Personality and Political Behavior: International Affairs Major Michela Maurizi
Michela Maurizi is a senior International Affairs major and Psychology minor from the Marche region of Italy. She is currently interning at the U.S. Embassy in Rome and plans to pursue a career in International Security Studies.
What brought you to JCU?
During my third year of high school, I had the opportunity to study at an American high school in Dallas, Texas. There I was introduced to the American educational system for the first time. Back in 2016, I was sure I was going to live in Milan with my best friends and study at the Università Statale di Milano. After taking a closer look at the program, however, I realized it did not offer a complete course in International Affairs taught entirely in English. A bit discouraged, I asked one of my older brother’s friend for advice and he suggested that I apply to John Cabot, so I did. Happily, when I received my acceptance letter, I also learned that I had received a scholarship, which made my choice easier.
Michela Maurizi
You are an International Affairs Major and Psychology minor. What do these subjects have in common?
International Affairs and Psychology are, perhaps surprisingly for some, intertwined. Personally, I would attribute this to psychology per se, since it is defined as the study of mental processes and human behavior. Every decision that is made in politics is a human action. To better understand how these decisions are made, we can certainly use the insights that psychology offers us.
What are your plans for the future?
That’s a tough question to ask a senior! During my first year, I wasn’t really sure that studying International Affairs was the best suit for me. Although I aced my first semester, studying World Politics and the Global Environment still sounded too abstract and fear and uncertainty started to blur my thoughts and initial goals. During my second year, however, I decided to take a class in US Foreign Policy with Professor Seth Jaffe that changed my entire perspective. I was actually hanging from his every word, almost in a state of enchantment during class discussions and lectures. That’s when I discovered that my interest was security, both national or international, so I decided to pursue that path in my future studies. I will be sending my application for a Master’s in International Security Studies (MISS) in Pisa.
Can you tell us a bit about your experience working at the US Embassy in Rome?
I am working as an intern in the Visa section of the US Embassy, an experience which has provided me with an opportunity for personal and professional enrichment. At the same time, I unexpectedly found a warm and welcoming environment in the embassy. I handle sensitive but unclassified information and also work on issuing E visas (economic visas). I am learning continuously about many areas of study that I would not have touched upon otherwise.
What is your advice to other students who are considering JCU?
If you’re planning on earning a liberal arts degree, mastering your English, and having the possibility to do internships in your field of study, then JCU is the place for you. In addition, you would be studying in one of the most beautiful and charming cities in the world.
