'Challenged and Supported': Flexible Major, Close Community Propel Student to Global Aid Work
Student Snapshot: Caroline Krauth ’26
Caroline Krauth ’26 (political science) chose Dickinson on the basis of its robust world-language programs, but the close-knit campus community sealed the deal. She’s learning Chinese, and she’s studied abroad in Italy and South Korea. Through an internship with the Alliance for American Leadership, she worked on lobbying initiatives, policy writing and research projects focused on reforming global aid. Along the way, “friends, professors, staff and alumni have challenged and supported me in countless ways,” she says.
Hometown:
Chevy Chase, Md.
High school:
St. John's College High School.
Major:
Political science, with a minor in economics.
On choosing Dickinson:
I chose Dickinson because of its outstanding world-language programs and its close-knit campus community, which immediately felt like home.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience so far:
The people I’ve met, including friends, professors, staff and alumni, who have challenged and supported me in countless ways.
Best thing about my major:
The flexibility. I can explore a wide range of courses while still focusing on the areas that truly interest me.
Favorite class:
Politics of American Pop Culture introduced me to data-driven analysis in the social sciences, combining rigorous methods with fascinating content that reshaped how I think about culture and politics.
Favorite professor:
Associate Professor of East Asian Studies Nan Ma, my Chinese-language professor. She creates a classroom environment that is both friendly and challenging. She’s also been one of my biggest mentors during my time at Dickinson.
On studying abroad:
I've had the incredible opportunity to study abroad twice, first in Bologna, Italy, and now in Seoul, South Korea. Both experiences were made possible through the support of the Center for Global Study & Engagement and my professors.
About my internship:
Last summer, I interned at the Alliance for American Leadership (A4AL), an organization focused on reforming global aid. Through A4AL, I worked on lobbying initiatives, policy writing and research projects. It was an amazing opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world political work
Clubs and organizations:
Alexander Hamilton Society, The Women’s Network and Women in Economics.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Presidential Scholarship.
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Published February 27, 2026