Samantha Monteith ʼ15
Posted on: July 19, 2021
Foreign Affairs Officer in the Office of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs in the Bureau of International Organizations Affairs at the U.S. Department of State
Samantha’s interest in foreign affairs began at an early age, and while at North Greenville University she took advantage of several opportunities to travel internationally. While taking a Biblical Archaeology class, she was able to spend two weeks in Israel, visiting sites in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, as well as the Dead Sea. She also spent three months in Thailand teaching English in local high schools through Nehemiah Teams, a program of the International Mission Board that provides opportunities to serve across the globe. In addition to her travels, Samantha knew that if she wanted to work in the field of diplomacy and represent the United States on the international stage, it would probably be a good idea to develop an understanding of American and global history. Samantha graduated with her B.A. in History and a minor in Political Science. Her history professors such as Dr. Thompson, Dr. Yandle, and Dr. Cook inspired her to embrace intellectual curiosity and sharpen her critical thinking and research skills.
Upon graduating, Samantha was selected to serve as an Education Volunteer in Kosovo with the Peace Corps program and conceded her crown as Miss NGU to help those in need abroad. There she taught English and music from 2015-2016, partnered with Darien Book Aid to start an English language library at her school, and led the first Model United Nations Club for her high school students in Kosovo. In 2017, Samantha moved to Kyotango, Japan where she served as an English teacher with the JET Program. After living in Japan for a year, Samantha moved to Washington D.C. where she earned her M.A. in International Relations from American University’s School of Foreign Service and worked as a research assistant, studying the relationship between the Department of Defense and the Department of State.
After graduate school, Samantha landed a job with the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. While there, she engaged alumni of U.S. sponsored exchange programs like the International Visitors Leadership Program, the Fulbright Program, and Young African Leaders Initiative and helped them apply for grants that promote cross-cultural communications and grassroots diplomacy. She then went on to serve as the Senior Staff Assistant in the Bureau of Political Military Affairs where she staffed the Assistant Secretary on trips to the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week as well as trips to various military bases. Currently, Samantha works as a Foreign Affairs Officer in the Office of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs at the Department of State. In this capacity, she covers Freedom of Religion and Belief, Human Rights Council elections, the intersection of emergent technology and human rights, and Western Hemisphere Affairs from a multilateral perspective at the United Nations Human Rights Council. Her time at North Greenville University was pivotal in shaping her worldview and equipping her with the tools needed for a successful career in diplomacy.
