Devin Williams

"I knew I was a Tar Heel when I first visited UNC during the summer of 2010; later confirmed when I received my acceptance letter. I was received warmly and enthusiastically by CSEEES during this spontaneous visit."

Q: Where did you study as an undergraduate? What was your major?

I graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in foreign affairs.

Q: Why did you choose CSEEES?

I chose CSEEES because of its small program size and a flexible curriculum structure.

Q: Why did you choose to study this region of the globe?

I have to give credit to my high school I.B. 20^th century topics teacher, Richard Austin. His class initially propelled my interest in the cultures, histories, politics and languages of the region. However, the history class on imperial Russia I took freshman year at UVA was probably the defining moment for me. After that course, I knew what my focus would be for the duration of my time as an undergraduate and beyond.

Q: Do you have work and/or study experience in the region?

I have studied in Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic.

Q: What is your thesis topic?

This answer is still pending, but I'm thinking something along the lines of, "Reinforcing elements of the political extreme right in post-1989 Slovakia and Hungary."

Q: What is your dream job?

One that allows me to develop knowledge and inform clients concerning political and social trends in Central Eastern Europe, either in the public or private sector.