Testimonials about the program
»THE FOREIGN POLICY ACADEMY PROVIDED ME WITH KNOWLEDGE AND PERSPECTIVES ON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY THAT HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY VALUABLE.«
The Foreign Policy Academy provided me with knowledge and perspectives on foreign and security policy that have been extremely valuable. The study trips we took were both interesting and exciting. A particularly fond memory is the visit to London at the end of 2015. The Foreign Policy Academy is one of the few programs targeted at young people with a focus on foreign and security policy.
»THE FOREIGN POLICY ACADEMY GAVE ME NEW PERSPECTIVES ON COMPLEX ISSUES. «
The program also provided me with an incredible network of people I would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Conversations with speakers and fellow participants added depth to discussions and fostered an understanding of different perspectives and ideas. Beyond the inspiring lecturers and the fantastic network, the study trips to Vilnius and Boden/Luleå were particularly interesting, as they granted us access to individuals and locations that are otherwise difficult to visit. Open and honest discussions with all representatives during these visits complemented the previous sessions with more practical examples of security and foreign policy. The opportunity to continue exchanging ideas and building connections within the alumni network is definitely a bonus! If you are interested in security and foreign policy, willing to challenge your thinking, and eager to meet driven and inspiring individuals, you should apply!
»AS A COMPLETELY NON-POLITICAL PARTICIPANT, THE BEST PART HAS BEEN COLLABORATING WITH THOSE WHO WORK WITH POLITICS AND ADMINISTRATION IN THEIR DAILY LIVES.«
The Foreign Policy Academy has been a unique opportunity to broaden my security policy perspectives in areas beyond my usual engineering frame of reference. Both the trips and speakers have been of high quality, but as a completely non-political participant, the best part has been collaborating with those who work with politics and administration in their daily lives. For those without political or social science experience, but who are curious about their own role in the broader security policy context, this is absolutely the right program to apply for. I now return to my math books with many new insights and connections!
»THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS ACADEMY WAS INCREDIBLY REWARDING FOR ME!«
It gave me opportunities to discuss interesting topics with equally interesting people, and every weekend offered new, exciting speakers and perspectives. I highly recommend everyone — but perhaps especially university students with a strong interest and commitment to foreign and security policy — to apply to the Foreign Affairs Academy.
»IT IS EASY TO SEE THAT MANY OF THE VALUABLE CONTACTS I MADE THROUGH THE ACADEMY HAVE CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO WHERE I AM TODAY. «
Those who are passionate about security and defense policy, who understand the importance of networking, asking questions, and listening to experts, will gain an incredible amount during the year at Utrikesakademin. Whether you want to work with party-political issues, write for a newspaper, or work with public affairs at a security company, Utrikesakademin is an invaluable education.
»I GAINED KNOWLEDGE AND CREDENTIALS THAT ARE IN DEMAND BY EMPLOYERS AROUND THE WORLD.«
The year gave me the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in foreign and security policy, through lectures by Europe’s leading experts in the field. The speakers also provided inspiration for future studies and career choices, and thanks to their advice, I have been able to build on my CV with knowledge and credentials that are in demand by employers around the world. I also made several new friends and had a lot of fun. I highly recommend the Foreign Policy Academy!
»HIGH LEVEL OF LECTURES AND STUDY TRIPS. «
Being able to engage with former government ministers, ambassadors, and other experts' analyses of the world and Sweden's role in it was very interesting. Not least because the majority have firsthand experience that they shared—something that is far from a given if you're studying a course in, for example, IR at university. Getting to know many nice people who also share an interest in security and foreign policy is, of course, a nice bonus!
»THE PROGRAM PROVIDES GOOD KNOWLEDGE, GREAT CONTACTS, AND MUCH FUN! «
The Foreign Policy Academy was a fantastic opportunity to gain detailed knowledge on important issues, listen to experienced speakers, and meet like-minded individuals. Utrikesakademin is a must for anyone who wants a broad understanding of foreign policy beyond newspaper headlines.
»THE BEST PART OF UTRIKESAKADEMIN WAS THE LECTURES.«
Being able to listen to and ask questions to individuals like Carl Bildt, Karlis Neretnieks, and Hans Brun – experts in their respective fields of foreign and security policy – was a fantastic opportunity. It truly provided new knowledge and perspectives. The discussions about ideas, values, and practical politics with the other participants were also very rewarding. I highly recommend the program!