Government Department Students Pursue Summer Global Adventures!

Studying abroad is a classic part of the college experience. Indeed, William & Mary prides itself on consistently being the No. 1 public university for study abroad participation. Several Government students recently demonstrated this love for global adventure during their summer internships in Asia. All Freeman Fellows, these students interned at organizations located in countries as far and wide as Taiwan, Cambodia, and Indonesia. They worked and travelled across the continent for eight weeks before returning to the U.S.

The students received their internships through the Freeman Intern Fellowship, a program administered by the Reves Center for International Studies. The program started after a grant from the Freeman Foundation made it possible for up to twenty-four W&M students to conduct internships in Asia. Since the summer of 2018, a new cohort of students has flown across the Pacific to work every year. As compensation, students receive a stipend to facilitate travel and living expenses.

Among the Government students who went abroad, Nicholas Valyayev (‘27) and Hannah Yang (‘28) spent their summer working at the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability (ANSA) Cambodia, along with prospective major Charles Miller (‘29). They supported ANSA’s mission to give Cambodian citizens the tools to advocate for themselves. Nicholas researched cashews, a major Cambodian export, investigating labor rights and environmental concerns and recommending solutions for policymakers and NGOs. Hannah wrote stories highlighting the success of ANSA’s programs in elevating youth leaders and teaching useful skills in advocacy and entrepreneurship to underprivileged communities. Charles interviewed leaders of oppositional political parties in Cambodia, reporting on the impact of the one-party Cambodian state on civil society. They hope their deliverables aid ANSA’s mission to cultivate good governance and fight corruption in the country.

Across the border, Government student Nolan Jansorn (‘27) spent his summer working in the rural village of Mae La Noi in northern Thailand. Interning with History major Landon Miles (‘28), he worked at the village’s Daroonsik School through Global Playground, an organization devoted to improving educational infrastructure and facilitating cross-cultural student exchange. Nolan and Landon instructed students in English by playing games and helping teachers enact their lesson plans. Though they cycled through different classrooms on a regular basis, their efforts contributed to an enriching English education for the students.

Several other Government students spent time abroad. These were: Eryn McKendree (‘27), who interned at the Institute for National Policy Research in Taiwan; Cameron Swartz (‘28) and Sam Newell (‘28), who respectively interned at the Philippines Social Science Council and the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability in East Asia and the Pacific, both headquartered in Quezon City, the Philippines; Ava Shafer (‘28), who interned at Kyoto Brewing Company in Japan; and Sam Nossen (‘28), who worked at the American Indonesian Exchange Foundation in Jakarta, Indonesia.

If you are interested in becoming a Freeman Fellow, applications for the summer of 2027 open October 5th. You can learn more about the program and current internship offerings at this link. Congratulations to our wonderful Government students, and cheers to the Freeman Fellowship!