A Postcard from Berlin - Spring 2025 Global Perspectives Residency Program in Germany

June 8, 2025

Students pose in front of the Brandenberg Gate in Berlin, Germany

Left to Right: Dr. Natalia Dinello, Kevin Kuramoto, Nicholle Miller, Hannah Steiner, Sarah Freeman, Edward Hansford, Brayden Caraynoff-Huber, Sophie Gormley, Maria Davydova, Alexandra Piccioni, Jessilyn Larsen.

This spring, a cohort of students from the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) embarked on a transformative journey to Berlin as part of the Global Perspectives Residency program. Led by Dr. Natalia Dinello, the Spring 2025 program brought the theory of governance to life through immersive, real-world experiences in Germany’s political and cultural capital.

During the week of March 9–15, 2025, students stepped out of their asynchronous coursework and into the halls of German political power. Their itinerary was packed with thought-provoking site visits, including the Bundestag and Bundesrat, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and several political foundations and consulting firms.

Highlights included sessions with experts from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (aligned with the Christian Democratic Union) and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (affiliated with the Social Democratic Party), as well as a briefing at the Hertie School of Governance. One standout session featured a conversation with Dr. Sandra Michel, Head of Parliamentary Relations for the Bundesrat, offering insight into the regional dynamics of German policymaking.

student group in Berlin with flag in front of columns — Students meet with Dr. Michel, Head of the Division of Parliamentary Relations of the Bundesrat. From back to front, left to right: Kevin Kuramoto, Hannah Steiner, Maria Davydova; Alexandra Piccioni, Dr. Sandra Michel, Dr. Natalia Dinello, Brayden Caraynoff-Huber, Sophie Gormley, Edward Hansford, Jessilyn Larsen, Nicholle Miller, Taysue Morris, Sarah Freeman.

The residency also prioritized connection and dialogue. Students joined a mixer with Junge DGAP, a network of young foreign policy professionals, to discuss international politics over drinks with their Berlin-based peers. They also visited iconic historical landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Berlin Wall.

Student reflections captured the program’s impact. Sarah Freeman noted, “We visited political foundations, government institutions, and interest groups to learn more about how democracy and diplomacy function in Europe.” Another attendee summed it up best: “This course is excellent for anyone who wants to explore a new country and gain perspective on U.S. politics.”

student group in Berlin — Students meet with members of the Youth Group of the German Council of Foreign Relations (DGAP). This organzation provides events and networking opportunities for young professionals to discuss foreign relations.

The Global Perspectives Residency is more than a course—it’s an invitation to broaden your worldview. With upcoming programs in Brazil, Spain, and the United Kingdom, GSPM continues to prepare future political leaders with the global context and cross-cultural experiences they need to make a difference.

Learn more about our upcoming Global Perspectives Residencies in Brazil, Spain and the United Kingdom on our website.