Joey Ching Aracena

Fields of Study

• International Security
• Comparative and Regional Studies

Country

USA

On Choosing Fletcher

Applying for PhD programs is a daunting process! As an applicant, sometimes it can be hard to tell whether you are the right fit for a program, or if the program is the right fit for you. The Fletcher School was attentive, supportive, and transparent throughout the application process. They took the time to get to know me, discussing my background, research interests, and professional goals to help me see if I was a good fit for the program. Upon my acceptance, I felt confident that the Fletcher School valued and recognized me for who I am, and would continue to support me throughout my PhD journey.

On Fletcher Faculty

Fletcher professors are experts and leaders in their fields who continue to put their students first. As instructors, they strive to equip junior scholars with the tools and training necessary to conduct meaningful research. As mentors, they care about students’ growth within and beyond the classroom. The Fletcher faculty have been extremely generous with their time and resources, helping me rethink and reframe my research from different perspectives. Whether they are challenging my ideas or celebrating my achievements, I can see that the Fletcher faculty genuinely cares about my development and want me to be successful.

On Student Life

The Fletcher School attracts motivated and engaged students from around the world and all walks of life. Students are not only passionate about the issues, but they are taking deliberate steps to address them. Given the diverse student population, everyone brings a unique perspective to the Fletcher community. By facilitating conferences, culture nights, and coffee hours, the Fletcher School not only creates opportunities for dialogue and exchange, but also fosters a sense of community and the creation of lifelong friendships. I am inspired and humbled to share a classroom with the next generation of global leaders.

Activities at Fletcher

• Fletcher Armed Forces Club
• Women in International Security (WIIS)
• International Security Studies Program (ISSP) Leadership Forum
• Asian American Pacific Islander Club

Education before Fletcher

• Master of Arts, National Chengchi University, Taiwan
• Bachelor of Science, United States Air Force Academy

Experience before Fletcher

• Intelligence Officer, U.S. Air Force
• Fulbright Student, Taipei, Taiwan

Languages

English, Mandarin Chinese