Ivo Walinga

Studying at REES was a wonderful experience that gave me a nuanced understanding of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia in their full complexity and diversity. Having lived and worked in Moscow prior to the program, at REES I learned how to better contextualize my personal experience and understand the influence of major historic, political, and socio-economic developments on the region today. 

I particularly appreciated the course’s interdisciplinary nature, close contact with one’s supervisor, and engagement with the broader Russian Studies community — through initiatives such as the University Consortium and various guest lectures. With REES being part of the dynamic OSGA community, I was also able to attend events and exchange insights with scholars from other Area Studies, which greatly enriched my own research and helped me connect the ‘regional’ to the ‘global’. 

Following Oxford, I took the lessons I learned at REES to China, where I am currently working on a research project on climate and the environment in Wuhan and improving my Mandarin skills. I am confident that REES’ strong foundations will help me combine insights of Russia with Chinese perspectives, as I hope to continue working on issues of diplomacy, global governance, and international cooperation.