Rachel Weinheimer

Rachel Weinheimer

Statement of Purpose

STRATFOR

I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in the spring of 2008 with a liberal arts degree in classics (Greek and Latin) and a minor in German. During my senior year, I developed an interest in Turkish language, culture and politics and upon graduation, was fortunate to receive a scholarship to study international relations at the Free University in Berlin for one year. Unaffiliated with any specific program, I was able to enroll in both master’s- and bachelor’s-level classes ranging in topics from American foreign policy and international relations to European Union law, taught in both German and English. Wishing to continue with my studies, I remained in Berlin for an additional year and enrolled in the Turkish Studies program at the Free University.

My primary interests lie in the relationship between Europe and the Middle East (specifically Turkey) and the ramifications this has on U.S. operations and policy. While living in Germany, I was fascinated by the Turkish population. In addition to translation work, I supported myself by teaching English at a tutoring agency in the notorious Berlin district of Neukoelln – considered to be one of the most problematic neighborhoods in all of Germany. Most of my students were German citizens with Turkish-immigrant backgrounds. They spoke Turkish at home and German with their friends. I designed and led my own tutoring sessions, which were concentrated on speaking English. It was through this exchange of dialogue that I learned about Turkish culture and perceptions. It provided me with an additional dynamic and platform to learn outside of the university setting.

Although difficult, I believe that learning the language of a culture is of utmost importance to the understanding of its people, politics, and history. I feel as though I was only able to understand Germans in light of their recent history once I was confident enough to interact in German. I could hold conversations with people who grew up in the aftermath of the Second World War or those that had spent most of their lives living in East Germany, where students were taught Russian, not English, in school. I hope to continue learning new languages and about new cultures and find a career which cultivates these interests.

I believe that interning for STRATFOR would provide me with the actual work experience I need to reach my future goals. For all my interest in culture, politics, and languages, I lack practical job experience. I learn quickly and enjoy nothing more than immersing myself in my job or interests. If I don’t know something, I want to learn about it. I take pride in my work and strive to be as thorough as possible when accomplishing an assignment.

In regards to my immediate future, I have applied for a Fulbright scholarship in Turkey and am in the process of applying for a master’s program at the Humboldt University in Berlin in Turkish-German affairs. The program would begin in the winter semester of 2011 and I would spend one year in Ankara and one year in Berlin, learning about the politics and interplay of the two countries. Upon graduation from this program, I would like to work in the field of foreign policy analysis, specifically analysis of foreign press.