Hai Nguyen, a proud double Hoya from Quảng Ngãi, a small town in central Vietnam, majored in international economics before advancing to the master of science in foreign service (MSFS) program with a focus on global business, finance, and society.

As someone who has been an “international relations nerd” since high school, the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown felt like a natural fit for Nguyen. He also felt a more personal draw to the Hilltop in particular because of his Vietnamese identity. “Georgetown has been deeply intertwined with the [Vietnam War]… from the peace treaty negotiated by SFS professor Henry Kissinger to the rapprochement under President Clinton (SFS’68),” Nguyen explains. 

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính’s recent visit to the Hilltop reminded Nguyen of Georgetown’s position at the center of global affairs. “That’s why I wanted to study here,” he says. “To learn from the past, to understand our present challenges, and to use my SFS education to help shape a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.”

In the Classroom

Nguyen’s academic journey at Georgetown was marked not only by a strong theoretical foundation provided by the international economics program but also enriched by real-world engagements through his master’s program. “My studies challenged me to refine—or, as economists would say, ‘relax’—my assumptions, equipping me with the practical tools to tackle complex global issues,” he explains. This blend of theory and practice was pivotal in shaping his approach to international relations and economic policy.

Nguyen was deeply influenced by the interdisciplinary teaching methods and the global perspective that the School of Foreign Service offers. His academic experiences were further broadened during a year spent at the Georgetown University in Qatar campus in Doha, where he engaged in a research assistantship with the Brookings Doha Center and explored economic diversification and governance in the Middle East.

Nguyen also values the vibrant academic culture that extends beyond the classroom. “Heated debates and discussions after classes are not uncommon, often spilling into the echoing hallways of the ICC,” he says. “I’m grateful for a community that not only sees my potential but challenges me and always offers a helping hand along the way.”

Throughout his academic journey at Georgetown, Nguyen found invaluable guidance and support from faculty like MSFS Professor David Wallis, who transcended the role of an academic advisor to become an important mentor in his personal development. “He has always gone above and beyond,” Nguyen reflects. “I am deeply grateful for his constant support and understanding, always making time for everything from a quick chat to last-minute class registration advice.”

Making an Impact

Outside the lecture halls, Nguyen engaged in a wide array of student leadership roles that underscored his commitment to service. As an MSFS Centennial Fellow and a section editor of the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, he played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on international economics and policy on campus. His involvement in the Doyle Global Dialogue and the Georgetown University Honor Council, as well as his position as vice president of the Georgetown Graduate Consulting Club, further highlight his broad interests and capabilities.

Nguyen also had opportunities to apply his academic training to practice through internships at organizations like the World Bank, where he served as a sustainability consultant. “Contributing to the Climate Action Plan and helping organize a sustainability forum were incredibly rewarding and aligned perfectly with my passion for sustainable development,” he recalls and credits his professors and the SFS Career Center for connecting him with these impactful opportunities.

Making a Home

Reflecting on his time at Georgetown, Nguyen cherishes the various ‘slice-of-life’ moments that transformed Georgetown from an educational institution into a home. “The late-night run to Epi’s for a quick quesadilla bite. The shared laughter as we witnessed Leo’s … ‘unique’ take on Vietnamese Phở,” Nguyen fondly remembers. These experiences, woven together, created a rich, vibrant tapestry of life that extended well beyond academics. “Through it all, the constant rings of the Healy bells were a comforting reminder that I found a home 9,000 miles away from home – that I was exactly where I was meant to be.”

Nguyen found opportunities to make those 9,000 miles feel a little less daunting by bringing his Vietnamese identity to campus. “Whether I’m holding the Vietnamese flag proudly at a university ceremony, wearing our traditional costumes, introducing friends to our beloved Phở and cà phê, or singing ‘Hello Vietnam’ during the International Student Night, these experiences evoke a profound sense of belonging and pride thousands of miles away from home,” he explains.

Along with these experiences, Georgetown has helped Nguyen reaffirm his values and his outlook on the future. “From environmental philosophy classes that awakened me to the climate crisis, to applied econometrics and trade practicum that changed my views on economic policy and social justice, to energy transition and project finance seminars that served as a ‘reality check’ on the challenges of financing and implementing sustainable solutions—my time on the Hilltop had fueled my commitment to service,” he says. “While the wide-eyed idealism of that 17-year-old self has matured into a more pragmatic outlook, my dedication to finding solutions for the shared challenges facing my community and the world is stronger than ever.”

Looking Ahead

As Nguyen looks to the future, he is determined to leverage his Georgetown education to foster sustainable economic growth and social justice in Vietnam and beyond. “As one of the first generations of Vietnamese to grow up in peacetime and to go to college – one of the world’s finest, no less – I recognize the immense privilege and responsibility I have,” Nguyen says.

Reflecting on his transformation from a young student from Vietnam to a global scholar ready to make a mark on the world, Nguyen is grateful for the journey.  “I want to help write the next chapter of Vietnam’s sustainable development journey, whether it’s through promoting foreign investment to support our energy transition or engendering equitable policies to ensure prosperity for all; I’m determined to make a difference.”

As Nguyen stands on the brink of a new chapter, he remembers the rich experiences and lessons learned during his time in the MSFS program.“[It’s] not just a pipeline for diplomats, but it’s a springboard to diverse careers,” Nguyen says about the multidisciplinary degree. “It becomes what you make of it.” 

Nguyen offers advice to prospective students of the MSFS program: “As long as you have a genuine passion for making a difference in the world, you’ll fit right in!”