Day 1
Students introduced themselves in groups representing their regional, topical, and personal interests. They then engaged in a discussion on the topic “What is Foreign Service” led by MSFS Director George Shambaugh and Deputy Director Ashley Lenihan. Later, the MSFS DEIA Committee facilitated a workshop on DEIA skills and how to incorporate them into students’ graduate school experience. Students then participated in a data skills workshop led by Director Shambaugh and MSFS Faculty Professor Mary Hallward-Driemeier. The day culminated in brief campus tour followed by a happy hour with MSFS alumni where students had the chance to speak with alumni. The alumni represented classes as early as the class of 1974 and as recent as the class of 2024.
Day 2
The day opened with introductions by student groups on campus, such as the MSFS Reps, the Georgetown Anti-Poverty Society (GAPS), and the SFS Energy Club. Next, second-year students led panel discussions on topics like “Finding an Intership,” and “Getting Involved on Campus”. Then, our concentration chairs led an advice panel to address student concerns about concentrations, common pitfalls that first-year students should be aware of, and career planning. The students then participated in a detailed academic overview so that they could understand the program’s course, language, internship, and leadership requirements. Finally, we were happy to welcome SFS Dean Joel Helman for a brief closing address followed by a rousing rendition of the Georgetown Fight Song led by Deputy Director Lenihan, Professor Anthony Arend, and the BSFS/MSFS students!
MSFS first-year, Jonah Gosnay, spoke about his experience with Orientation and how his peers motivate him.
