Baruch Student Goes to D.C. on Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders

July 10, 2024

Baruch College undergraduate Adnaan Elahi (’25) was among 20 students from underrepresented communities across the United States who participated this summer in the inaugural Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders program.

The fully paid Fellowship is a training program in Washington, DC which provides insight into American diplomacy while underscoring educational, internship, and career paths within the U.S. Foreign Service. According to Meridian, the program “spotlights the vital work of Foreign Service Officers, while also teaching the critical soft skills necessary to succeed in a diplomatic career.”

An Eye-Opening Experience

“I was always passionate about traveling, learning new languages, and pursuing an international career. So, I was thrilled to find out that I was accepted into this program, especially considering how many people applied overall,” said Elahi, a political science and economics double major with a minor in law and policy at the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences.

“This was a fun and eye-opening experience into the world of American politics and diplomacy. I work at the New York Public Library where I help immigrants and refugees learn English and serve as a French translator. Therefore, one of the most impactful moments in this program was when I met the U.S. ambassador to Mauritania, a country that many of the students I work with come from.”

Elahi added, “Although I am not yet definitive about pursuing a career in the State Department, I feel grateful to have experienced the ‘ins-and-outs’ of American diplomacy. I look forward to applying this knowledge towards whatever career I pursue.”

About the Program

Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellows enhance their knowledge of diplomacy and international affairs through site visits while improving their career development skills through workshops and networking opportunities. Activities included a full day visit to the U.S. Department of State, an interactive two-day diplomatic skills training course, a diplomacy simulation, and panel discussions with representatives from the broader U.S. Foreign Service apparatus. A tour of Washington monuments and cultural activities also occurred.

The fellowship is part of the Meridian International Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit diplomacy center with “the vision that greater understanding and collaboration between the United States and the world leads to a more prosperous future for all.”

Support for Students Seeking Fellowship Opportunities

Baruch College’s Office of National & Prestigious Fellowships Advising helps guide students through the steps of applying for any scholarship and award that supports their academic studies.

The dedicated staff assists students in discovering and exploring numerous opportunities including Fulbright awards, Gilman International Scholarships, Venture for America, Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship, Freeman-ASIA scholarship, Schwarzman Scholarships, and many more.

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