Graduate student Deniz Dizdar studied at International Balkan University (IBU) in Skopje, North Macedonia, where she earned a double degree in Law and Political Science and founded IBU Model UN. Her interest in international relations and diplomacy began during  high school. While studying at Saint Michel French High School in Istanbul, she developed a strong interest in Model United Nations and participated in a French-language MUN conference at the Peace Palace in The Hague.

Dizdar currently serves as Co-President of the Turkish American community, New Jersey branch. She is also an active member of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations in the United States and the Rumelia and Balkan Research Center in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Dizdar is pursuing an M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, where she plans to specialize in Post-Conflict State Reconstruction and Sustainability and Global Negotiation and Conflict Management. She also serves as a Graduate Assistant in the School of Diplomacy’s Office of Graduate Admissions.

What brought you to Seton Hall for graduate school?
I chose Seton Hall because, during my undergraduate studies, I took two web-based courses taught by professors who were also affiliated with Seton Hall. Those courses encouraged me to learn more about the University and its academic programs. I knew that I wanted to pursue an M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy and I discovered that Seton Hall offered two specializations that closely aligned with my academic interests.

Is there anything else that made Seton Hall a good match for you?
Seton Hall’s location was another important factor. Being close to New York City, home to the United Nations Headquarters and Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, provides students of international relations and diplomacy with access to two particularly important centers of international and political engagement.

What do you appreciate most about the School of Diplomacy?
What I appreciate most about the School of Diplomacy is its academic excellence and the breadth of opportunities it offers. Our professors bring extensive academic and professional experience to the classroom, creating an engaging and intellectually stimulating learning environment. The School also provides valuable opportunities such as the National Security Graduate Fellowship, internship opportunities with international organizations including the United Nations, interactive simulations and a highly engaging classroom atmosphere. These experiences allow students to connect academic knowledge with practical applications in diplomacy and international affairs.