Matthew Welchert

Fields of Study

• International Organizations
• International Political Economy

Country

United States

Finding Fletcher everywhere

I chose Fletcher because of the community, both during school and after graduation. The full-time element of the MALD creates an engaged student body where students are immersed not just in their studies but community life as well. After speaking to Fletcher students, I felt that I would not just be getting a degree but becoming a part of something larger. Of course, the community does not end when you leave campus. Fletcher alumni are committed to the success of the school and its students, and they are everywhere. It was speaking to Fletcher alumni overseas in Myanmar that convinced me Fletcher was the right fit.

On deepening understanding

While I am only just starting at Fletcher, I have been impressed with the quality of the faculty and engagement of my classmates. My "Development Aid in Practice" course, taught by Prof. Elke, has been a highlight of my time thus far. The class forces me to think critically about development work, helping me draw from my own experiences working in Myanmar. There are guiding questions to provide a theme to each week’s work, designed to help us change our outlook based on what the material is. In class, Professor Elke is a fabulous facilitator of our lively debates; I feel confident and comfortable speaking up or asking questions. The class is designed to build out your skills and understanding, not just burn through the material.

On life outside the classroom

Life on campus can be a whirlwind, but more often than not I love the places it takes me. I often find myself getting whisked between class or the library to a conference, speaker series, or club meeting, pulled along by my classmates. I take breaks from studying to sit in Mugar Cafe and dive into the ever present conversations on any number of subjects. My reading and study groups are both great motivators and great social spaces. Most days, my time is spent in the halls and classrooms of Fletcher, but never do I feel they it’s wasted there. Each day is challenging and rewarding, for so many reasons.

Fields of study

• International Political Economy
• International Organizations

Activities involved in at Fletcher

• Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Fletcher
• DevEx
• Migration Club
• Japan Club
• Gender and Diversity

Education before Fletcher

• Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, College of the Holy Cross

Experience before Fletcher

• English Teacher and Community Organizer, Peace Corps Myanmar, Myanmar
• Project Coordinator for CO SIM, Colorado Governor's Office, Denver, Colorado
• Regional Field Organizer, Colorado Democratic Party, Denver, Colorado

Languages

Burmese, French