Community

Our faculty and staff offer unparalleled service to MIDP fellows. With years of experience welcoming international students and their families and working with students from every continent (except Antarctica, of course!), we offer a range of assistance from airport pick-ups to professional development advising. 

Your professors will engage you in meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. As professors of the practice and international researchers, our faculty have had global careers that combined academic achievements with professional jobs. You'll benefit from our faculty's diverse range of professional and personal experiences.

Not only will you learn from your professors, you'll connect with classmates who come from a variety of countries and backgrounds.

"The diversity of the cohort, with so many different countries represented, generates a tight-knit community, with people helping each other and growing together. The invaluable opportunity to learn from my peers, each bringing their unique perspectives, cultures, and experiences to the table, has enriched my understanding of global issues and strengthened my ability to collaborate across borders." -Christian Menin MIDP'24

There are many ways to follow your passions at Duke through our student-led organizations and affinity groups. MIDP fellows are founders and members of a variety of groups, including ones focusing on social innovation, energy and the environment, and regions such as Latin America and Africa.

Learn about the student organizations in the Sanford School.

Find student organizations across Duke that match your interests on the DukeGroups club directory page.

Graduate students in the Sanford School of Public Policy enjoy program-specific events and collaborate on a joint social committee that organizes events throughout the year, including networking events, holiday parties and potluck dinners.

Duke’s International Student Center (DISC) offers cross-cultural programs, such as language conversation clubs, global cafe socials and an international graduate students happy hour, to help Duke community members from all over the world connect with and learn from each other. DISC also hosts programs and activities for international spouses and partners and celebrations for cultural and religious holidays, such as Holi and Eid al-Fitr.  

The Duke MIDP alumni network spans more than 100 countries around the world.

Alumni stay engaged with us by guest speaking in classes and at events, attending and hosting events, sharing job and internship opportunities, and mentoring current students.