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"I chose to come to SFU because of the student-centred focus of the MAIS program, the small cohort size, and the work being done by faculty that has allowed me to work alongside experts in the field as I conduct research for my master's thesis."
Talia Ferris
International Studies master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Growing up in Chilliwack, BC, I completed my BA in Canadian Studies and International Relations at UBC (2021), and then entered the MAIS program here at SFU. Aside from studying, I like to spend my time exploring the outdoors with friends, hitting the gym, and volunteering for Camp Artaban, a non-profit children's summer camp located on Gambier Island, BC.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
I chose to come to SFU because of the student-centred focus of the MAIS program, the small cohort size, and the work being done by faculty that has allowed me to work alongside experts in the field as I conduct research for my master's thesis.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
My fields of focus are humanitarian action and education, but specifically for my thesis research, I am examining how refugee children are able to access education. Using the Cox's Bazar refugee camp in Bangladesh as a case study, I am looking at how Rohingya children in that refugee camp have been able to access education and how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated obstacles to accessing education.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
I really appreciate the small size of my cohort and how my classmates and I have developed close working relationships. The faculty in the School of International Studies also work hard to provide students with many opportunities for educational and professional development, and I have greatly appreciated their efforts to work with the online-learning environment to transition opportunities to the virtual realm to keep access open.
HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.
I was awarded the Simons Foundation GF in IS for Fall 2021 and the Graduate Fellowship Award in Spring of 2022.
Contact : talia_ferris@sfu.ca