Alexis Kushner
Class of 2003

My name is Alexis Kushner. I am a former Global Studies major from UCSB. During my senior year at UCSB I had the privilege of getting to know the Ambassador in Residence Barbara Bodine during some of my Global Studies courses. She inspired me to pursue an Internship in the State Department. I applied for a position during winter quarter and after 6 months, many phone calls, background and security checks, and after I graduated from UCSB in June, I was given an Internship in the American Embassy -the Hague, Netherlands.

Here is a photo of the Ambassador, his wife, and me
at the annual Marine Corps Ball.

I am working as an intern for the Economics and Global Sections. Actually I work for many sections, including Management, Commercial Services, and even some work for the Executive Office. Currently I'm working on the Silicon Valley Mission in which Dutch companies will be going to Silicon Valley for a conference early next year, along with the Ambassador from our Embassy, Amb. Clifford M. Sobel. The Global section primarily focuses on drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, and terrorism--which I learned a lot about at UCSB from Professor Jeurgensmeyer. I only wish that everyone in the U.S. government could read his book, "Terror in the Mind of God" before working on counter terrorism issues.

In the Economics section we work on issues of sustainable development and water, AIDS in Africa, reconstruction and development of Iraq and Afghanistan. I was a co-control officer for the Iraq Donor's Conference between U.S. and Dutch officials before going to Madrid last month.

I have had a great experience. I have seen how an embassy works and gained a more thorough understanding of diplomacy/foreign service. Getting to know people with varying experiences and political beliefs has been educational and a huge eye opener. We have several marines who work to protect the Embassy and the information that it holds. These young men and women are my age, or in some cases younger and work to protect the United States and it's citizens. I have gained a great amount of respect and admiration for these young people, people unlike myself and many of my former classmates from UCSB. The well roundedness of my experience I hope will further influence my future and open more doors to me in times to come.

Alexis Kushner
ackushner@hotmail.com
[Posted: 12-5-03]

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