Alumni dreams #264

Miriam Eladly, a 2023 graduate of the Bachelor’s in International Studies, is a passionate advocate for migration, international cooperation, and bridging the gap between the MENA region and the EU. Miriam chose BA IS for its diverse and multicultural student body and interdisciplinary approach, which allowed her to critically analyze global affairs.

Her personal connection to the MENA region, stemming from her Italian-Egyptian heritage, also fueled her decision to specialize in this area. She sought to better understand a region often misrepresented, with the goal of contributing to more informed dialogues between MENA and the EU.

Miriam’s thesis, titled "The Economic-Political Partnership between Egypt and the EU to Tackle the 'Migrant Crisis'", examined how Egypt’s current president has leveraged irregular migration as a bargaining chip to gain financial and diplomatic support from the EU. This critical analysis was a key component of her studies, aligning with her broader interest in migration governance and international relations.

During her time at BA IS, Miriam achieved several personal milestones. She was admitted into the Honours College Humanities Lab (2021-2023) and served as the Student Representative for the Graduation of the BA International Studies class of 2023.

She also participated in a semester abroad in Egypt at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo, which she describes as one of the best experiences of her life. Miriam was actively involved in student life, serving as Secretary of the Social Committee within the Study Association BASIS and mentoring first-year students.

The skills and experiences Miriam gained from BA IS were invaluable in shaping her career. She learned to navigate and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a deep understanding of different perspectives. This exposure enriched her personal and academic growth and opened her mind to new ideas and opportunities.

After graduation, Miriam embarked on a new chapter, enrolling in the Master’s in Transnational Governance at the European University Institute (2023-2025). She specializes in Migration Governance and also focuses on Crisis Management, Human Rights, and Policy Evaluation. In addition to her academic pursuits, Miriam has gained diplomatic experience during her traineeship at the European External Action Service (EEAS), worked on a Model EU simulation, and volunteered with Oxfam Italia in support of climate and social justice efforts.

As Miriam nears the end of her academic journey, she is in the process of writing her MA thesis and applying for job opportunities. She encourages prospective BA IS students to take the leap and pursue the program, as it was a transformative experience that not only provided academic growth but also lifelong friendships – Miriam especially would like to say thank you to Jérôme, Hugo, Noor, Ellie, Bea, and Yasmina.

We’re excited to see the next steps in Miriam’s journey and can’t wait to see the impact she will undoubtedly continue to make in the fields of migration governance and international relations!