5 Questions with a recent NOHA student. Also, what is NOHA and, why is it so important for humanitarian studies students?
The Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA) is an international association of universities that aims to enhance professionalism in humanitarian action through education & training, research & publications and projects. Fordham University Humanitarian Studies graduate students can take advantage of this one-semester exchange and study at any NOHA participating university abroad. Students from any international, participating university can come study at Fordham for one semester. Learn more here.
In this Q&A, we hear from Anya Casey, a Fordham University graduate with a dual major in International Political Economy and Spanish Studies and a current Master of Science in Humanitarian Studies student through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) and Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) at Fordham.
Q: How did you find out about NOHA?
Anya: I found out about NOHA during an info session about the Humanitarian Studies accelerated master’s program at GSAS during my junior year at Fordham. At the time, I was deciding between a few different master’s programs, and the opportunity to participate in the NOHA exchange was one of the driving factors behind my decision to pursue my M.S. in Humanitarian Studies at Fordham.
Q: What compelled you to join?
Anya: I craved the opportunity to study abroad for as long as I can remember, but I opted not to pursue an undergraduate study abroad opportunity because I was a student-athlete and didn’t want to miss a season with my team. I was eager to travel and learn from new perspectives, and that’s exactly what NOHA allowed me to do during my graduate studies.
I was eager to travel and learn from new perspectives, and that’s exactly what NOHA allowed me to do during my graduate studies.
Q: What did you get from the experience, or how do you use what you learned today?
Anya: While studying at Deusto in Bilbao, the schedule for our semester was very different from a normal semester at Fordham. I took 6 different modules (or classes) all with the same cohort of students. Each module held classes every day for about two weeks, and then at the end of these two weeks, we’d move on to the next module. Each module held lectures given by professionals from different areas of the humanitarian sector, from research to fieldwork.
The opportunity to hear from experienced professionals who came from all sorts of professional and personal backgrounds was incredibly eye-opening. I’d often leave these lectures and continue the conversation with my peers on the walk home.
I’d often leave these lectures and continue the conversation with my peers on the walk home.
These lectures did more than expand my knowledge and understanding of all sides of the humanitarian sector. They also allowed me to reflect on what drives me to pursue a career in humanitarian action and where I can see myself succeeding professionally as I enter the workforce post-grad.
Q: Who did you meet while you were there? Did you make any lifelong relationships?
Anya: All of my classes were held with the same cohort of students. Spending a few hours each day with the same group of my peers allowed all of us to grow quite close over the 5 months spent in Bilbao. In that group of 20 students, we came from all over the world. I still stay in touch with some of my classmates and look forward to hopefully seeing them soon!
In Bilbao, there was also a great community of international students from various areas of study. This allowed me to meet other people outside the classroom- most notably my roommates and now very good friends, both from Quebec, Canada.
Q: What parts were fun?
Anya: Bilbao itself is a very fun city. The Basque culture and pride are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. While I was there, Bilbao’s football club, Athletic, won the Copa del Rey for the first time in 40 years! The celebration all around the city was incredible and continued for days.
I also really enjoyed the hiking and running opportunities in and around Bilbao. One day in February, my roommates and I walked straight from our apartment to a trailhead, something we don’t have the opportunity for in New York City (especially in February).
Lastly, the opportunity to travel around Europe and to Morocco so easily was incredible and something I certainly did not take for granted.
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Anya is a Digital Virtual Engagement Associate with Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors. You can continue to follow her career-building adventures on LinkedIn.
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Q&A by Lily Egan, IIHA Communications Officer
About the IIHA
The Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) at Fordham University prepares current and future aid workers with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in times of humanitarian crisis and disaster. Our courses are borne of an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines academic theory with the practical experience of seasoned humanitarian professionals. The IIHA also publishes on a wide range of humanitarian topics and regularly hosts a number of events in the New York area and online. Learn more here and here.
Since 2015, the IIHA and GSAS at Fordham University has welcomed many international graduate students and has seen Fordham graduate students travel to other conuntries through this program. NOHA website.
