Alumni dreams #275

Jaroslav Svoboda, a 2025 graduate of the Bachelor’s in International Studies, looks back on his time in the program as a period of exploration, growth, and discovery — both personal and academic.

When choosing a bachelor’s program, Jaroslav was drawn to BA IS for its interdisciplinary approach, combining politics, economics, culture, and history. Like many high school graduates, he wasn’t sure what career he wanted to pursue, but BA IS offered the space to explore a wide range of topics. He chose Europe as his regional focus, feeling both a personal connection to the continent where he grew up and an academic curiosity about its political and cultural complexity. This blend of the familiar and unfamiliar helped him develop a deep interest in European affairs.

His thesis, “Eastern Europe as a Hub of Illiberal Populism? Examining the Attitudes of the Czech Populist Party ANO to LGBT Rights,” examined the idea of an East–West divide in European political discourse. Jaroslav challenged the assumption that populism in Eastern Europe is monolithic. By focusing on ANO, the leading populist party in Czechia, he highlighted how its nuanced positions on issues like LGBT rights differ from more overtly illiberal populist parties in Poland or Hungary.

Throughout his studies, Jaroslav actively sought out opportunities to apply what he was learning in the classroom. He joined the Europe Committee of BASIS, where he served as a project manager and developed leadership and organizational skills. He also mentored first-year students, finding it both personally rewarding and a great way to support new members of the community.

Reflecting on his academic journey, Jaroslav values the critical thinking and analytical skills he gained most. “Sometimes I wish I could turn them off when watching a silly American movie,” he jokes, “but they’ve shaped the way I understand the world and engage with complex issues.”

After completing the core components of the BA IS program, Jaroslav took a well-planned gap year. In the first semester, he stayed affiliated with the university while interning at the EUROPEUM Institute for European Policy in Prague through Erasmus+. He then interned at the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic, gaining insight into policymaking at the national level. The rest of his year has been spent travelling through southern Africa, exploring perspectives beyond Europe and broadening his worldview.

From September, Jaroslav will begin a Master’s program in European Politics, either at Sciences Po in Paris or the University of Amsterdam. His gap year gave him valuable professional experience, strengthened his applications, and clarified his academic interests. He’s particularly interested in the intersection of democracy, EU policymaking, and political communication — themes he hopes to explore in depth during his Master’s and future career.

For current and prospective BA IS students, Jaroslav offers some grounded advice: “Don’t stress about knowing exactly what you want to do after graduation. Choose a program that genuinely interests you, and let your direction emerge along the way. Extracurriculars can play a huge role — they’re not just resume-builders, but great ways to meet people, test ideas, and discover your passion.”

We’re excited to see what comes next for Jaroslav as he continues his journey in European politics — combining research, real-world experience, and a commitment to understanding the continent he calls home!