'There are moments that feel like a lifetime and days that go by in the blink of an eye.'
William Humburg
Master of Arts in International Affairs '26
Last Spring, 18 graduate students from the Elliott School of International Affairs participated in a Short-Term Study Abroad program to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands to study ethical decision-making in international institutions. Written below is a reflection from one of those students, William Humburg.
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Q. Why did you decide to go on a short term study abroad? Why the Europe STAP specifically?
Growing up in a small town in Kansas, my opportunities for travel outside the country were limited. Being in graduate school at Elliott broadened my perspective to try new things and visit new countries I have never thought I would. France, Belgium, and the Netherlands are all central to European politics and power. The institutions held in each country tend to be overlooked by most Americans but the roles of these multilateral relations are key to ensuring a more ethically conscious world. The prospect of spending a week in central Europe in the spring and learning through immersive international experience seemed too good to pass up. The amount of site visits coupled with the historical and cultural excursions that Europe has to offer is truly enriching.
Q. You visited various international organizations and NGOs. How did that deepen your understanding of ethical decision-making in international institutions?
Walking through the marble halls of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, or overlooking the 750 seats of the European Union in Brussels gave me profound insight into how these organizations function. We had a variety of speakers ranging from military, diplomatic, and volunteers that spoke to their live experiences working for these ethically-conscious institutions. Their stories and insights spoke directly to the range of decisions and situations that they face as well as how much of an impact they make in the world. I remember speaking to a UNICEF volunteer of how delicate it was to work in refugee camps, and the level of detail and connection it takes to balance different perspectives against each other. I also recollect how passionate the team from the French Red Cross was about their mission of impartiality while serving as first responders to international crises. Those conversations and experiences have become unforgettable memories.
Q. What was the most surprising or eye-opening aspect of the program?
The most surprising aspect was how different time works while abroad, and not just dealing with jet lag. There are moments that feel like a lifetime and days that go by in the blink of an eye. When preparing for our time overseas we met in class and went over the itinerary multiple times, however when you are on the ground the time is either very short or feels much longer than you expected. The first couple of days in Paris felt like its own week, then our transit to Brussels and The Hague went by much faster because the transit and cadence of the experiences culminated. I was shocked to wake up in Amsterdam at the end of the week and prepare for my flight back to Washington. Time flies when you’re savoring every second.
Q. For students considering a STAP, what is your advice for them?
My advice for students considering any STAP is to weigh whether you believe the experience abroad will enrich your personal interests, even if the section is not what you are studying specifically. What I mean by that is if the destination, organizations, or subtopic fits into your purview then definitely explore taking it. Not every lecture, visit, or place will be exactly what you signed up for, so it is critical that you come into the STAP with an open mind and willingness to try new things. In the end you are outside the classroom and in many cases outside your comfort zone. This is where personal and professional growth thrive. I highly recommend you bring that camera, update your passport, and bring a journal along to document your time. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience that you do not want to forget!
William Humburg is a second-year graduate student at the Elliott School of International Affairs, pursuing a Master of Arts in International Affairs concentrating in U.S. Foreign Policy.