Posted: March 26, 2021 by Holly Jones
The PSIA Department began a partnership with Massey University of New Zealand last Spring semester. The partnership enables students to take Massey University's "Intelligence in the Security Environment" course. This allows our students another opportunity to interact with students and professors globally and gain international experience without the expense or required time away.
Kressadlova Vieux and Mia Simpson will participate in the Massey University of New Zealand's Exchange Program in Spring 2021. As all International Affairs majors at UNG, they are required to complete a study abroad semester. Due to the difficulties presented to students who are required to study abroad as part of their program of study due to COVID-19, the department is for this year only allowing participation in the Massey exchange program to fulfill their study abroad requirement for UNG.
Meet Mia Simpson
Mia is a Junior majoring in International Affairs with a European concentration. She is also a HOPE and Pell student. "I am thrilled to be a part of the Massey exchange program this spring. I think it's going to be amazing to interact with students from another country. I love opening myself up to new perspectives and new ideas," said Mia.
Her ultimate goal is to be a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) for a state department. Mia will also obtain her master's degree and then plans to take the Foreign Service Officer's test. She would like to become an intelligence analyst or lawyer and to work in government. FSO appeals to her because you get relocated every few years. "Every few years you're in a new place with new cultures and possibly new languages and that's so interesting; there is so much to learn," she notes.
Meet Kressadlova Vieux
Kressadlova Vieux is a senior majoring in International Affairs. She is excited about her opportunity with the Massey Program. She mentioned that she would love to go to New Zealand one day and study there.
Kressadlova's ultimate goal is to work as a Foreign Diplomat or as an Intelligence Specialist.
"I genuinely enjoy every aspect of it [International Affairs], and I cannot wait to learn more. I pray that my degree in I.A. will help me pursue my goals to change the world for the better," she said.