Rishma Vora
I’m from Syracuse, New York, and I completed my Bachelor’s degree at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service before moving to Madrid. I would describe myself as a curious, passionate and empathetic person with a deep interest in migration and refugee justice and their intersections with climate change, occupation, violence and the prison system. I hope to pursue a career in social impact and migrant justice through multilateral or international institutions.
During my time in Madrid, I have made it a priority to connect with my South Asian heritage in my local community. I joined Bollywood and Kuthu dance classes in Madrid and have had the opportunity to perform at several events, including the IE Diwali function and at a flash mob in front of Palacio Real.
“I chose IE University because it offered me a new, cutting-edge way of approaching international relations—through the lens of innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and diversity.”
A transformational experience on the journey towards social justice
Rishma Vora, an Eisenhower Global Scholar, says that being a change-maker and an advocate for social justice are two things that will always be at the core of her personal and professional life. With this in mind, she chose to pursue an academic path in international relations. With a bachelor’s degree in international politics, Spanish and diplomatic studies already under her belt, she already has a solid foundation in the field, and her desire for learning continues to grow.
Living in Washington D.C. for her undergraduate studies exposed Rishma to several facets of international relations—both through her studies and her proximity to government agencies, NGOs and think tanks. During her time there, she completed internships at both the US State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP). On campus, she was also involved in Model United Nations and the Student Advocacy Office.
After a fulfilling few years, Rishma was looking for a way to practically apply the knowledge that she had acquired, and build upon it to achieve a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to the field. That was when she found out about the Master in International Relations at IE University.
“I chose IE University because it offered me a new, cutting-edge way of approaching international relations—through the lens of innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and diversity.” Rishma was also looking for a university that would give her international experience—something that she considers an essential part of her education. “I wanted an immersive experience abroad that would inform my educational journey in a way that staying in the US wouldn’t be able to do.”
“My academic experience at IE University has been transformational so far.”
Rishma felt that IE University would give her the well-rounded international experience that she was looking for. Her desire to work on an international scale, understand diverse cultures and become a global citizen were what helped her decide to enroll on her program. “I was most driven to the extraordinary diversity within the classroom and felt excited at the opportunity to not only learn from my professors, but also from my new environment and my peers.”
Only a few months into the program, Rishma can already see how much it is preparing her with the hard and soft skills that she will need for a career in international relations. She describes it as “transformational,” especially as she’s been able to master skills in areas that she had no prior experience or interest in, such as R programming, AI and game theory. What’s more, she has already been able to add to her international experiences with a visit to the European Parliament, and in her second semester, she will travel to Paris to participate in the CIVICA Honors Seminar.
Rishma counts the close-knit environment and collaborative nature of her cohort as the reason for the network of incredible friends that she has found. “Their diverse backgrounds and experiences have helped me learn and grow every day both in and outside of the classroom,” she explains.
As for advice for anyone considering the Master in International Relations at IE University, Rishma would remind students to “Reflect on how this program aligns with your own personal and professional journey, how it will enhance your past experiences and challenge you to grow, and what you will be able to bring to the collective academic experience.” In addition, Rishma recommends reaching out to both staff members and current students at IE University, who, she says, “would be more than happy to share their experiences with you.”
Rishma is excited to continue her program, spend more time in Madrid, specialize in her regional and topical interests, and complete her Capstone Project on the impacts of war and conflict on children. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for her!
