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Ling-chih Kao, Human Rights Concentrator with a focus on labor rights Concentrator
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Ling-chih Kao is a second-year MIA student with a concentration in Human Rights with a special interest in labor rights. Her coursework includes international law, international human rights law, gender and international human rights, labor rights in global economy, and transnational business and human rights.
She is also interested in immigration policy and interned at the New York City Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs in the summer of 2007, working on policy research regarding immigrant labor issues. She was awarded a SIPA Fellowship and is currently working as the New York City Career Series Coordinator at the Office of Career Services.
Prior to SIPA, Ling-chih had a diverse background working in various sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations from National Taiwan University.
What drew you to SIPA?
“I was admitted to other professional schools but decided to come to SIPA because I am attracted to the international component that I couldn't find elsewhere. SIPA also provides unparalleled diverse programs and classes for students to freely explore their interests and reach their potential. SIPA is also part of a prestigious university community that offers all kind of events, activities and opportunities, not to mention its unbeatable location in New York City.”
What has been the best part of your time at SIPA?
“SIPA has an incredibly international and diverse student body that would be difficult to find in other professional schools. The people here are simply amazing. I love the times when I can sit down with friends here and have a real conversation that challenges my way of seeing life. It is rewarding and refreshing.”
What has been the most challenging part of your time at SIPA?
“The lifestyle at SIPA and in New York is hyper-paced and sometimes overwhelming. Also SIPA is a large school serving hundreds of students, so students need to be proactive and take the initiative to get things done. As a result, it is challenging to multi-task and manage your time. There is so much going on that I am continuously inundated with information and tasks at hand.”
Can you describe some of the activities you get involved in outside of class?
I am involved in some SIPA student groups such as Taiwan Focus and the Immigration Working Group for which I organized and collaborated on various events during the past three semesters, including movie nights, a photo exhibition, brownbag talks and panel discussions. I also enjoy going to musicals, operas or museums in the city with friends and having a nice warm meal in restaurants or home cooking together.