From Refugee to Aspiring Diplomat: May Soe Min's Journey to Service
Name: May Soe Min
Home Country: New Delhi, India
Degree: Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
Scholarship: Pickering Fellow
Born in Imphal, India to Burmese pro-democracy activists, May Soe Min experienced displacement as a refugee before immigrating to the United States at age six. Now a first-generation student and Pickering Fellow at Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe, she is preparing to join the U.S. Foreign Service. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in international relations and gaining experience at the McCain Institute, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and International Rescue Committee, May chose SAIS Europe to study under leading practitioners while directly applying classroom learning to real-world contexts. Her most memorable experience—the Geneva Career Trek—allowed her to engage with humanitarian organizations as both a future diplomat and former refugee. May credits SAIS Europe's exposure to diverse issues, engagement with different communities and perspectives, and emphasis on skill-development courses as defining elements that will shape her life as a future diplomat.
My most memorable experience at SAIS Europe was the Geneva Career Trek. As both a future diplomat and a former refugee, it was deeply empowering to engage with organizations dedicated to humanitarian assistance.
A Journey Shaped by International Affairs
May Soe Min's path to SAIS Europe has been defined by displacement, resilience, and a commitment to serve. Born in Imphal, India, and raised in New Delhi until age six, May is the daughter of Burmese pro-democracy activists. After immigrating to the United States with her family, she became a first-generation student determined to engage deeply with the world that shaped her early years.“My entire life has been shaped by international affairs, from being the daughter of Burmese pro-democracy activists to experiencing displacement as a refugee and relocating from the borders of Burma and India to eventually the United States,” May reflects. “These formative experiences instilled in me, from a very young age, a desire to engage deeply with the world by seeking new experiences, connecting with diverse communities, and developing a holistic understanding of global dynamics.”
After graduating from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in international relations and dual minors in history and international development and conflict management, May gained experience at some of Washington’s most influential institutions—including the McCain Institute, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Congressional offices, and the International Rescue Committee. She also studied international refugee law and global security in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2025.
Why SAIS Europe?
For May, SAIS Europe offered the perfect environment to transform her experiences into expertise. “At SAIS Europe, I am able not only to study international relations under leading practitioners but also to directly apply classroom learning to real world contexts,” she says.
“SAIS has not only fostered my interests in humanitarian aid but also cultivated an environment of perpetual curiosity. Every day, I walk into the building and encounter events, trips, and student activities centered on issues I was previously unfamiliar with. This has encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and enroll in courses I might not otherwise have explored.”
A Powerful Moment in Geneva
When asked about her most memorable experience at SAIS Europe, May doesn't hesitate: “My most memorable experience at SAIS Europe was the Geneva Career Trek. As both a future diplomat and a former refugee, it was deeply empowering to engage with organizations dedicated to humanitarian assistance. In a time of global volatility, these institutions stand as a vital beacon of hope.”
Looking Ahead to the Foreign Service
May's plans after SAIS are clear: “I will be joining the United States foreign service.” As a Pickering Fellow, she credits SAIS Europe with preparing her for this calling. "The exposure to diverse issues, engagement with different communities and perspectives, and emphasis on skill-development courses will be a defining part of my life as a future diplomat, and I owe this to SAIS.”
Her Advice
May's message to prospective SAIS students is both simple and powerful: “If you're interested in something, chances are others are interested as well. The SAIS community is incredibly supportive and encouraging, and you never have to feel like you're alone. Just take the leap, and others will happily follow!”
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 May's experience? Learn more about our Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR).
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