It’s no surprise that Benedicta Kwarteng '23, who is pursuing a double major in international studies and politics and government, and a minor in French, is planning to work in foreign service in the hopes of becoming a career diplomat.
After learning about different cultures and broadening her knowledge and interest in foreign affairs, Benedicta chose to study abroad last fall in Seoul, South Korea, at Yonsei University’s Underwood International College, where she took courses in diplomacy and international negotiations.
"As someone interested in foreign affairs, getting the chance to go to a different country and indulge in the language and culture was a practical way for me to learn about foreign policy,” she says. “This kind of experience is very rare and something that can set you apart from many applicants in the job market."
Benedicta says she has been positively impacted by several UHart faculty in the Department of Politics, Economics, and International Studies. Professor Michael Clancy has written countless reference letters and helped her apply for the Herbert P. Schoen Scholarship, and she credits the support of Associate Professor Amy Shoenecker for her success in winning the Department of State’s Gilman Scholarship to study abroad, and most recently the Dorothy Goodwin Scholarship.
Benedicta got to meet Connecticut’s former Governor Jodi Rell when Professor Katharine Owens invited her to serve as a student representative at a Rell Center for Public Service event celebrating the 19th Amendment. “It was a great opportunity for me because the event was celebrating women leading in public service,” she says. “As a woman who is going into the same field, it was very informative and comforting.”
In addition to her academic life, Benedicta is involved in clubs and organizations. She is currently a member of the Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) 2023 cohort, the Newman Club, and serves as a College of Arts and Sciences Ambassador and is a residential assistant.
Benedicta recommends first-year students talk to their professors and get to know them because they know of more opportunities for students that could greatly impact their future careers. "They are there to help you," she says.
Benedicta Kwarteng '23, International studies, politics and government, and minor in FrenchUHart is a community, and that is my favorite part about it. Whether you are in clubs, organizations, or classes, it always feels like you are part of this big family because everyone is willing to help you succeed in and out of the classroom.