be in contact with some of the world's leading figures in their respective political fields. Looking back at three weeks Oxbridge Power & Politics seminar at Georgetown University, it was perhaps not the longest time I have been abroad during my academic life, but certainly one of the most noteworthy.

Ms. Jenna Smith Alexander
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
George Washington University Campus

I am currently in my fourth year of a joint honours degree in LLB Law and Politics at the University of Glasgow. I've always had a strong interest in American politics which led me to take the Oxbridge Learning Academy course in Washington DC in the summer of 2011. I'm particularly interested in the conduct of American Presidential elections and am intrigued by the developing area of social media and its ability to shape or influence those elections. After graduating in 2012, I hope to obtain my Diploma in Legal Practice and have already been offered a two-year traineeship at the top Scottish law firm McGrigors. I aim to practice law in Scotland and become a leader in the field that I have chosen to pursue.

Ms. Mikala Louise Sorensen
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Markets Seminar
New York University Campus

I am a third year undergraduate student, pursuing a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (with an emphasis on Economics, though). Like my Viking ancestors, I have landed on the east coast of Britain in York, where I am enjoying life at the University of York. Originating from a very quiet, small (boring) village in Denmark, I have found and nurtured a great joy in travelling, meeting people from anywhere and trying to get to grips with this thing called life. I spent a year living in New Zealand as exchange student (2005-06), which laid the foundation for my preference for offshoring my education, and thus led me to apply to various universities in the UK when that time came (2009, in case you were wondering). Last summer I had the privilege of sharing 3 weeks in the fantastic company of a lot of likeminded students in the vibrant New York City, while learning about Power and Markets. The seminar consisted of a string of exciting events, presentations, Q&A sessions and tours of places and people at the very heart of American financial markets. From patting the Wall Street bull to seeing the inside of the New York Stock Exchange, these 3 weeks were definitely the peak of my summer. More importantly, they left a lasting desire to explore more of the US and the (in-)famous institutions by which the federation is run. That's why I am very excited about the prospect of spending part of my summer this year too across the pond, although this time in DC, at the Power and Politics seminar, instead of NYC. Aside from being Washington-bound this summer, I will also be in transition between two degrees. I have applied to various Masters programmes in the UK, as I wish to pursue an MSc in Economics, perhaps even a Ph.D. if I am crazy enough - that is to be confirmed at some later stage. The plan that is, not whether or not I have lost my marbles (although the former would imply the latter). My Bachelor degree has been an amazing experience, which has had a significant impact on me and the way I perceive the world around me. To me, one of the greatest luxuries is the luxury of learning about something that fascinates me, and I love the path that attitude has taken me so far.

Ms. Liliane Stadler
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
*Valedictorian*
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

My name is Liliane Stadler and I am an undergraduate student of Modern History and International Relations at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. At St. Andrews, I am involved in a number of student organizations, as the vice president of the St. Andrews Microfinance Society and the co-founder of Oikos St. Andrews, as well as secretary of the St. Andrews Model United Nations Society. I am currently engaged in a research internship at the Centre for the Study of Religion and Politics on the subject of the political ambitions of Jesus of Nazareth. Along with the Oxbridge Power and Politics Seminar, I completed summer courses on the subjects of History and International Relations at Harvard University and at TUFTS University. Upon completion of my studies in St. Andrews I wish to further pursue my studies either in the field of international law or in the teaching of history.

Mr. Joshua Still
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Oxbridge Congressional and Policy Internship (OCPI)
Georgetown University Campus

My name is Josh Still and I come from Nottinghamshire in the UK. I am currently in my 2nd year of an undergraduate degree at the LSE studying Government and History. I was delighted and honoured to have graduated as one of the top scholars in my Oxbridge Learning Academy class, and I am looking forward tremendously to returning to Oxbridge as an OCPI student in the summer of 2012. In the future, I may study for a Masters degree in Political Science and I intend to follow a career in either politics or law.

Ms. Ingrid Tang
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
George Washington University Campus

I come from Taiwan, and I am currently studying Economics at New York University. All my life, I have been weaving my way through the busy streets of the world's capital cities. From Taipei to Paris to New York, and then this summer in the capital city of D.C., I found a career direction I am inspired to pursue. Though I am still not certain where I will end up, or what exact positions I will undertake, the Oxbridge experience certainly gave me a tour of what I envision to be my future. I aspire to be able to change people's lives with public policies and critical decision making. I also hope for myself to be able to attain a master's degree in the fields of International Affairs to widen my vision and deepen my insights on humanity.

Mr. Thomas Zier
Oxbridge Honors Alumni
Power and Politics Seminar
Georgetown University Campus

My name is Thomas Zier and I am currently a 2nd year double majoring in International Relations and Art History at the University of St. Andrews. I have always possessed a special zeal for Art; particularly that of sculpture and painting based on the classical tradition of Antiquity and the Renaissance. As a discipline, I wish to continue to pursue it as an academic interest and career possibility; as well as a lifetime hobby. As for International Relations, I am driven to know more about the world around me. I wish to make a positive impact through my education and to equip myself with the knowledge necessary to enter politics or international law.