Fabián Wajner, who holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and won first prize in a World Bank competition, is currently completing a master’s degree in Israel and spoke about his experiences as a student and living abroad.
-When you were deciding what major to pursue, what attracted you to the university’s Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies?
-What caught my attention was the multidisciplinary aspect—that is, the ability to explore many fields of study that I found interesting and, at the same time, highly relevant to today's world.
-What did you like most about the program?
-Looking back, I found myself surrounded by a fantastic group of people driving the department and its various initiatives forward, under the leadership of Javier Bonilla and Andrés Bancalari. My classmates were also extremely important, especially those closest to me, with whom I did most of the work (Jimena Labadie and Cecilia Trobo). And of course, there were professors and courses that I still remember with great fondness for what they taught me.
-If you compare the time you started your studies to when you finished them, what changed the most for you?
-It's hard to answer this question myself, but I think I basically learned that the world of international politics is much more complex than it seems, yet it is open to us—if we put in the effort—to understand it and become part of it.
-While he was in college, he won first prize in the contest “What can you do to fight the corruption around you?”, organized by the World Bank. What was the focus of his project?
-In short, I attempted to theorize about the phenomenon of corruption and propose a plan to combat it through education, based on a "trust-based" system. The paper is available online on the World Bank's website, or you can find it via Google by searching for the title: "Education and Corruption: A Matter of Trust."
-What did winning this contest entail?
-It was a truly impactful experience. First, because of the opportunity to present the work to judges at a World Bank conference and then speak before the plenary session. Second, because of the surprise upon returning to Uruguay and receiving so much interest from the media, institutions, and even the Uruguayan Parliament, after Congressman Javier García mentioned the proposal. And third, because experiences like this definitely leave a mark on you and motivate you to learn more about yourself and strive to improve every day.
-After completing your bachelor's degree, you went on to earn a master's degree in Israel. What did that program entail?
-It’s the Master’s in International Relations with a specialization in Diplomacy and Strategy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. I chose the research track, so I still have to submit my thesis. It’s a real privilege: the university is highly prestigious, and this program in particular is of an excellent standard, from the professors to my classmates. It stands out above all for its emphasis on the theoretical aspects of International Relations, something I find truly fascinating.
-Do you think your undergraduate program prepared you well for graduate school?
-Yes, without a doubt. Of course, every institution and every country places more or less emphasis on certain topics, but there’s no question that when I started the master’s program, I felt confident in the foundation I had.
-After graduating, he moved to Israel. The university’s Bachelor’s degree in International Studies is designed to ensure that the knowledge gained can be applied beyond Uruguay’s borders. Was that the case for you?
-It was. By the time you finish the program, you have a general understanding of what the field of international relations has to offer—whether in economics, diplomacy, or security. Of course, after that, you have to choose a more specific path and continue to delve deeper into that area.
-What has your career path been like? What jobs have you held, and what responsibilities have you had?
-In Uruguay, I worked as a consultant in institutional communications for a foundation affiliated with the Israeli Embassy and as a teacher of Israeli politics at EIHU High School (Colegio Integral), where I myself had attended school. In Israel, I have taught courses on Middle Eastern politics and current events in Israel, among other subjects, for the Institute for Overseas Leaders; I directed an annual training program for young people there; and I worked in the Israeli Army’s Strategic Information Department.
-What are you doing right now?
-I currently work at the Hebrew University as a teaching and research assistant, while continuing to teach courses in International Relations at other institutions. Academically, I hope to finish my thesis this year, in which I examine the phenomenon of international legitimacy, drawing on case studies of Arab League policy throughout the so-called Arab Spring. In addition, in a few weeks I will be co-teaching the Negotiation Workshop at ORT University with Prof. Daniel Rótulo, an opportunity I hope will be very fruitful.
-What are your plans for the future?
-That’s the hardest question. I hope to continue delving deeper into academic research and perhaps also gain some management experience in international politics. Anyway, we’ll see what challenges life throws our way.