Emily Vo, a second-year Master of Global Policy Studies student at the LBJ School, is spending her final semester in Washington, D.C., through the LBJ Washington Center’s Foreign Policy Semester. As she prepares to graduate this May, Vo is connecting classroom theory with real-world experience on Capitol Hill.
As the daughter of two Vietnamese refugees, Vo’s passion for public service is deeply personal.
“Growing up, my parents' story shaped my understanding of resilience, opportunity, and responsibility. Their journey inspired me to pursue a career in public service and dedicate my life to helping create pathways for others, just as my family was given.”
Her undergraduate experiences at UT Austin, including studying abroad in Guatemala and working with Indigenous educators to develop ESL curriculum, reinforced her commitment to global policy and the idea that thoughtful policies can change lives. She knew the LBJ School was the right fit for her to get her masters degree because, as she says...
“I saw my own values reflected in LBJ’s mission: placing public service at its core, engaging directly with policymakers just minutes from the State Capitol, and remaining deeply committed to creating lasting change.”
This semester, Vo is serving as a Foreign Affairs Fellow in the office of Congressman Bill Keating, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe. Her work includes researching U.S.–Europe relations, preparing briefing materials, attending policy briefings, and supporting staff on issues ranging from security cooperation to economic development. Most recently, she contributed to research on U.S.-EU security cooperation ahead of a subcommittee hearing on Russian hybrid warfare tactics.
Through this experience, Vo has gained a deeper understanding of the impact of international development, humanitarian aid, and democracy promotion.
Being in D.C. has reinforced how critical these policy areas are to her and how much they depend on thoughtful, dedicated public servants.
For students considering the program, Vo offers this advice:
“I would encourage students to jump in headfirst, even if they feel uncertain at first. I was nervous about balancing demanding coursework with a fast-paced internship and moving to a new city, but the experience has been incredibly rewarding. The Foreign Policy Semester pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible and gives you the chance to grow both professionally and personally. If you are even considering applying, I would strongly encourage you to go for it because this experience has truly transformed my life!”
With the LBJ Washington Center, Vo is not just studying foreign policy, she’s living it, contributing to real-world decisions, and shaping her path toward a career in global public service. This experience has affirmed her sense of purpose and given her a clear vision for what she wants to do after graduation.
Click here to learn more about the LBJ Washington Center's Foreign Policy Semester. Applications close September 21, 2026.