Since her arrival in DC in early June as part of the summer program of The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) supported by the Hungary Foundation, Noémi Pálfalvi has discovered a vibrant, livable city. Noémi will spend eight weeks as an intern at the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI). There, she has the opportunity to take part in research, event organization, and conversations about religions and interfaith dialogue. Her program track has more than 100 participants, all from different backgrounds. Noémi meets new people every day who share her interest in international affairs.
Noémi Pálfalvi
Noémi also enjoys her classes offered by George Mason University, especially the seminar on public policy. Although it is early in the program, Noémi already has a better understanding of the American political system. In the upcoming weeks, she looks forward to improving her time management. She has found the classes, internships, and other programs organized for the interns on Capitol Hill to be very important and useful for their professional development.
“I am very excited about my internship placement. Religious Freedom Institute is an amazing place, and the people who are working here have a very deep understanding about institutional religious freedom and the importance of it. I would like to see how other people think of religious freedom, and what I can do as a person to help secure it around the world.”
Noémi is inspired by her internship and the people she works with; at RFI, she enjoys engaging with other passionate individuals at a job that is both meaningful and interesting.
“Everyone is very open-minded, and open to any discussion, I can always reach out for help if I need it. RFI tries to encourage us to grow as human beings, and take care of our personal development. I am very grateful for them.”
Noémi with her colleagues at the Religious Freedom Institute
About the Széll Kálmán Public Policy Fellowship
The 2019 Summer Széll Kálmán Public Policy Fellowship is a full scholarship for students from Hungary to participate in The Fund for American Studies summer programs in Washington DC.
The 15 week program includes an internship placement in Washington DC, academic credit from George Mason University, housing in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC a variety of guest lectures and briefings, as well as opportunities for professional development and networking. HIF’s scholarship covers full tuition and a living stipend for the duration of the program.
At a Washington DC monuments tour with peers and other Széll Kálmán Fellows