During Spring Break, ten students enrolled in the Dickey Center’s International Studies Minor (ISM) traveled to New York City for an immersive, multi-day exploration of careers and institutions shaping global affairs. Building on the success of previous site visits, the trip offered students the opportunity to engage directly with practitioners working across international development, international security, global health, and climate policy.
Accompanied by Casey Aldrich, Senior Associate Director for Global Studies, and Professor Graziella Parati, Chair of the ISM Faculty Steering Committee, the group began their visit with a series of meetings at the United Nations and affiliated organizations. Students met with representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to discuss the complexities of advancing food security and sustainable development goals in a rapidly changing global landscape. A subsequent session at the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted the challenges of coordinating international responses to global health crises.
Continuing their exploration of the UN system, students met with the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, for insights into regional diplomacy and the evolving nature of peacebuilding efforts. Their visit provided a deeper look at how the UN supports democratic processes worldwide. The day concluded with a guided tour of UN Headquarters, allowing students to contextualize their discussions within the physical and institutional heart of multilateral diplomacy.
Beyond the UN, the itinerary exposed students to a wide range of professional pathways. A meeting with an interpreter for the UN and New York District Courts illustrated the critical role of language and communication in international and legal settings. Students also engaged with a consultant on the “1 for 8 Billion” campaign, who shared work aiming to promote a fair, open, and inclusive Secretary General selection process.
The group further broadened their understanding of international policy and analysis through meetings with the International Crisis Group and Climate Analytics. These sessions underscored the importance of research, data, and policy analysis in addressing conflict and climate change—two of the most pressing issues in international affairs today.
A highlight of the trip was an evening reception hosted by Dickey Center Board of Visitors member Jenny Wood ’95. The event brought together ISM students as well as Dartmouth alumni for meaningful connections and conversations about career paths in international fields. This opportunity to engage with alumni added a valuable networking dimension to the experience.
Throughout the visit, students participated in structured debrief sessions, reflecting on how their academic coursework connects to real-world practice. By the end of the trip, they had gained not only a clearer sense of potential career trajectories, but also a deeper appreciation for the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of international work.
I really enjoyed the NYC trip, and it was really clarifying in terms of my career aspirations. I would 100% recommend it to anyone interested in an international career. All the speakers were incredibly interesting, and I loved getting to learn about opportunities within and connected to the United Nations.
For ISM students, the New York City visit continues to be a cornerstone experience—bridging classroom learning with firsthand exposure to the institutions and individuals working to address global challenges. One minor reflected, “I really enjoyed the NYC trip, and it was really clarifying in terms of my career aspirations. I would 100% recommend it to anyone interested in an international career. All the speakers were incredibly interesting, and I loved getting to learn about opportunities within and connected to the United Nations.”
