School of International Affairs welcomes class of 2027

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.—The Penn State School of International Affairs (SIA) recently welcomed the class of 2027 to the Lewis Katz Building, introducing them to their new campus, student resources, and each other through a series of foundational activities.

Students enrolled at SIA position themselves on a path toward a global career. The flexible two-year master’s degree program in international affairs is designed to prepare students to become leaders in diplomacy, policy, security, development, research, education, and more.

"Our new class represents everything that is special about the School of International Affairs: a modest-sized group with an impressively wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives,” said SIA Director and Professor of International Affairs Mitchell P. Smith. “I am excited to see these students deepen their professional skills and to build SIA's globally engaged community with them."

The class of 2027 at a glance:

• 50 total students
• 19 countries represented, including the United States
• 13 U.S. states represented
• 25 different undergrad majors
• 30% from underrepresented groups (15 of 50 students)
• 25 languages spoken
• 18 first-generation graduate students
• 2 members of the military (1 Air Force, 1 Navy)
• 4 recipients of prestigious fellowships: 1 Bolashak, 2 Fulbright, 1 Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission

Convocation and orientation bring new students together

Orientation activities began with convocation at the Katz Building in University Park. Smith welcomed students and encouraged them to engage fully in the opportunities before them.

Following brief introductions to everything from capstone planning to internships to the Student Government Association and Black Student Association, students took a class photo and participated in experiential activities on the Katz lawn and a University resource fair inside. The fun moments and opportunities for cooperation help students build rapport and recognize the strength in their differences.

On August 26, students had another opportunity to get acquainted at a welcome picnic at Sunset Park. They finished orientation on August 29 with a series of mandatory workshops, including one focused on professional development and another on diversity and belonging. The day closed with a beloved Penn State tradition, enjoying ice cream at the Penn State Berkey Creamery.

Forging connections with new classmates

Originally from Alabama, Lawson Kidd obtained his undergraduate degree at Hofstra University, a private school on Long Island. He enjoyed his experience, and for graduate school, he wanted a bigger place where students had lots of school spirit. SIA fit the bill. He also appreciated University Park’s location within easy driving distance of major cities including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City.

He found the orientation activities helpful, especially the outdoor ones that encouraged classmates to interact. In one game, students pretended there was a giant world map on the Katz lawn. They stood in the places they were from, had visited, and wanted to go, sparking organic conversations about their backgrounds. “The map game was surprisingly good at getting us to talk with one another. Activities like this helped break the ice and lay a foundation to get acquainted with new people,” said Kidd. “I was happy to have that base with my peers because we are going to be working together on projects.”

Sara King is a Schreyer Honors College student enrolled in the Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate (IUG) program. She will undertake the SIA graduate program while also completing her baccalaureate work, including a thesis project.

The orientation activities allowed her to talk with her new classmates as well as learn more about the professors who teach SIA courses. “The faculty is amazing. They all had wonderful things to say about what they do and how they can help us. They all seem super willing to assist with anything we may need,” said King.

She, too, loved the map game. “Over half of our cohort is international students, and they all have diverse backgrounds and perspectives. It was cool to see other people’s perspectives on the world and where they would like to go,” said King, an economics major from Maryland. She said students exchanged contact information during orientation and have already been texting each other about classes, assignments, and chances to socialize.

King and Kidd also both found the Career Services presentation during orientation useful. “I am so glad there is a lot of support provided by Career Services,” said Kidd. “It is good to know I will have support on trying to land internships and later jobs when I leave SIA.”