Student Activities

The Washington DC-based SGA acts as a conduit to the school’s administration and also implements annual programming. It is comprised of ten officers: President, Vice President, Programming Chair, Treasurer, SAIS Europe Representative, Hopkins-Nanjing Center Representative, MIPP Representative, MIEF Representative, as well as two first year MAIR Representatives.

Early in the academic year, students are invited to run for election to the five-member Student Government Association. The SGA serves as the liaison between the student body and administration, offering ideas for programming at SAIS Europe and choosing selected guest speakers for the faculty research seminar series, and managing a grant program to support clubs, class trips, study treks, and internships. At the end of the year, a SAIS Europe representative in the two-year MAIR program is elected to serve on the SGA in Washington DC the following academic year.

The student committee, known as the banwei, is elected each semester with two international and two Chinese student representatives. The banwei meets with the school's co-directors on a regular basis and plans student events throughout the year.

Aims to successfully posture students for diplomacy-related careers by providing forums to connect with alumni, specialists, and leaders in the field. The club facilitates member demanded events and sends periodic newsletters to keep students abreast of relevant job and internship opportunities.

Provides information and career advice for students interested in various consulting fields, from management consulting to political risk. The club organizes career treks and hosts events in which practitioners speak about their experiences in the field.

Hosts events that will help connect students with former or current practitioners in the defense and intelligence communities. This club is for students curious about or interested in pursuing a career in defense or intelligence.

Engages the school community by organizing career panels, lectures with distinguished speakers, roundtable discussions with alumni, and career-centered site visits. The club also develops ties between key energy and environment sector employers through outreach to alumni and marketing the degree’s unique combination of energy, economics and public policy.

Provides a platform for students to enhance their technical skills, network with other professionals, and facilitate meetings with potential employers in the field of global security and conflict management.

Aims to equip leaders with the tools necessary to excel professionally and tackle challenges facing women globally. Sponsors a bimonthly luncheon series; hosts seminars, workshops, and networking events; and organizes the annual SAIS Global Women in Leadership Conference, a forum for young professionals preparing to launch successful careers in an increasingly globalized world, and to address the issues facing women around the world. 

Helps students explore and pursue careers in international finance through regular seminars and training sessions that provide students with technical skills and knowledge. Also organizes mock interviews, internship panels, and lectures.

Nuclear Club is here to provide the SAIS community with opportunities to learn about and discuss issues pertaining to nuclear weapons, nuclear energy, and weapons of mass destruction.

The Technology Career Club provides future policymakers with the tools they need to apply their geopolitical understanding to a world shaped by rapid technological advancements.

Dedicated to enriching the cultural and academic life of the student body by promoting issues concerning Africa and the African Diaspora. Organizes educational, professional, and social activities to foster understanding and dialogue between students who identify with, and are interested in, the diverse cultures and experiences of the African Diaspora.

The SAIS Canada Club is dedicated to building a vibrant community and platform for Canadian students at SAIS and beyond. Our mission is to deepen the understanding of Canadian politics, public policy, foreign policy, and economic issues among our members. We work to strengthen connections between Canadian students, encourage dialogue on Canada’s role in global affairs, and create networking opportunities with Canadian professionals and government officials in Washington, D.C. Through events, gatherings, and publications we aim to keep Canadian students informed about developments at home while enhancing the general awareness of Canadian affairs in D.C.

Organizes social, cultural, and academic activities related to China to provide opportunities for students to learn about and understand China from a perspective outside that provided in the classroom. Open to all students, which allows interested students to network across concentrations. Events include the school-wide ping pong tournament, New Year potluck, and karaoke trips, among others.

French Club at SAIS immerses students in French language and expose them to Francophone opportunities in the DMV. We do this by hosting language tables, language, and culture treks, and through group events inspired by cultural happenings and holidays. We also host prominent French officials and industry French speakers to speak on job opportunities relevant to the SAIS community leveraging their French skills or interests.

Brings together students with an interest in any aspect of Japan, including food, entertainment, culture, politics and foreign affairs. Plans activities like happy hours, movie screenings, language tables, alumni networking, and more. All are encouraged to join, regardless of concentration or experience.

Brings together those interested in Korea, from Korea, or thinking about working in Korea, to learn about and celebrate Korean language, culture, food, and current events. Coordinates with Korea Studies to host speakers, lunches, dinners, and a weekly Korean language table.

Focuses on bringing together students that are interested in better understanding the region through cultural activities such as salsa dancing, Spanish and Portuguese happy hours, and cooking. You do not need to be a Latin American Studies concentrator to join!

The Johns Hopkins SAIS Mexico Club is passionate for fostering social and academic ties centered around Mexico and the U.S./Mexico bilateral relationship.

Creates a space for students to learn about current events in the Middle East and North Africa by holding panels with distinguished practitioners and scholars on a wide range of subjects and by hosting networking events for students interested in careers relevant to the region.

Brings together students interested in the region for film viewings, delicious authentic food, and plenty of casual discussion. Explores the sensitivities of the region's history and culture. The group is open to everyone, not only those in Russian and Eurasian Area Studies.

South Asia Students Association (formerly known as Chai Club) is for those interested in South Asia. The association aims to connect those with and without South Asian descent, to come together and learn more about the region.

Organizes cultural and academic opportunities for students interested in Southeast Asia to engage with key issues in the region. Hosts a weekly lunch seminar with regional experts.

SAIS Taiwan Club fosters community and information for those interested in Taiwanese culture and society. We bring together students, faculty, staff, and others with a common interest in Taiwan; connect students with the larger D.C. community and the Taiwanese community; inform the SAIS community about Taiwan; achieve these initiatives through cultural events, happy hours, research events, expert talks, language exchange, and any other relevant activities. The SAIS Taiwan Society does not and will not make any political representations or statements about the status of Taiwan, China, or any other regions.

Part of the AHS national organization, which is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting constructive debate on basic principles and contemporary issues in foreign, economic, and national security policy. AHS is a membership organization—not a think tank or an advocacy group—that sponsors debates at colleges and universities, as well as in major cities, and provides other opportunities for our members to flourish intellectually, professionally, and personally.

The Black Student Union at SAIS is committed to fostering an environment of pride, unity, and growth among Black students and the broader SAIS community. Governed by Roberts Rules of Order, this constitution upholds democracy, inclusivity, responsibility, and financial accountability, underpinned by our core principle: promoting thoroughgoing pride and unity among SAIS’ Black students. This organization addresses the unique needs and gaps within the SAIS community that are not currently met by existing clubs, particularly in supporting the academic and professional development of Black students and advocating for increased representation and support within the faculty and student body.

Promotes the study and practice of international law, and awareness and debate of international law issues.
 

The Jewish Students Association (JSA) seeks to cultivate a welcoming, visible, and affirming community that empowers Jewish and allied students at SAIS and is committed to fostering safety, pride, solidarity, and meaningful engagement with Jewish identity, heritage, and peoplehood.

Serves as a resource for LGBTI students at the school and their allies. Supports LGBTI students by providing a social forum and holding events related to professional and personal life in international affairs as a gay person.

The SAIS Observer is the student-run journal at the JHU DC campus. We cover periodicals on student-life, politics, current events, and other topics related to international affairs.

SAIS Perspectives is the student-run publication of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Development, Climate, and Sustainability (DCS) program. Our goal is to create a platform for sharing ideas about current issues in the field of international development, energy, environment, and climate change.

MASOS is SAIS's official military affinity student group. MASOS builds community among military-affiliated students at SAIS, fostering connection, support, and shared purpose across both civilian and military career paths.

Joins together an assortment of novice, intermediate and advanced international soccer players on both the Washington DC and SAIS Europe campuses. The DC team "Fire and SAIS" is in District Sports Division 1 coed league.

The Strategy Movie Club at SAIS brings students together to explore big questions in strategy, international relations, diplomacy, intelligence, and military history through great films. By hosting fun, thoughtful screenings and conversations—often in collaboration with the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies—we create an inviting space for the entire SAIS community to connect, learn, and dive into strategic issues in an accessible, engaging way.

The purpose of WGC shall be to enhance students’ understanding of strategy, defense, planning and history through the medium of wargaming.

Johns Hopkins SAIS students enrolled in full-time, degree programs are eligible to work in various roles across campus through the student employment program. Students often find on campus employment opportunities working as research assistants, as administrators, or in the library. 

Students who wish to work while enrolled at SAIS Europe can apply administrative positions in the Library and other offices, as research and teaching assistants, or as student assistants for the Bologna Institute for Policy Research. Students can work up to a maximum of 60 hours per month, but on average should expect to work less. Positions are posted in advance of pre-term and students can apply upon arrival to campus.

Students who wish to work while at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center can apply for student worker positions in the writing center or for remote positions with the Washington DC-based HNC admissions team. Occasionally, faculty hire students to work as research assistants.