BA in Global Affairs

Samantha Peralta, 2018

Samantha Peralta

Year: Senior

Major: Global Affairs with a concentration in Europe and a minor in Business.

Hometown: Freehold, NJ

What is your favorite part about being a Mason student?

I enjoy that the professors always incorporate their academic and professional experiences into the classroom by creating assignments that will enhance our skills for future careers. The professors at Mason always make time for their students to discuss topics related to class or to give guidance on future internship and career opportunities.

Describe any extracurricular activities, study abroad, or internships you’ve done.

During the spring semester, I studied abroad in Budapest where I enrolled in classes pertaining to the government and social issues of Hungary and the European Union. While abroad, I interned with the American Corner, a cultural center sponsored by the State Department, where locals can learn about American history, customs, and traditions. I enjoyed my experience abroad so much that I decided to study abroad in Berlin where I took German language courses and learned about Germany’s social and political issues, including the economy, immigration, and sustainable green businesses and entrepreneurs.

I also had the opportunity to intern at the Association of International Educators (NAFSA) in the Education Abroad and International Student and Scholar Services/ International Enrollment Management departments as well as the Public Policy department.

What is your favorite part about your major/degree program?

Unlike other majors, the Global Affairs Program allows students to explore a wide variety of subjects and disciplines such as cultural studies, conflict resolution, economics, and environmental policy. With a degree so multidisciplinary, global affairs majors can pursue careers in many different industries.

What is the one part of your major/degree program that has had the most impact on you?

The most impactful aspect of my degree program was the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at such an early stage in my college career. Apart from being able to live in a non-traditional study abroad destination for four months, I was able to learn about topics and subjects that I could never learn in a regular university classroom setting. Interacting with Hungarians and people from different parts of the world was such an incredible way to gain insight into the various paths I could focus on. My experience abroad significantly strengthened my perspective on the world and the efforts I hope to contribute in the future.