Q&A with Jonathan
Why Harvard Extension School
What inspired you to study at Harvard Extension School and pursue international relations?
Harvard University, and specifically the Extension School, offered an amazing opportunity to learn remotely. So while I was living in San Francisco, living in Hawaii, and now living in Connecticut, I was able to interact with my classmates, get to know them, work with my professors, and attend classes for years without necessarily having to move to Boston.
Did you consider other programs before choosing Harvard?
I looked at Stanford University and all the Ivy League schools. Harvard University really offers the greatest value — fully remote with access to classes across the university, whether at Harvard College, the Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, or the Divinity School. You get to interact with world-class professors and students. It’s about a fraction of the cost of comparable programs.
Fulbright Experience Abroad
Tell us about your experience as a Fulbright Specialist.
Working with the Harvard University Fulbright office, I was able to secure a grant to spend a month in Austria working at the Technical University of Vienna. I helped them craft a strategic communications plan for their third century of scientific leadership. It was a unique opportunity to apply my international relations classes in a real-world situation.
I was able to bring a bit of American culture to Austria and learn a lot about Austrian culture as an American. I was there over Thanksgiving, and the university staff even put on a full Thanksgiving meal. It was amazing to share our traditions and learn theirs. It was amazing to share our traditions and learn theirs, such as the rich tapestry of Christmas markets (“Christkindlmarkt”) across Vienna.
Global Connections and Real-World Learning
Was international engagement always a goal for you during your studies?
Yes. One of the benefits of coming to Harvard University is access to world leaders. In a class on women, peace, and security, I reached out to the undersecretary of the United Nations. They replied, and I was able to quote them in my papers. I also published a paper with Georgetown University and led a webinar for the Chinese Historical Society of America. Harvard isn’t an ivory tower — it’s connected to the real world.
What stood out to you about Harvard Extension School?
The global community. I studied with people in Johannesburg, London, Singapore — you name it. When we studied the Syrian refugee crisis, some classmates had worked on the ground. It wasn’t abstract. It was real.
Were there any academic moments that pushed you to grow?
One of my best—and hardest—classes was the Proseminar on American political development. I’ve spent 30 years writing for a business audience, so I had to learn how to write academically and in a scholarly way. That was a big growth moment.
What was your on-campus experience like?
Though I was mostly remote, I visited campus several times. Walking through Harvard Yard, seeing the “Car Talk” building in Harvard Square, and interacting with classmates and faculty in person — it was magical. Being on campus makes you feel part of a global academic community.
Balancing Work, Family, and Study
How did the online format support your work-life balance?
While working full time, I could take classes early in the morning or evening. Some were asynchronous, so I could complete them on my own schedule. Even during COVID and through multiple moves, I was able to keep up through Zoom and Canvas.
How did your family support you through your studies?
My wife and kids were my strongest support. Because classes were remote, I could still help get the kids to school, do homework with them, and spend time with my family while committing to Harvard’s academic rigor. I couldn’t have done this without them.
Has this experience influenced your children?
Absolutely. I became a role model for them. I’d tell them, “You’ve got to do your homework, turn things in on time, read the books.” I think seeing me do that will really help them when they get to college.
Final Reflections
If you had to describe Harvard Extension School in one word, what would it be?
Exhilarating. It’s hard to describe without sounding like a cliché. But the history at Harvard is palpable. On Massachusetts Hall, there’s a plaque for Revolutionary War soldiers—it’s not just history, it’s a living place of learning and freedom.
