ISS is a university with staff that makes you feel confident being far from home.
Valentina Pascagaza Pulido (Colombia)
MA in Development Studies
Name: Valentina Pascagaza Pulido
Country: Colombia
Background: I have a BA in History with an emphasis in cultural and social history. Since I graduated in 2021, I’ve worked as communications consultant for WWF, freelance journalist for a Colombian newspaper and in 2023 I made an internship at the German Parliament.
Why study abroad?
Studying in an international environment and connecting with people from all the world and knowing other experiences and realities was the main reason to study abroad. ISS is known among social scientist in my country, and it was my goal to be part of such institution.
What scholarship were you awarded?
I applied to the Colfuturo scholarship of the Colombian government, which allowed me to study without worrying about the fees of going abroad with low interest rates and the possibility of debt reduction with incentives.
Why ISS?
I choose ISS because of the interdisciplinary approach towards development. I was particularly captivated by the curriculum, the major structure, the duration of the program, and the courses offered. ISS is a safe environment to pursue your research interests, thoughts and your curiosity. In an international environment with people from all over the world, ISS puts your academic and human skills on another level.
Would you recommend ISS to your friends?
Definitely. Coming to ISS is going to make you grow professionally and personally. It’s a university that is up to the contemporary social sciences approaches and debates, with a human staff that makes you feel confident being far from home. From the receptionists, to the director of ISS, everyone is open to help you with your purposes.