Mia Balestra ‘25, our inaugural Postgraduate Fellow in International Affairs, completed an extraordinary term of research and service in Cambodia working in partnership with the Harpswell Foundation, a Cambodian non-profit dedicated to advancing young women leaders in Southeast Asia with education, training and a supportive network. Mia’s experience epitomizes the powerful intersection of academic inquiry, cross-cultural immersion, and leadership development.
A Life-Changing Cultural Immersion
Throughout her time in Southeast Asia, Mia undertook what she describes as an “authentic and life-changing” dive into Khmer culture. Beyond the capital city, she traveled into the rural provinces, staying in local villages and the homes of her students.
These personal connections became the bedrock of her experience, especially as she navigated the complexities of living in the region during a period of local border conflict. By prioritizing relationship-building and empathy, Mia was able to gain a profound understanding of the resilience and history of the Cambodian people.
Dual Roles: Researcher and Mentor
Mia’s impact was felt through two primary roles:
- Leadership Resident: Working full-time at the Harpswell dorms, she served as a mentor and instructor, teaching courses in critical thinking and English and provided support to the students.
- Field Researcher: Her academic project focused on documenting the growth and stories of the Harpswell community. The project saw overwhelming interest, with numerous participants eager to share their experiences.
Working at Harpswell allowed me the ability to get to know the Cambodian people and understand local Khmer culture in a way that I wouldn’t have been able to any other way. Cambodia has become such a special place to me—I feel as though I am leaving half of my heart and many close friends there.
Mia Balestra ‘25, inaugural dickey center postgraduate fellow in international affairs
We look forward to the formal debut of her research this March and celebrate the incredible strides Mia has made as a global citizen and scholar.
Learn more about the Dickey Center’s postgraduate fellowship here, and more about the Harpswell Foundation here.
