The Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at The City College of New York (CCNY) and the Elliott School of International Affairs recently established a partnership exchange program to facilitate academic interaction, increase foreign policy understanding, and foster an enriching student experience.
During this inaugural year, the exchange program featured a set of academic seminars, site visits, and cultural events centered on the theme of humanitarian assistance and the refugee during each institution’s spring break. Specifically, six Elliott School students had an opportunity to visit Human Rights Watch’s Refugee Rights Program, Human Rights First’s Refugee Protection Program, and the International Center of Photography Museum while in New York City.
Drew Donaher, a junior at the Elliott School, reflected on his experience and said, “beyond the cynicism of international organizations and human rights organizations lies a common calling to make this world a better place. The professionals that took time out of their schedule to talk to our program did so because they know what is at stake; that these issues cannot go unnoticed or unresolved. This program exposed us to life and death situations most students only get to experience from one end of a television or through the pages of a textbook.”
From April 10-14, six Powell School students made the journey to Washington, D.C. to visit USA for UNHCR and the Department of State’s Humanitarian Information Unit. Students also met with Anne C. Richard, the former Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, as well as Counsel for the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Sue Ramanathan.
"What impressed me was the enthusiasm of the CCNY participants. They were eager to engage with a wide variety of executive, legislative, and NGO offices addressing the refugee crisis. They came away with an appreciation of the important work already being done, and a strong desire to make a positive contribution of their own," remarked Professor Christopher Kojm, the Elliott School’s faculty director of the exchange.