In their final semester, a group of Rice School of Social Sciences Master of Global Affairs (MGA) students applied their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, spending a week in Paris, participating in an intensive masterclass on international policy negotiation.
The trip was the first-ever international education experience for MGA students, with sessions held at the Rice Global Paris Center. The weeklong masterclass was conducted in collaboration with the Institute for Global Negotiation, based in Zurich, Switzerland. Master's students from Sciences Po's Master of International Governance and Diplomacy participated in the class alongside the Rice MGA students.
“The MGA program is designed to prepare our students for the realities of international policymaking, and this inaugural masterclass in Paris exemplifies that mission,” said Rachel Kimbro, dean of the Rice School of Social Sciences. “These types of educational opportunities underscore our commitment to equipping future leaders with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.”
Under the tutelage of renowned negotiation experts Jack Williams, president of the institute, and Patrick Wall, director of strategic partnerships for the institute, students learned firsthand about the complexities of high-stakes international policymaking.
“The entire trip had wall-to-wall coverage of academic and cultural activities and opportunities, so not a single moment was wasted of this incredible opportunity,” said MGA student Andy Germer. “This is also the second time I have been able to attend a training course sponsored by the Institute for Global Negotiation, and they have continued to raise the bar. Their perfect blend of educational programming and practical exercises will teach you critical negotiation theories and concepts and then allow you to practice and implement them on one another.”
The masterclass also boasted a distinguished lineup of guest speakers, including Hayley Walker, assistant professor of international negotiation at IÉSEG School of Management, and Pierre Buhler, former French ambassador to Singapore and Poland. Through their insights and real-world experiences, students gained invaluable perspectives on the art of negotiation in global governance.
Beyond the classroom, students had the unique opportunity to attend the Sciences Po Youth and Leaders Summit, a premier gathering that connects aspiring policymakers with influential global leaders. Additionally, they visited the International Energy Agency, where they explored the latest developments in energy policy and global sustainability efforts.
This visit to Paris also allowed students to experience local cuisine, history, art, architecture and an overall appreciation for France's role in business, politics and international relations, said MGA student Hameem Bhatti.
“The knowledge, skills and networks I gained will directly aid my future work in international affairs, global business, policy analysis or strategic consulting,” Bhatti said.
"The trip to Paris and working with the Institute for Global Negotiation was an incredible and unforgettable experience that pushed us out of the classroom and into real world scenarios, truly putting our skills to the test,” said MGA student Vera Zhao. “But beyond the academic and professional growth, this trip brought our cohort closer together in a way that’s hard to put into words. Our group, made up of people from all different backgrounds, has truly become a family. We challenge each other, we banter nonstop and we genuinely care about one another.”
Zhao said experiencing Paris with classmates made it all the more special.
“Late-night walks through the streets of Paris, debating global politics over cappuccinos, and of course, indulging in way too many croissants and pastries from the city’s incredible bakeries are the moments that made the trip unforgettable,” Zhao said.
Abbey Godley, assistant dean of student programs in the Rice School of Social Sciences, said the experience is particularly significant as 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Master of Global Affairs program. Godley said providing direct exposure to global diplomacy and policymaking in action underscores the program’s commitment to equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership in international affairs.
“As the world faces increasingly complex geopolitical challenges, we know our graduates will stand out among the next generation of global leaders and are poised to make a lasting impact in the field of global governance,” Godley said.
Rice’s MGA program is dedicated to providing unparalleled experiential learning in the ever-evolving landscape of international relations. For more information on the program, visit https://mga.rice.edu.