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Reemt C. Behrens | Berlin, Germany
MA Candidate (BC11) | Horst Siebert Fellowship supported by the Fritz Thyssen recipient
A keen interest in foreign languages and cultures stoked Reemt Behrens' interest in international relations. "One of the reasons I came to SAIS was the great language program, in addition to its international student body. Reemt heard about SAIS from his German scholarship adviser and was immediately drawn to the program's dual locations which provide both European and American perspectives.
In addition to the program's fusion of political science and international economics Reemt was attracted by the Center's charm. "In his inaugural speech opening the academic year Director Keller compared studying at SAIS to taking part in a discussion 'displaced in time.' I love to listen to different perspectives on the same issues in IR.
Reemt graduated from Freie Universität Berlin, and has interned at the German Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva and with a development project in an Ecuadorean government institution in Quito in addition to having completed freelance work providing seminars and simulation games in international politics in Germany.
Reemt's focus has been on political science until now. He is enjoying the approach of using both political and economic methodologies to explore development issues. "I've always asked myself why some countries develop quicker than others, and I realized I'd need economics to answer this question," he says.
"There's always something happening: lectures, career panels, student panels, movie presentations, or you can just sit at the bar. Even though there's a lot going on academically there's also a lot happening socially, I'd describe SAIS students as very social people and they're really interesting to talk to," he says.
Reemt would like to travel more and he has his sights on Asia for an internship. He's still working on a map for his future. "I think a lot depends on coincidence and who you meet," he says. But what is clear to Reemt is his desire to add to his experiences living abroad. "Every country is unique and surprises me for a different reason, I love discovering in detail new cultures and what moves people in their everyday lives."
So far his experience has outweighed his expectations, especially when it comes to study groups. "It makes it easier to deal with the readings and assignments by working in groups, this works really well at SAIS, and you work with people from all different nationalities which makes it fun."
"Our professors know our names and backgrounds, and can draw on our experiences in class. This is something that is completely new for me. This is not the case in a German university with over 30,000 students. They're willing to spend time discussing your questions and their open door policy means that they are there for students, which is really important," he says.
Degree: Freie Universität Berlin, B.A.
Major: Political Science
Languages: German (native), English, Spanish, French (fluent); Italian, Portuguese (proficient)
SAIS area of concentration: International Development
Other interests: foreign languages, travel, culture, road-biking
By Bianca Silva
M.A. Candidate (BC11)
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