Bridging Worlds: From Botswana to the U.S. Senate — and Now Bologna
Name: Logan Bonn
Home Country: United States of America
Degree: Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
Logan Bonn came to SAIS Europe to merge two distinct experiences: assisting development projects in Botswana and interning in the U.S. Senate. "I'm originally from Trumansburg, a small town in upstate New York, and came to SAIS Europe after graduating from Cornell University this past May with a degree in global development," Logan explains. "Having lived in Spain and France, I envisioned pursuing my master's in Europe. SAIS was the best option to obtain a degree from a U.S. institution while making this possible."
The career trek to Geneva has been my most memorable experience at SAIS Europe. This experience gave me a candid look into the future of a career in the multilateral development space, an opportunity only made possible through SAIS alumni (literally) opening doors to current students.
Why International Relations?
"My motivation to study international relations stems from experiences assisting development projects in Botswana, contrasted with interning in the U.S. Senate," Logan says. "I value the MAIR program's structure, which offers a unique opportunity to merge these perspectives and build a skillset that prepares me to advance meaningful change both at home and abroad."The SAIS Network in Action
When asked about his most memorable SAIS experience, Logan points to the Geneva Career Trek. "The career trek to Geneva has been my most memorable experience at SAIS Europe. This experience gave me a candid look into the future of a career in the multilateral development space, an opportunity only made possible through SAIS alumni (literally) opening doors to current students."
Building Community
While Logan doesn't lead an official student club, he's created one of SAIS Europe's most beloved traditions: weekly Sharing Supper potluck dinners bringing together SAIS and University of Bologna students. These informal gatherings have become a space for cross-cultural exchange and genuine connections.
Future Plans
"I am committed to joining the United States Foreign Service as a Pickering Fellow," Logan states. "This education — both in and out of the classroom — provides the platform for understanding the complex dynamics of international relations."
His Advice
Logan offers practical advice for incoming students: "1) It doesn't have to be an 'official' student initiative; 2) Talk to people outside SAIS. My favorite student initiatives have taken place (technically) outside of the SAIS student ecosystem, such as hosting weekly Sharing Supper potluck dinners with students of both SAIS and University of Bologna."
If you are looking to learn more about what it's like to be a current student at Johns Hopkins SAIS, we encourage you to schedule a virtual appointment with one of our Admissions Fellows.
Enjoyed reading Logan's experience? Learn more about our Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR).
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