Isaac Tan

Fields of Study

• Human Security
• International Information and Communication

Country

Canada, Singapore

Building professional experience

I chose Fletcher because of the professional experience that is part of the degree. My work experience has mostly been academic and based in Singapore, and I wanted to expand my horizons. Additionally, I have always wanted to study in America. The caliber of the professors at Fletcher and their combined academic experience was also a selling point. There are certain universities that are only interested in their reputation and chasing KPIs – Fletcher is not one of those places. 

Why the MALD?

I chose the MALD program because of my background, and interest, in studying international relations. I appreciate the skills that are taught in classes such as Processes of International Negotiations and Analytical Frameworks.

On getting the local perspective

I find the Fletcher community to be very welcoming and unpretentious. As a result, I feel comfortable striking up a conversation with any of my classmates and peers. It is also very interesting to get a local perspective on international affairs from the students who have lived across the world. Plus, there are a plethora of social events during the school year to help engrain a sense of community. Living in Blakeley Hall, I feel close to the Fletcher community.

Activities involved in at Fletcher

• Simulex
• Decolonizing International Relations

Education before Fletcher

• Bachelor of Arts, International Relations, University of British Columbia

Experience before Fletcher

• Research Assistant, Asia Competitiveness Institute, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Singapore
• Administrative Support Assistant, Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore
• Research Intern, Singapore Institute of International Affairs, Singapore

Languages

Conversational Mandarin, Basic French, English