A Q&A with International Studies, French and Political Science Major Maya Ungar

Maya Ungar
Junior Majoring in International Studies, French and Political Science

In this conversation, Ungar talks about her passion for studying abroad, her goal of becoming a foreign service officer, the amazing resources faculty can be outside of the classroom as well as in, and her fascination with studying the lowest points of humanity because of the incredible restoration that comes afterward.

Q: Tell us a little about your academic passions, research and/or what you’re studying within the college. What excites you about this?

I am studying international politics and French, and my main academic focus is genocide and conflict.

Although the subject material is incredibly depressing, I find it fascinating to research the lowest points of humanity, and the incredible restoration that comes after.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I have been at Fulbright College for two and a half years now, and the wide array of classes I have been able to take have been the best part of my experience.

I have taken courses ranging from Politics of International Law to Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and Culture from an actual Buddhist monk, and I feel like this diversity has given me a more well-rounded perspective.

Q: What has your favorite class been so far and why?

My favorite class I have taken is definitely Honors Humanities Project (H2P). H2P is a three-semester course unlike any other offered at the university.

I learned so much about things that I never would have imagined, from Roman Circus Basilicas to Aboriginal origin stories, and the demanding nature of the course pushed my writing skills to a new level.

Plus, by the third semester there was a real sense of community among the students, which was incredible to see.

Q: What advice would you give to new students about to join the college?

The faculty will be your biggest resources and your biggest supporters. My professors have encouraged me to apply for grants, advised me on graduate schools, brainstormed research topics with me, read over internship applications, given me extra readings in subjects that interest me, and so much more.

If you are only looking at your professors as resources within the classroom, then you are missing out on an incredible opportunity.

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

I serve as the Southeast Asia Coordinator for STAND: The Student Movement to End Mass Atrocities, and I have virtually continued my internship from this summer with CMEP, a Washington D.C. nonprofit focusing on Middle East peacebuilding.

Additionally, I get involved in the community by mentoring a girl scout and teaching  three and four year olds how to play soccer! Most importantly, I make time to maintain my friendships. It’s impossible to be successful if you don’t allot yourself time to just relax and have fun.

Q: When do you anticipate graduating, and what’s up next on the horizon for you?

I will be graduating in May 2020, which is coming up way sooner than I can fathom!

I am planning to pursue a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, and then apply to work as a foreign service officer (diplomat) for the United States.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know?

The most formative part of my college experience has undoubtedly been studying abroad. I spent 9 weeks improving my French in Rennes, France, a semester learning all about European Politics in Copenhagen, Denmark, and I am spending Spring 2019 in Chiang Mai, Thailand to learn about Asian politics.

Fulbright College has done an incredible job on emphasizing study abroad. It has pushed me to leap out of my comfort zone and have these experiences, and I am incredibly thankful for that.