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This week at ISMO had its ups and downs. I’ve been rather frustrated because I’m still waiting for my account information to process, and I’ve been stuck in limbo waiting for that to finalize. In the mean time, I have had the chance to explore NDU’s library, read an extensive study on the IR theory behind military exchanges such as the one we are facilitating, and meet with a number of other staff here. On Monday we learned about the American studies course International Fellows participate in, and honestly it reminded me a lot of the PLA (with a more America-centric focus). Through the America studies program, the fellows engage in a number of field studies across the nation which are supposed to enhance their understanding of various topics in class and also cause them to think critically about all of the different layers and pieces of America. Ultimately, by the end of the course, they should recognize America is a multidimensional nation with no one, strict, defining perspective. In theory they will then take these lessons back to their home county to help their home governments and military make more-informed decisions when analyzing American policy or engaging with the U.S. In addition to trips, the American studies course provides the Fellows with a crash course in American history. I found this particularly interesting because, a aa history major, it was interesting to me to see what events and changes were considered important enough to be of note when working with this condensed time period. The professor in charge of the course explained to me that she tries to highlight social and cultural changes which tie into key issues like immigration, especially because they extensively study American military history in other courses.

Finally this week I was given the incredible opportunity to meet with Secretary Kelly (the Secretary of Homeland Security) when he visited NDU to be inducted into its Hall of Fame. As part of the ceremony he gave a speech explaining various challenges he has faced as part of the career, as well as challenges he believes America needs to tackle now. It was incredibly fascinating to hear one of the key players in our administration speak on hot topic issues such as counterterrorism, illegal immigration, and the southwest border, and this was easily the most exciting opportunity of my internship so far.