“My decision to study International Affairs was primarily due to my interest in cultural exchange and my fascination with international cooperation — preserving regional distinctiveness while going beyond differences to work together for the welfare of mankind.”
“I am a true Floridian, but I have had opportunities to view our culture through numerous perspectives: as an Iranian-American (my father came from Iran to study at FSU’s School of Music) and through the eyes of many friends from other countries. My decision to study International Affairs was primarily due to my interest in cultural exchange and my fascination with international cooperation—preserving regional distinctiveness while going beyond differences to work together for the welfare of mankind,” says Carly Nasehi, an Honors in the Major student in International Affairs, who is also seeking a second degree in Religion and a minor in German.
“In my high school International Baccalaureate program, I excelled in the study of German, and I formed a relationship with the country through exchange programs, friendships, and leadership roles,” Carly says. At FSU, then, it was natural for her to become involved in the German Club, where she serves as president. “The Club not only serves as an important resource for FSU students, but also for students from German-speaking countries while they study at FSU.”
Last summer, Carly immersed herself in the German culture through the Beyond Borders program. Her second visit was “unforgettable, with a packed itinerary of travel from Berlin to Poland, great group dynamics—we were welcomed into the homes of the German students’ families, worked in a supported employment program, and visited children with disabilities at a top-notch, cost-free facility. The building of such relationships is the key to improving the future of our country and the world.” She now passes on her knowledge by teaching at the German School of Tallahassee.
While carrying a heavy course load, yet maintaining a near perfect GPA, Carly is also working toward a Certificate in Demography, a Global Pathways Certificate, and completion of her Honors Thesis on the demographic and religious dynamics of Germany’s Turkish population. She believes the experience she gained from participating in the Undergraduate Research Seminar and working as a research assistant in Religion will contribute greatly to her Honors work.
Despite all of her accomplishments, it will be her tireless efforts on behalf of International students for which Carly will be remembered at FSU. As a peer mentor, she became keenly aware of their needs. “They face challenges to their daily functioning—housing, immigration, language, meals, and transportation are all topics of concern.” While serving as secretary of Multicultural Affairs for the Student Government Association, she worked to increase their representation through initiatives and advocacy. She says, “FSU can experience substantial positive growth from increased International student engagement on campus.”
Alongside other FSU student volunteers, Carly serves the migrant workers of Gadsden County by teaching them English through the Panhandle Area Education Consortium.
You will not be surprised, then, to learn that Carly plans to work in international human migration policy and advocacy, after completing her graduate studies. “I am passionate about the right of people to move or to stay where they are and live.” But, she says, “I am also interested in international education, religion, human rights, and social justice, especially for women, children, and people with disabilities. I am committed to a life of public service.”