Transparency and Accountability in Bosnia and Herzegovina

By Ella Ponthier, Graduate of the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs

Zdravo! My name is Ella, and I am a May 2025 graduate of the LBJ School of Public Affairs. I received my master’s degree in Global Policy Studies with a focus on Central and Eastern European Studies. During my time at the LBJ School, I developed a strong interest in coursework on informal institutions and the state of democracy in post-communist states. Communism in this region ended, seemingly overnight, in the 1990s—but post-communist states did not automatically transform into consolidated democracies. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of those countries.

Continue reading Transparency and Accountability in Bosnia and Herzegovina →

Mapping Sense of Belonging and Birthright Citizenship Laws: My Experience Researching Migration and Nationality in the Americas 

By P. Salomé Valdivieso Santillán, Graduate student at the UT Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies

Our research project began with the aim of studying how different birthright nationality laws shape migrant integration in four diverse settings: Panama, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. These countries differ not only in terms of language, policies, and economies, but also in the levels of inclusion towards migrants, which significantly impact how we conceptualize the south-north divide. The United States, for instance, grants citizenship to anyone born on its soil, while Colombia and the Dominican Republic impose stricter conditions that can leave children of migrants in legal limbo. Panama is a rare case, given the antecedents of the “Crisol de Razas” (melting pot) policies, where a melting pot ideology, similar to that of the United States, has been established as one of the primary identity markers of the country. 

Continue reading Mapping Sense of Belonging and Birthright Citizenship Laws: My Experience Researching Migration and Nationality in the Americas  →

Fighting Corruption at the Local Level in North Macedonia 

By Alexander Dominiak, Graduate of the UT International Relations and Global Studies Department

This summer I had the privilege of working with the National Democratic Institute’s office in Skopje, North Macedonia, in a program that has spurred my professional and personal development. I was fortunate enough to be placed with the Integrity Driven Communities project, one of two long-term NDI projects (along with the Parliamentary Support Program), that aims to strengthen anti-corruption measures at the local level. As a recent graduate from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in International Relations and Global Studies, this experience has allowed me to witness firsthand how international collaboration in good governance procedures occurs at the ground level and how that collaboration has tangible effects on the lives of everyday citizens in the country. It’s inspiring to see the passion with which my colleagues and fellow interns work to strengthen democratic governance in the country. 

Continue reading Fighting Corruption at the Local Level in North Macedonia  →

Digital Violence, Women’s Leadership, and Democratic Participation in Latin America

By Leah Tharakan, Undergraduate student in UT’s Government Department, Sociology Department, and Economics Department

Just weeks before International IDEA marked its 30th anniversary, I walked into its Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office in Panama City’s Financial District—an office tucked above a busy thoroughfare of honking taxis and fondas, where regional democracy is studied in quiet persistence. It’s here, in the hushed office above the commotion, that I joined the Latin America and Caribbean team of International IDEA as an Embedded Scholar. I hadn’t arrived in the middle of a national election or political upheaval. Instead, my arrival came during a slower season, one marked by IDEA’s 30th anniversary and a moment to take stock of what three decades of democracy assistance has built.

Continue reading Digital Violence, Women’s Leadership, and Democratic Participation in Latin America →

Democracy Internship Applications Due Nov. 1

The 2026 Embedded Scholars Application is now open for UT students to apply for Summer 2026 internships in democratic and constitutional development in the Balkans, Central Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Applications are due by November 1, 2025.

The Embedded Scholars program is an innovative fellowship that trains students at UT in the spring then places them in summer internships abroad focused on democracy assistance and research. By combining applied work and research, the fellowship aims to launch students’ work in the field while advancing democratic development.

Continue reading Democracy Internship Applications Due Nov. 1 →

The Democratic Benefits of Public Opinion Research in Colombia and Panama

By Mitchel McCormick, Graduate student at the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs

The Embedded Scholars’ experience in Panama City, Panama, proved to be both challenging and rewarding. Challenging because being an intern after working full-time for six years is a significant adjustment. Doing all of this in a second language abroad makes it even more compelling. Rewarding because of the quality of the work I had the opportunity to witness, the skills of the CID Gallup staff, and the opportunity to work with a creative and sharp team both at CID Gallup and UT. At CID Gallup, I held several different roles, some uniquely tailored to the company and others involving collaboration with UT students on a research study related to the experience of migrants across Latin America. 

Continue reading The Democratic Benefits of Public Opinion Research in Colombia and Panama →

Supporting Parliamentary Strengthening in North Macedonia

By Avin French, Undergraduate student in the UT Government Department

I cannot say that North Macedonia was the place I thought I would spend my summer last year. I could not even tell you that it was at the top of the list of vacation destinations prior to arriving in Skopje, but after spending six weeks in this alluring place, engaging with the people, exposing myself to the culture, and studying the nation, I could not be more grateful for the opportunity Embedded Scholars has given me at the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in North Macedonia.

Continue reading Supporting Parliamentary Strengthening in North Macedonia →

From Canvassing to Designing My Own Climate Migration Survey

By Siyona Nayampally, Undergraduate student in the UT Economics Department and Plan II Program

The weeks leading up to my flight to Panama’s Tocumen Airport, I was filled with excitement and nerves. My travels in Latin America had been limited to short trips in Mexico and Costa Rica, and I wasn’t sure what to expect for life in Panama. What I have encountered during my time here has been so much more than I could have imagined. The culture was so welcoming and kind and within a couple of days, I felt right at home. Riding alongside locals to work on the metro every day, I got to see a different side to this new city than I was used to from my travels. We immersed ourselves in the working Panamanian experience, eating lunch at the fonda almost daily, and spending time with our coworkers on the weekends. 

Continue reading From Canvassing to Designing My Own Climate Migration Survey →

Improving Democratic Resilience in Central America

By Allison Andrade, Undergraduate student in the UT International Relations and Global Studies Department and Plan II Honors Program

I had never considered visiting Panama, so when I excitedly told all of my friends and family that I would be spending the summer there, they were perplexed. The truth is that I had no idea what this experience would look like, but I knew that I was eager to explore and learn, and more than anything, I was passionate about being on a team focused on democratic development in Latin America. I can say now that my internship with International IDEA as part of the Embedded Scholars Program has been more than I imagined, and I am grateful for the opportunity to practice my Spanish professionally, work on fostering democracy, and learn about the diversity and history of Panama.

Continue reading Improving Democratic Resilience in Central America →

Understanding People and Patterns in Panama 

By Douglas Ramirez, Undergraduate student in the UT Molecular Biosciences Department

 “…So like, why are you going to Panama?” A question I was pelted with from all sides in the days leading up to my departure. This question filled my head as I walked into the CID Gallup office on the first day. Admittedly, I felt like an outsider going in. As the only member of the cohort in STEM, at times I felt out of my depth for the program. Democratic development and social conditions have been something that I’ve been interested in but admittedly I didn’t have much formal education on these before the program. I’ve learned through my personal research and have conducted field surveys, but frankly that just can’t compare to full courses. Regardless of any doubts, I decided to go full steam ahead. 

Continue reading Understanding People and Patterns in Panama  →

From Texas Campaigns to Legislative Strengthening Abroad

By Emma Niewald, Graduate student at the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs

After interning with the National Democratic Institute in North Macedonia this summer, I feel more committed than ever to pursuing a career in the field of Rule of Law in the Balkans when I graduate next year. Though my path to a career in this space hasn’t been direct, it’s what I’ve always dreamed of. I’m a political consultant with 12 years of policy experience, ten of which I’ve spent in electoral politics. I graduated from Austin College with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and French in 2012. After graduation, I interned with nonprofits in Washington, D.C., including the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and the Center for National Policy. 

Continue reading From Texas Campaigns to Legislative Strengthening Abroad →

Conducting Public Opinion Research across Panama

By: Olivia Drew, Undergraduate student in the UT International Relations and Global Studies Department

When I arrived in Panama, I had no idea what I would find or how I would fit into the office there. Nevertheless on May 29, I was there and was slowly learning my place in the city. When I got to the CID Gallup office, I learned more about their work and the reasons why it matters. CID Gallup is a surveying company that collaborates with both the public and private sectors to collect public opinion data about a variety of topics. The work being done at CID Gallup is crucial to understanding the concerns and needs of people in Latin America.

Continue reading Conducting Public Opinion Research across Panama →

Assessing Democracy, Migrant Participation, and Voting Patterns

By Grace Morris, PhD candidate in the UT Government Department

My time at the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in their headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden has been an enriching experience both professionally and personally on my path to pursuing my doctorate in Government at The University of Texas at Austin. From the moment I stepped into the Stockholm office on my first Monday morning of work, the warmth from my new colleagues resonated and it already felt like a place I could call home.

Continue reading Assessing Democracy, Migrant Participation, and Voting Patterns →

Democracy, Technology, and International Collaboration: Reflections from Santiago

By Zack Frailey Escobar, PhD student in the UT Government Department

My experience working with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in Santiago, Chile has been transformative, both professionally and personally, and has left a lasting mark on the way I envision my future as a political science researcher. Working alongside a team committed to defending democracy in challenging contexts at one of the most critical junctures for electoral systems in Latin America and around the world has allowed me to deepen my technical and analytical skills while building collaborative networks that will continue to inform my research agenda for years to come.

Continue reading Democracy, Technology, and International Collaboration: Reflections from Santiago →

Fighting Corruption and Advancing Civic Engagement in North Macedonia

By Arion Moore, Undergraduate student in the UT Government Department and Liberal Arts Honors Program

The time I have spent this summer in Skopje, North Macedonia has been an unforgettable experience that I will look back on with fond memories and invaluable lessons throughout the rest of my academic journey. As a Government major in the University of Texas at Austin Liberal Arts Honors program, the work I engaged in with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) aligned perfectly with my academic and professional pursuits and my desire to contribute to the promotion of democracy.

Continue reading Fighting Corruption and Advancing Civic Engagement in North Macedonia →

Supporting Election and Governance Reform Efforts in Panama

By Allyson Dean, Graduate student at the UT LBJ School of Public Affairs

As soon as I wrapped up my time in session with the Texas House of Representatives, I flew to Panama City for the start of the Panamanian legislative session and the beginning of my internship with International IDEA. This internship culminates my academic and legislative experience in government capacity and transparency efforts in Panama. I work at the Panamanian office with a brilliant and incredibly kind team who have shown me the ropes of the National Assembly of Panama and shared insights into local hot spots. Luckily, I arrived just before the second of two annual legislative sessions, giving me time to get up to speed. 

Continue reading Supporting Election and Governance Reform Efforts in Panama →

New Democracy Internships at Gallup, IDEA, NDI, and TI

UT’s Embedded Scholars program—led by UT Government faculty members Zachary Elkins and Ashley Moran—doubled in size this year to offer internships in more countries with more international organizations working in democratic development abroad.

Started three years ago as a partnership with International IDEA and the Comparative Constitutions Project in Latin America, the program combines in-depth classroom training in the spring with summer internships in democracy assistance abroad. This year, the program continued its work in Panama and Chile, and expanded to additional countries—Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, North Macedonia, and Sweden—as well as additional international organizations—CID Gallup, International IDEA’s Democracy Assessment team, the National Democratic Institute, and Transparency International.

Continue reading New Democracy Internships at Gallup, IDEA, NDI, and TI →

Skopje Team Shares Research on Anticorruption with Ministry

The Embedded Scholars team interning at the National Democratic Institute in North Macedonia met with the Minister of Digital Transformation this week as part of their research on anticorruption efforts in the country. The Ministry’s facebook post on the meeting noted that “We had an honest and constructive discussion on a number of important topics. Meetings like these are a great opportunity to exchange experiences and build bridges with future leaders and researchers from around the world.”

Continue reading Skopje Team Shares Research on Anticorruption with Ministry →

2025 Embedded Scholars Head to Europe and Latin America

The University of Texas at Austin’s Embedded Scholars program sent its 2025 cohort to Europe and Latin America this week to support democracy and electoral assistance programs abroad this summer. In Latin America, the fellows will work in CID Gallup offices in Panama, and in International IDEA’s Regional Office for Latin America, Chile Country Office, and Panama Country Office. In Europe, the fellows will work in International IDEA’s Democracy Assessment team in Sweden, in the National Democratic Institute’s office in North Macedonia, and with Transparency International’s office in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Continue reading 2025 Embedded Scholars Head to Europe and Latin America →