The Elliott School of International Affairs

RSIS is in partnership with one of the world’s leading schools of international affairs – The Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University – for student exchange programmes.

In June-July 2012 and 2013 RSIS students attended Elliott School’s Summer Programme on U.S. Foreign Policy organised in Washington DC. Read about what they had to say about the summer programme.”The Elliott School summer program was a tremendous opportunity to gain a first-hand appreciation for the different systems, situations, and pressures that together shape American foreign policy. Being taught by Professor David Barton, who headed up the 9/11 investigation and developed the subsequent Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, students are able to truly get an insider perspective on the real, practical dimensions of U.S. foreign policy processes and strategic interventions. Meanwhile, with the Elliott School located right in the heart of Washington D.C., and because so many professors are former practitioners themselves, the program is able to capitalize on an extensive and well-balanced network in the foreign policy scene. As a result, there are numerous site visits, ranging so widely as to include everything from big business lobbyists to senior State Department officials, and from active Senators to big-impact think-tank elites. With the combination of a well-designed course and so many seminars directly engaging with actors in the foreign policy scene, I most certainly gained unique insights into the confluence of forces that shape American foreign policy. The course absolutely revolutionized my analytical approach to American foreign policy. For any students considering whether to apply for the program, I would unhesitatingly give it my highest recommendation.” – Eli Richard Moselle, MSc (Strategic Studies), AY2011/2012

“The program was very intense and I was constantly challenged to think critically about various international issues. The course director, Prof. Barton is an extremely experienced policy maker and valuableinsights about policy writing were gained from him. I also had the chance to pose burning questions about world politics to subject experts, US politicians and policy makers. In addition, the program provided a rare chance for students to visit places like the U.S. Senate, World Bank and State Department. Apart from the academic aspect, the program allowed me to meet the best and brightest students from other parts of the world. Many close friendships were forged and I had a greater appreciation for different cultures. Participants were also treated to America’s favourite past time — baseball, and I’m sure every foreign student had a deeper understanding of the U.S. after the program. Finally, DC is a great city to explore whether you like the arts, history, food or nature. I strongly recommend that RSIS students attend the Elliott School program.” – Tay Zhonghao, MSc (Strategic Studies), AY2011/2012

“My decision to apply for the Elliott School Summer Programme was fuelled by an interest in learning about not only the institutions behind US foreign policy decisions but the people and culture; with the Elliott School being simultaneously a stone’s throw from the White House and one of the best roast chicken joints in the United States, what better place to visit? From an academic perspective the Elliott School delivered on all fronts. Our programme director, Professor David Barton, led an investigation team and developed the final report for the House and Senate Intelligence Committees on the terrorist events of September 11, 2001. His insights and contacts were an invaluable contribution to the course resulting in site trips to the State Department, Capitol Hill, the World Bank and several significant lobbyists among others. In-house visits included seminars and lectures from former Senators and members of Congress such as Mickey Edwards and Chuck Hagel to Bloomberg journalist Tony Capaccio. The course culminated in a foreign policy simulation exercise and the submission of a policy paper which gave us practical experience in the drafting of policy and allowed us to draw on our two weeks of extensive and intensive learning. We crammed a lot into our two weeks in Washington DC with evening visits to the National Mall, a baseball game, a trip to the spectacular Great Falls with a stop of at the Pentagon on the way home and making great friends from around the world being just a few of my personal highlights.” – Robbie Daniel Crichton Fay, MSc (Strategic Studies), AY2011/2012

“The program provided me with a great opportunity to understand U.S. policy from a professional perspective. Prof. Barton, who led the 9/11 investigation and developed the final report for the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, gave us much guidance on understanding and analysing policy critically. With a professional focus, the course taught students to articulate policy in written and verbal form. During the program, we engaged in networking, international crisis simulations, policy paper constructions, organizational site visits. Students could gain first-hand information from policy makers through the seminars and site visits. The international crisis simulation was a great chance to cooperate with each other and learn from some classmates who had substantial professional experience. Apart from the course, the program gave me the chance to meet and make friends with some amazing people from different cultures. Their unique life and professional experiences inspired me a lot. I strongly recommend this program to any students who are interested in U.S. foreign policy and the U.S. “ – Ye Wei, MSc (International Relations), AY2012/2013

“The quality of speakers that gave us lectures; the experience of on-site visits with a chance to grill experts; and the opportunity to simply be at the core of American and global power politics made my time at GWU such a rich, fulfilling and memorable time. In this short two weeks, I learnt more about U.S foreign policy and decision making than I ever would have in a classroom setting. It was an immensely fruitful intellectual experience because you learn, not only in the classroom and site visits, but from and through your classmates as well, who are often times, experts in their own domains. I would highly recommend it to anyone who holds an interest in American politics and foreign affairs. You’ll make lots of friends, see many sights, gain a great deal of insight into American foreign policy thinking, plus, you’ll have lots of fun along the way!” – Loh Ming Hui, MSc (International Relations), AY2012/2013

“The US Summer Foreign Policy Program was an excellent chance to be immersed in the exciting city of Washington DC where some of the most important foreign policy decisions are being made. The course had a very practical, real-world approach (this is great after a year of sitting in class!) by integrating many visits to relevant policy stakeholders from lobbyists, senators and the World Bank to the National Intelligence Council, PEW and the Brookings Institution. The site visits applied the theory of the course into practice, where the professor illustrated the linkages for us to understand how decisions are formed, the challenges in the process and the key interests of these stakeholders. Overall the course was excellent, with a professor who is well respected, knowledgeable and connected in the city. It was a rare opportunity to contextualize the material we have been learning throughout the year by being physically immersed in the American culture, rich history and politics of DC.” – Alicia Maitland, MSc (Strategic Studies), AY2012/2013