Alumni Ambassador Profile

 

Stephen Snyder
Summer Language Institute
Contact Stephen!
 

Beginning Azerbaijani 2010
 
Current School or Profession
 

Political Risk Analyst, Ergo; Graduate of the University of Michigan 2010
How did you find out about the CLS Program?
 

A friend applied in 2008 which encouraged me to apply in 2009 (unsuccessfully) and reapply in 2010.
Why did you want to study your CLS target language?
 

I had taken a course on conflict and diplomacy the Caucasus and I wanted to take advantage of a rare opportunity to study in the region.
What are your educational or professional goals, and how does study of your target language fit within these?
 

As long term ambitions, I would like to earn a Masters of Public Policy in International Relations and work in the Foreign Service, ideally working to end ethnic conflicts or to encourage economic cooperation. Studying in Azerbaijan allowed me first hand knowledge to better understand such situations.
How are you currently using your target language?
 

I stay up-to-date with Azerbaijani through Radio Free Europe’s website. I also stay in contact with friends and teachers in Azerbaijan and visit with the Azerbaijani diaspora community in Brooklyn.
How do you anticipate using your target language in the future?
 

Should I return to school, knowledge of Azerbaijani would allow me to use primary source documents for research purposes. Should I pursue business or diplomacy, by knowing Azerbaijani, I would be able to form deep and trustful relations with local actors.
Did participation in the CLS Program change your education, career, or life goals?
 

I don’t think that it changed my long-term goals as much as it helped refine or enhance them. I met an incredibly interesting group of classmates who helped share their career goals as well as their views of the post-Soviet space.
What was your favorite part about studying in the host country?
 

Azerbaijani people are famous for their hospitality. They were equally enthused to meet Americans, who seldom visit the country, so I always felt very honored to be welcomed into an Azerbaijani home.
What did you learn about your host country that you didn’t know before?
 

Different people have different opinions regarding the fall of the Soviet Union. Not everybody in Azerbaijan views it as a good thing.
Do you have a short story or CLS experience to share?
 

I like watching soccer and being in Azerbaijan gave me a few interesting opportunities to do so. The World Cup took place for the whole first month that I was there. In order to watch games, I’d often have to stay up until 1:00 in the morning or watch on a poor transmission. Most Azerbaijanis I met root for Germany, Italy or Spain. I also had the opportunity of attending a Champions League match. Tickets only cost one manat!
What is your favorite target language word/phrase and what does it mean in English?
 

- “Together” literally in () one (bir) ness (lik)

Personal background
 

Originally from New York City. I enjoy watching sports, reading and trying new foods.

 

 

 

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