<p>Recently I sent an email to an admissions officer at George Washington University, asking about the admissions process to the Elliott School of International Affairs. He said that it is just as selective as general admissions, but the Committee favours students who take a foreign language class and "demonstrate interest in international affairs". I have the foreign language requirement settled - by taking three foreign languages in high school, I will have amassed eleven credits within four years. But the second part about "demonstrating interest" is vague. Of course I'm interested, but how exactly do I demonstrate that? It's not like I'm going to make a t-shirt saying "hi, I love international affairs, please accept me" because that is ridiculous and probably not what he means.
I'm already a member of my school's Model UN team, and I run a blog about North Korea (kimjongilia.tumblr.com), but what else will "demonstrate interest"? I'm considering joining the DC World Affairs Council and the DC Chapter of the UNA-USA for networking and attending seminars, and whenever possible, applying for an internship with the State Department. But I'm not sure if they want more from me than what I've come up with. Any ideas?</p>
<p>That’s plenty of interest, really. Maybe get a Pen Pal from another country, a developing country or a growing power (India/China/Brazil) would help.</p>
<p>@PoliticalProtege: Yeah, I have a few friends in China, since I attended a language immersion program there back in July. One of them is actually coming to the US (UC Riverside) next year which is super-exciting!!</p>
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<p>Subtle advertising ;)</p>
<p>Jk lol. I think you’re fine. Just talk about the things you did already, I think that covers you for “demonstrating interest”.</p>
<p>i’m pretty sure the activities you already have demonstrate interest :)</p>
<p>Thanks for the input, everyone! Now I just have to wait for his second response.
@CrazyPluto: ;D You know how it is, eh?</p>
<p>As I was reading your post, the only activity I could really think of was Model UN, so I think what you have right now is good since you have that + others.</p>
<p>As someone who knew that I would major in IR since I was in elementary school, they’re probably looking for two things; proof of passion, and a reason for pursuit.</p>
<p>The first part is your current activities that relate to IR. That includes Model UN, UNICEF, LiNK, Microfinance, etc club membership, or anything that pertains to international stuff. Travelling a lot, learning languages, or having friends from other countries can help. As someone mentioned having penpals, or collecting something international or from a certain country shows passion. </p>
<p>For the second part, its kinda like a college essay. Prove that you want to pursue IR badly. If you have some childhood story, or some moment where you froze and realized how important international relations is, or you wanted to explore something foreign, or something caught your eye abroad- those all work.</p>
<p>For example, here’s my persona;
Inaugural member of Model UN at my High School, current President. Currently in fifth year Japanese, but loves languages- enough to say hello in at least 30 different ones. Tutors with the ELL class and has friends from around the world. Writes back to some, and has penpals in five nations. Collected stamps and coins as a child, and won an elementary geography bee.</p>
<p>As a kid, traveled with family to an exotic nation in Asia. Found it fascinating at the diversity and stark contrast, has been travelling and anxious to see the rest of the world ever since.</p>
<p>The more you are passionate about pursuing IR, the more attributes you find yourself to have. Be it you love foreign foods, or you have foreign friends, its these things together that they probably want.</p>
<p>@Nin10dude317: That’s some great advice there! Following your advice, I’ve come up with a summary of my IR background.</p>
<p>Part 1: Member of MUN, runs a blog on North Korea, collects postcards from around the world, takes three language classes (Mandarin Chinese, Spanish*, German) and also speaks Amharic (native language), participated in a Chinese language immersion camp in China. Can locate 139 countries on a map (working on the rest), did a study on geographic literacy for the science fair, won a geography bee in middle school. Has traveled to 15 countries, including China, Germany, Thailand, Lesotho, Sweden, South Africa, UAE.
*In AP Spanish 5 (skipped level 4); technically have 11th-year proficiency beginning from kindergarten.</p>
<p>Part 2: I first realized that I wanted to become a diplomat in 5th grade. However, my interest really took off in 7th grade when our history class studied the Cold War. That got me interested in the US’s relations with China and the Koreas (hence the blog and the language lessons). It was all cemented when my history teacher took us to visit GWU (see how it ties in?) I fell in love with the campus immediately, and it gave me something to work for. My history teacher introduced me to her friend, who works at the State Dept., and we had a one-on-one chat. Since then I’ve been trying to network, and I’m planning on joining the DC World Affairs Council. As soon as the State Dept. becomes open to internships, I’m applying. </p>
<p>Some of part 2 is eerily similar to Condoleeza Rice’s story on how she got into IR…it’s unintentional, but still pretty cool.</p>
<p>Am I doing well so far?</p>
<p>Wow… seems amazing. Your ECs, language, and travel are definitely sufficient, and your personal story is solid.
(but I still test 189/195 on countries XD)</p>
<p>Anyhow, given what you told at the start, all I knew was the you were a MUN member. What you just gave sounded like a more diehard devotee.</p>
<p>Problem is you might not always have a spot to flaunt everything. If you haven’t submitted your app yet, do a final run over the essay and ecs and make sure that the international part if you shines.</p>
<p>Me’elkam edil! (my amharic doing ok?)</p>
<p>Let me know if there’s anything left to help!</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your help!! (It’s those Pacific islands that I can’t get, but I ace Europe, Asia, and Latin America like a boss haha.)
I think I can show all of this during the interview. I’m not sure who is conducting the interview exactly.</p>
<p>You’re doing well with Amharic, but I would transliterate that as “Melkam ed’il” instead to accentuate the drag between the D and the I. (There really should be a standard romanization system for Amharic; I’ve been working on it a little.)</p>
<p>What if your school is called “CSI High School for International Studies” :o I think that puts me right up there xD</p>