SUNY New Paltz students pursuing careers in international relations have had direct access to the epitome of global affairs for more than a decade. 

In 2023, the Global Engagement Program (GEP) celebrated it’s 10th year enabling students from New Paltz and other SUNY schools to explore the inner workings of international issues via internships and other programs at the United Nations (U.N.). 

Professor of Political Science & International Relations Ilgu Ozler founded the Global Engagement Program as an extension of her U.N. semester course, where students learn about the inner workings of life at the forefront of the biggest global issues.  

“I always had speakers from the institution in my U.N. course, and my students would always ask me, ‘how could I be that person?’” said Ozler. “This inspired me to show anyone interested in the ways of the U.N. The United Nations operates based on who you know, and not just what you know, so the Global Engagement Program is there to help our students create networks, and our own students are the ones also who are creating those networks as well.” 

The Global Engagement Program is structured in three classes, where students read scholarly articles each week to examine their experiences on the ground from a social scientific perspective and develop a research paper and several presentations examining their global interests. The courses are held at the SUNY Global Center in New York City, not too far from the U.N.’s headquarters. 

Being deeply embedded in serious global issues gives program alumni a tremendous advantage in the field of international relations once they graduate.

Of the alumni who have taken part in the program within the last decade, 72% have gone on to work in the public sector, 30% have gone on to graduate, doctorate or law school programs, and many more have served with non-governmental organizations like the Peace Corps, the Council of Foreign Relations and International Rescue Committee.  

“This course and program show students interested in being more involved as global citizens how to make that happen,” said Ozler. “I’m proud of where my students have ended up in the 10 years this program has been around, and the critical work they’re doing.” 

Beyond this course-based learning, aspiring diplomats in the program get assistance with placements in internships aligned with their global interests, both in and out of the U.N.  

“This experience is incredible,” said Matteo Mortellaro ’24 (International Relations), who interned with Religions for Peace, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing world peace. “You have classmates who are voting in the U.N. general assembly, and it’s motivating to be around people every day who have the same passion as you to advance human rights.” 

Some alumni have even continued their work with the U.N. following the conclusion of the program.  

“Working for the United Nations has been my dream since I was 17,” said Naoki Matsushima ’21 (International Relations), who now serves on the U.N.’s Office of Global Counterterrorism. “Being originally from Japan, working with experts on these important global issues that the U.S. plays a strong role in is beyond anything I could have imagined.” 

Alumna Clara Flores-Reininger ’23 (International Relations; International Business) interned with the Permanent Mission of Fiji to the United Nations, which allowed her to advocate for the Fiji population among the U.N. General Assembly, particularly on environmental issues. 

“I learned so much by sitting in meetings and seeing what the leaders, decision makers and diplomats are arguing about,” she said. “Being involved with this program had me thinking about ways the United States could forge relationships with different nations to make an impact on climate change.” 

Today, she works as an executive assistant for the delegation. 

“She carried the whole country of Fiji on her shoulders, but she did a great job,” said Ozler. 

Students interested in applying can click here to learn more about the Global Engagement Program.