From the Classroom to the World Stage
Your Entry to International Diplomacy

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About Fribourg

The Fribourg Institute offers immersive study abroad programs connecting academic learning with the realities of global leadership, hosted at Switzerland’s University of Fribourg. Students step far beyond the classroom, gaining insider access to key institutions like the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations headquartered in Europe. Each program blends seminars, site visits, and exclusive meetings with senior diplomats, policy experts, and global practitioners to shape students’ career paths and futures.

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Unparalleled access to the inner workings of global institutions, such as the United Nations and NATO.

Programs bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world of international leadership.

What Makes Fribourg Unique

Beyond traditional study abroad

Designed as an intensive, engaging academic experience.

Theory meets practice

Students explore big ideas in the classroom, then see them come alive in the halls of power.

Professional preparation

Focused on helping students build networks, gain insights into global careers, and develop real-world skills often missing from standard university courses.

Rich cultural immersion

Alongside serious study, students enjoy excursions to Swiss glaciers, WWII fortresses, Roman ruins, and free weekends to create lifelong memories.

Students Reviews

“Participating in the International Security Studies Program in Switzerland in 2021 was an amazing experience that helped me further my understanding of important economic, political, humanitarian, and security organizations in the context of international security issues. In addition to visiting sites such as the United Nations, NATO, the European Union, I was able to receive support by kind academic and program professionals with insightful field experience, build new perspectives on current events, form life-long friendships with my peers, and leverage this experience to create new career opportunities. The experience and knowledge that I gained from this opportunity abroad helped me to later acquire a government internship with a focus on international organizations such as NATO!”
Olivia Marks
“My time in Switzerland fundamentally changed my life. Not only is it an excellent resume bullet that is asked about in every job interview I’ve had since, it also helped me find what I am passionate about and steered me towards a career I love. In no small part because of this experience, I ended up in my dream role with the U.S. federal government. On top of the professional benefits, this program lets me spend a summer in one of the most beautiful countries on earth and meet so many wonderful people. Several of whom are still very close friends even years later. I recommend this trip to anyone I meet who is even vaguely considering a career in government or international relations. It was truly the experience of a lifetime.”
Katie
“The ISSP 25' program was an important experience for me both academically and personally. The content and lectures gave me a unique perspective that set me apart from my peers, and that growth played a direct role in helping me earn a position with the Congressional Research Service.”
Bradley Olson

About the Founder

Dr. Andrew Armstrong

Dr. Andrew Armstrong is a dynamic political science academic with a global outlook and a passion for teaching. With a PhD in Political Science from George Mason University, Dr. Armstrong has extensive experience leading college courses in the U.S. and internationally. His love for mentoring students shines through in his teaching style, whether in a traditional classroom or abroad. His work spans collaboration with the U.S. State Department’s Sports Diplomacy program, serving as an academic board member for the American College Program at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, a political commentary for Sweden’s national public radio, and as a Senior Associate at the Character Assassination and Reputational Politics Lab. Through teaching, research, and public discourse, Dr. Armstrong empowers students to connect academic theory with the complex realities of global politics.

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Episode 29: Cultural Lens on U.S. Higher Education: Analyzing International Perceptions of 'Anti-Woke’ Discourse

Dive into a nuanced exploration of the global discourse surrounding higher education in the United States. Join us for a panel discussion with esteemed international educators as we embark on a journey through the lenses of culture and international perspective, examining how global audiences interpret and engage with the ‘anti-woke’ discourse within the context of U.S. higher education. This engaging panel discussion will delve into the intersections of culture, ideology, and education, and the complex landscape of how international audiences perceive the ‘anti-woke’ narrative that has emerged within U.S. academia.

Whether you’re a senior international officer, or simply curious about the diverse viewpoints shaping U.S. higher education, this podcast episode will provide an invaluable space for critical analysis and insightful conversations.

Speaker Biography:

Fanta Aw is a distinguished leader in international education, renowned for her extensive contributions to global learning, cross-cultural understanding, and educational equity. With a deep commitment to fostering connections between diverse cultures and promoting educational excellence, she has significantly impacted the international education community.

Fanta Aw’s career has been characterized by her dedication to advancing global education initiatives, promoting diversity and inclusion, and nurturing partnerships that transcend borders. She has held influential roles in various organizations, advocating for the importance of international collaboration and learning experiences that empower individuals to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.

As a thought leader and visionary, Fanta Aw’s insights and expertise have shaped discussions on the future of international education, emphasizing the significance of equitable access, cultural exchange, and lifelong learning. Her work has not only elevated institutions but has also inspired countless individuals to embrace the transformative power of global education.

Date: September 14th, 2023
Time: 12 noon ET

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Mark Beirn

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An experienced global researcher and administrator, Mark Beirn brings a critical approach to risk management, factoring structural racism and identity-based violence into his rubric for supporting equitable global mobility.

Specialization Areas:

– Global Risk Management
– Education Abroad
– Diversity, Equity, Inclusion in International Education
– Health and Safety
– Curriculum Development

 

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Stephen Appiah-Padi​

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Stephen Appiah-Padi is an international educator with several years of teaching and administrative experience in both 4 and 2-year HEIs. An experienced global education practitioner-scholar, with a demonstrated history of success in the field.

Dr. Appiah-Padi has a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada in Educational Policy & Administration with a specialization in International/Intercultural Education.

At Northwestern College, he provided oversight in the administration of education abroad and international student services. In Lansing, Michigan, he first oversaw diversity and intercultural education at Lansing Community College, and later created the Center for International and Intercultural Education (CIIE) which merged intercultural engagement and international education programs of the institution, and he became its first director. Additionally, Dr. Appiah-Padi taught a course, “Diversity in the American Workplace”, to undergraduate management students of the College. In his current position, he provides leadership and vision in advancing strategic internationalization initiatives, including international partnerships and study abroad programs at Bucknell University.

Dr Appiah-Padi has created and facilitated several workshops for faculty and staff development in higher education and in business organizations. He has presented at several national and international conferences. In NAFSA, among several volunteer leadership positions, he has served as Dean of the Fundamentals of Intercultural Communication Workshop, the Leadership Development Committee member, Chair of the Africa Special Interest Group, and a Fellow of the Global Fellowship Program for mentoring emerging leaders of internationalization in African HEIs. He currently serves as a member of the NAFSA Board of Directors.

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Rosa Almoguera

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Dr. Rosa Almoguera has worked as an international educator for over twenty years. She was trained as a Hispanic Philologist at the Universidad Complutense, in Madrid, and did her M.A. at the University of Pennsylvania. Her Ph.D., from Universidad Complutense included a field study and edition of written balladry “Romancero”. During many years Rosa combined teaching and her role as a senior administrator at the Fundación Ortega-Marañón in Toledo, Spain. At the Foundation, Rosa directed and, in many cases created, programs for the University of Minnesota, Notre Dame, Princeton, Ohio State, Arcadia, and the University of Chicago. She has also been a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota, University of Portland, and Interamericana de Puerto Rico.

Beginning in 2016, Rosa works as an international education consultant for both public and private European and US higher education institutions. Rosa has been successful in developing new partnerships and programs, as well as helping improve already existing ones.

Rosa is a member of Forum and NAFSA and has presented with higher education professionals on innovative academic and research programming, STEM in study abroad and Nationalism in Europe. Rosa is currently completing the final Professional Certification from the Forum on Education Abroad.

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