This past summer, Robertson Fellow Javier De Leon, a current policy graduate student, completed an internship at the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), an essential part of the United States diplomatic efforts in East Asia. The internship provided him with invaluable hands-on experience in foreign service, aligning with his long-term goals in trade policy and international relations.
“Prior to starting my master’s program, I worked in economic development in San Diego, and I had a lot of experience in Latin America prior to that. Part of me coming to the University of Maryland and the D.C. area was to begin focusing on the dynamics of foreign policy and public policy, and begin thinking about other regions in the world,” De Leon explained. His connections at the International Trade Administration, within the Department of Commerce, led to an introduction to AIT, where he ultimately secured his summer internship.
Immersing himself in Taiwanese culture, De Leon was particularly impressed by the warmth of the people, the modern infrastructure and the efficiency of the public transportation system. “The people were so warm, welcoming, friendly and supportive, making it easy for someone like me, who doesn’t speak Mandarin, to have my questions answered and navigate the city,” he shared. Google Translate became a useful tool, he noted, but the eagerness of locals to assist made the language barrier less challenging.
His time at AIT broadened his understanding of trade policy, especially in the context of Taiwan’s prominent role in semiconductor manufacturing. “Taiwan is a major hub for semiconductor production, and learning about the CHIPS Act and the investments companies like the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company are making in the U.S. was invaluable,” he said. His work also highlighted the interconnectedness of global commerce, further linking his past experience in Latin America to the strategic investments Taiwanese companies are making in the Western Hemisphere.
De Leon discovered strong ties to the University of Maryland, meeting several School of Public Policy alumni, including AIT Director Raymond Green, who holds an MPM, and Steve Burgoon MPP ’15, the deputy chief of the agricultural section at the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. De Leon also learned that some of the office management specialists were also University of Maryland alums.
Additionally, as a Robertson Fellow, De Leon benefited from the fellowship’s wide network, getting connected with a UC San Diego Robertson fellow who was working in the commercial section at AIT. “It was great to have a familiar face, especially since I’m from San Diego,” he noted. The fellowship’s support, combined with the network of professional relationships it provided, enriched his experience and reaffirmed his decision to pursue a career in public service.
Understanding how foreign service officers and local staff can work together effectively is key.Javier De Leon
De Leon’s experience at AIT reinforced two critical lessons for his future career in foreign service: the importance of collaboration and the pivotal role of local staff at diplomatic posts. “The local staff truly are the backbone of these consulates and embassies abroad. … Understanding how foreign service officers and local staff can work together effectively is key,” he said.
He credits his coursework at the School of Public Policy with effectively preparing him for the challenges of working abroad. In particular, Professor Betty Duke's course on Governance: Leadership, Management & Accountability sharpened his memo-writing skills. Aaron Mannes’s course on The American Foreign Policy-Making Process provided essential context on U.S. foreign policy in the post-World War II era, where one of his assignments focused on cross-strait relations and the Taiwan Strait crisis, among various crises over the past 78 years. He also highlights the impact of Professor Alec Worsnop's class on Civil Conflict, where he learned about the dynamics of military intervention, particularly the concepts of compellence and deterrence, which are especially relevant given the current geopolitical dynamics in Taiwan.
Looking ahead, De Leon is excited about the next steps in his career. “Being abroad and representing the United States is such a wonderful opportunity. I’m grateful for the experience I had this past summer, and I look forward to continuing this journey in public service.”
