Work occupation: consultant, SARIO – Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (public administration)
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: For me it has opened the door to the world of Slovak diplomacy and has brought valuable contacts, which I use in my current job as well.
The most favourite class: Conflict resolution in the Western Balkans region – the extensive issue of relations in the Western Balkans region was presented in a very clear, comprehensive and engaging way.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: The Diplomatic Academy is a great steppingstone for those, who have a real interest in working either directly or indirectly in diplomacy (e.g. in a private sector). You will certainly appreciate the fact that you will find yourself surrounded by professionals working in the field of diplomacy from the ranks of teachers and often from the ranks of students as well.
Work occupation: administration, non-profit sector
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: It gave me a broad overview in the field of international relations and diplomacy and helped me to supplement my knowledge in the field of my professional interest.
The most favourite class: a. Legal and Diplomatic English – The class led by Dr. Zulfikar Hyatt-Khan was practically oriented and emphasized the development of skills needed for working in the diplomatic service, such as presentation skills, debating and argumentation in English. International and European Protection of Human Rights & Human Rights in Established Practice – The courses offered me a valuable insight in the international and European protection of human rights and only deepened my interest to grow professionally in this area.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: to anyone who wants to gain a comprehensive overview of the field of international relations and diplomacy and at the same time to expand the already acquired knowledge.
Work occupation: civil service; Chief state counsellor at the Ministry of Labour of the Slovak Republic, specialist in the field of international and EU relations
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: new knowledge in the field of political science, international and EU law, enhanced public speaking in English and French, better negotiation skills and formulation of ideas, consolidation of previous knowledge
The most favourite class: International Relations and International Politics (Dr. Reichardt), Diplomatic English (Dr. Hyatt-Khan), International Law (JUDr. Špaček), Trade Law (Dr. Avila)
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: graduates, mothers on parental leave, people employed in state and public administration but also in private sector (corporations, etc.), and people currently seeking new employment.
Work occupation: currently an anchor and editor for the Radio and Television of Slovakia
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: valuable overview in the field of foreign policy and international institutions since I worked for the Slovak television at that time and still work as an editress for foreign news coverage
The most favourite class: Diplomatic etiquette and the French language, especially thanks to the excellent teachers who were able to motivate students.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: to all ambitious young people who want to gain an overview of international law and work in renowned international institutions.
Work occupation: non-profit sector – Executive Director, Open Society Foundation Bratislava
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: The opportunity to be at the birth of Slovak diplomacy and to experience sometimes serious and sometimes funny moments of its gradual acquisition of self-confidence
The most favourite class: I remember significant personalities more – assoc. prof. Krsková, prof. Michalko, Mr. Mojžita and of course assoc. prof. Rybárik – their lectures were the stimulus for long discussions even after the classes finished.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: to anyone who needs to add a more global frame to their current profession or studies.
Work occupation: Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Israel, Head of the Secretariat for the NATO Membership Preparation Program (PRENAME)
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: multidisciplinary worldview, exposure to other than Slovak views, the sense of “belonging to the Rybarik clan”
The most favourite class: The theory of law and the state, if taught interactively and not only from the law point of view, gives a lasting context to the system which we want to live in
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: studying at the Diplomatic Academy does not require legal education or education in humanities, but a person with open eyes who genuinely wants to pursue a career in international relations, to devote to the service for the country and its values.
Work occupation: state service – in the area of coordination of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; in the past – Delegation of the European Commission in the Slovak Republic
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: Studying at the Diplomatic Academy directed me to the work in international environment, I met interesting people. To sum it up, I spent two inspiring years at the Academy.
The most favourite class: Geopolitical specifics of the world’s regions and the lectures on the diplomatic service and protocol (owing to the stories from the lives of diplomats, prof. Vášaryová and prof. Kukan J)
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: to everyone who can imagine their life in diplomacy, abroad and is willing to travel and be open to different ways of life.
Work occupation: foreign policy, economic diplomacy, international public policy
Current job position: State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: the studies directed me to an interesting, intellectually inspiring profession, which diplomacy certainly is. At the same time I had an opportunity to meet many people and friends with different professional backgrounds.
The most favourite class: The Geographical specifics of the world, which showed us the diversity of culture and the way of administration of individual countries in the world. The lectures on the diplomatic protocol connected with various real-life stories were also attractive.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: to university graduates who are still naturally curious and do not want to stop with their education.
Work occupation: I have been working in the non-governmental sector for a long time, more specifically in the civic association Human Rights League. In the past I worked as a lawyer, currently I work remotely as a PR coordinator. At the same time I work part-time at the economic department at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Dublin, where I have the opportunity to use the knowledge I gained during my studies at the Diplomatic Academy in practice.
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: It was an opportunity for me to broaden my knowledge in the areas closely related to law, which, however, are not taught at the law faculties. It was definitely a great supplement to my already acquired knowledge. I positively evaluate also the teaching of subjects in English and other language options that studying at the Diplomatic Academy offers.
The most favourite class: Since the study was specifically focused on the areas of my interest, I did not have an explicitly favourite subject. I enjoyed all subjects and each provided me with a range of new and interesting information.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: The Diplomatic Academy is not intended only for law graduates, but also for graduates of other disciplines who are interested in international law and international relations with the possibility of enhancing their language skills during the studies.
Work occupation: Main Advisor at the Directorate General for Climate at the European Commission. In the past: Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia; member of the Political unit of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Javier Solana and several managerial positions at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, including the post of a Director of the Office of the chief negotiator for the EU accession, Ján Figeľ.
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: An excellent foundation for working in diplomacy and international institutions. In addition, I met a lot of amazing people at the Academy, with whom I have been in contact until today.
The most favourite class: Diplomacy in practice – inspiring meetings with people who were active in the field of diplomacy and provided us with practical advice, which I later used for my professional development.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: To all young people who are interested in working in the field of foreign relations, whether in diplomacy, international institutions, or even businesses or non-governmental organizations. The students will gain a really broad overview for further professional and personal growth.
Work occupation: Associate Professor at Palau Community College; Vice President, Coordinator and Volunteer at The Angel Center – School of Pacific; owner of “Danka Ledgerwood Photo Gallery, Consulting & Graphic Design” at Palau (formerly Senior Advertising Executive for The Slovak Spectator; Project Manager at UNICEF)
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: Amazing two years with new people, who became my good friends. Together we managed to organize 6 balls of the Association of Students and Alumni under the auspices of the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eduard Kukan. I had the opportunity to help with the preparation and organization of events on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution at the Slovak Embassy in Washington and at the UN Office in New York.
The most favourite class: The History of International Relations – I was happy to be able to improve my English owing to the American lecturer; an interesting class was “the Diplomatic Protocol” with HE Magda Vašáryová and her observations from working and living abroad.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: to anyone who is interested and wants to see a broader perspective or gain a diplomatic minimum, as well as to those who want to travel and work abroad and are interested in representing a good name of Slovakia in the world.
Work occupation: PhD Candidate in International Law, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva (previous stays abroad: @IWM Vienna, @Boston University Law School, @Paris 5 Université René Descartes; experience: researcher @Global Migration CentreGeneva; legal assistant @UN International Law Commission; @Globsec)
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: As a law school graduate, studying at the Diplomatic Academy allowed me to look into other disciplines, especially into the theory of international relations. At the same time, studying at the Diplomatic Academy was a unique opportunity to meet and gain knowledge from career diplomats who shared their rich practical experience with us. Last but not least, the Diplomatic Academy allowed me to meet like-minded classmates, with whom we subsequently organized several joint events also with the community of former DA students.
The most favourite class: Dr. Reichardt’s subjects on the theory of international relations were really enriching. He brought us closer to the theoretical framework of the functioning of international politics in a living and clear form typical for the Anglo-American system of education.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: Studying at the Diplomatic Academy is suitable as a starting point for those who are interested in working in the field of international relations and European politics.
Work occupation: the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: A good foundation and motivation to engage in international relations and diplomacy.
The most favourite class: EU law – the acquired knowledge was useful for my work at various positions in the field of EU affairs in Brussels and Bratislava; International Relations (with foreign lecturers) – this course has shown me the new dimensions and perspectives of international relations
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: To anyone who knows why they are interested in diplomacy.
Work occupation: Communications Advisor and Spokesperson at the UN headquarters in New York. Since 2005 while working with the UN I have been assigned to several posts at the headquarters in NYC, in Asia, Africa and Europe.
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: Studying at the DA deepened my understanding of the historical relations which influence international politics. At the same time I gained insight into the work of international organizations.
The most favourite class: I enjoyed the courses led by diplomats and the lecturers who actively worked in international relations and diplomacy the most.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy to those who seek a career in diplomacy or international organizations.
Work occupation: marketing manager, Nexteria; previously worked 14 years at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, at the Slovak embassy in Moscow and in Budapest
What benefits has the studying at the Diplomatic Academy had for me: the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in the field of international relations and law; the possibility to experience then in Slovakia completely different and inspiring system of university teaching conducted through practical case studies in the form of a real and active dialogue between teachers and students. Today, it is probably a more common practice in our country as well, but at that time it was a system that we only knew from studying abroad. And last but not least, I met a community of great people, most of whom I am still in contact with.
The most favourite class: Comparative constitutional law – relations and a long-term impact of the basic laws on the legal as well as the social system of states is something that fascinates me to this day.
To whom would I recommend studying at the Diplomatic Academy: to anyone who is interested in preparing for the diplomatic service, but also to anyone who wants to enhance their knowledge in the field of international relations. At the same time, the students will find themselves surrounded by people who really and sincerely want to be educated in the environment of inspiring teachers who have the ability to be real mentors on the road not only to the professional success.