Currently, I'm a post-graduate student at the Faculty of International Relations at Lviv National University, working on my doctoral thesis “Institutional Mechanisms of Guaranteeing Political Stability in the Southeast Asia Region.” In 2007 as a Fulbrighter, I started a Master's Program in International Relations. My focus is on foreign policy and conflict resolution. I can definitely say that my experience as a Fulbrighter has both altered and significantly contributed to my professional and personal development. The methodology, style and techniques that I learned from my professors at Syracuse University (many of whom are world recognized experts) help me do better research and be more critical of the work that I had done in the past. My study at Maxwell School has provided me with a strong background in the methodology needed to analyze crisis and peace-building process.

The degree program is really hands-on and practical. Besides academic study, I am also working as an intern during the summer at United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in Geneva. This will be followed by an internship in autumn at one of the think-tank institutions in Washington, D.C.

As for my personal development, my exposure in the United States to smart people from all over the world, some of whom seemed to be doing things larger than themselves, impacted me enormously. It made me realize more clearly than ever that through determination one can make a dent in the world. Along with opportunities for intellectual, professional and artistic growth, the Fulbright Program also permitted me to immerse myself into another culture, sharing daily life as well as academic experiences with residents of a foreign country. This led me not only to understand the United States better, but also to understand how the United States sees the world.

My career ambition is to represent Ukraine at the highest international level. My strong communicative skills and research experience combined with my knowledge of several languages should assist me in fulfilling my lifelong dream of creating at Lviv Ivan Franko National University a center focusing on conflict analysis, peace studies and international security issues. The Fulbright experience has strengthened my determination to work towards this end.