What they've said about the Hansard Scholars Programme

Over the past 20 years, the Hansard Society has welcomed hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate students around the world onto the Hansard Scholars Programme.

Here’s what some of those involved have had to say about the Hansard Society and the Hansard Scholars Programme…

"Since 1944, the Hansard Society has upheld the foundations of democracy and parliamentary government… It is a tribute to the Society that on its anniversary, parliamentary democracy remains as strong as ever.”
Rt. Hon. Tony Blair – UK Prime Minister (1997-2007) & Special Envoy to the Middle East

“In the long, dark days of opposition, the Hansard Scholars were invaluable in my very small staff. They learnt, I benefited, and the quality of Opposition was improved. I recall many of the Scholars and their valued contribution; I keep in touch with lots of them.”
Rt. Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen – former NATO Secretary General & former UK Secretary of State for Defence

"The Hansard Programme is one of the best experiences I've had in my life. I learned something new about British politics every day, whether it was in class at one of the top universities or at my internship. I worked with amazing people who welcomed me and gave me more than the standard intern tasks. I learned so much from my MPs and also from the other people in the programme, each offered a different world view and brought different experiences. I can honestly say I'll never learn as much and have as much fun in 3 months than when I was in the Hansard Programme."
Sara Naeseth - Presbyterian College, USA (Hansard Scholar, Spring 09) 

"One of the most rewarding experiences I've undergone to date. As well as the invaluable lectures, my internship with the British Institute of Human Rights (the UK's top human rights organization) was tremendously beneficial for my future career in international human rights law. I developed an even greater respect and understanding of human rights issues in the UK and was given the unique opportunity to discuss these with political leaders at parliamentary conferences and Whitehall events. All in all, an incredible experience."
Kristina Billan - University of British Columbia, Canada (Hansard Scholar, Spring 08) 

"This was the greatest thing ever to happen in my life. Being taught by British academics of the highest order and attending seminars chaired by Parliamentarians was incredible - my internship in the Houses of Parliament put the icing on the cake! To cap it all, the people I met and worked with throughout the Programme were wonderful.
Mbarbar Munyoro - Zimbabwe (Hansard/ Chevening Research Scholar, Spring 08) 

 "The Hansard Scholars Programme was an incredibly rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to see the day-to-day inner workings of the British political system, to take classes with excellent instructors at a top university, to experience daily life in an amazing city with countless cultural opportunities, and, best of all, to do these things with a fantastic group of talented people who shared my fascination with politics and government. I have never had so much fun or learned so much in the space of eleven weeks!"
Dyna Tuytel - University of British Columbia, Canada (Hansard Scholar, Summer 2007) 

"The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is a must for anyone aspiring to pursue a career in politics. The programme exposed me to the heart of British politics, to the diversity of views and opinions on democracy. It gave me a whole new angle on appreciating democracy. One of the greatest things about the programme is the diversity of its candidates. Meeting students from across the world is an experience that i will forever treasure. Until you've been there, it sounds too good to be true, but believe you me, it is!"      
Sibonginkosi Moyo - Zimbabwe (Hansard/ Chevening Research Scholar, Summer 2007)

"Unlike any other study abroad oppurtunity, the learning opportunities with the Hansard Scholars Programme are endless. In one semester you have a chance not only to take classes at one of the most renowned social sciences institution in the world, but to research as well as work in the heart of Westminster. Moreover, this program gives you the chance to meet a group of people that will surely impress you with their intellectualism and caliber."
Mohammad Darwazah - University of Washington in St Louis, USA (Hansard Scholar, Summer 2007) 

“Now that I have studied abroad in Oxford and held an internship in Washington DC, I am confident in saying that no other political science program can compare to the Hansard Scholars Programme. The quality of both the academic component, classes at the LSE, as well as the experiential component, an internship in Parliament, is beyond description. Throughout all my travels and studies, I have never had such a challenging, rewarding, and enlightening experience.”
Dale Kotchka-Smith – Loyola Marymount University, USA (Hansard Scholar, Spring 2007)

 “The Hansard Research Scholars Programme gave me deep access to the British political system. As a development sector worker in Indian Kashmir, what was most interesting for me was the insight I gained into how democracies function in conflict situations. I explored new avenues in my meetings with British NGOs and politicians… and all this was possible because of the privilege of being a Hansard Research Scholar.”
Manisha Sobhrajani – India (Hansard/ Chevening Research Scholar, Spring 2007)

“The Hansard Scholars Programme provides opportunities that are one in a million. Whether it is going to the debate on Iran, writing letters to the Prime Minster on behalf of your MP, having Guest Lectures from some of the most historically relevant people in modern British politics, or even attending the State Opening of Parliament – these experiences cannot be topped. But the Hansard Scholars Programme is more than this. The courses offered are rigorous but rewarding, engaging and relevant to modern day British political life, and life in the US.”
Joshua Greiner – Purdue University, USA (Hansard Scholar, Autumn 2006)

“The combination of informative classes, lectures and first-hand experience working with an MP in the House of Commons taught me more than I could have ever anticipated. This Programme’s captivating methods allowed me to study politics and democracy in an unparalleled fashion. It was truly an amazing educational and cultural experience and I would recommend it to any student interested in a challenging and enriching study abroad programme.”
Sean Malone – Northeastern University, USA (Hansard Scholar, Autumn 2006)

“The Hansard Scholars Programme was a great experience and I can’t wait to come back to London as soon as I get a chance!”
Shahryar Minhas – University of Michigan, USA (Hansard Scholar, Summer 2006)

“From rubbing shoulders with the movers and shakers in British politics to living in the heart of the amazing city that is London with scholars from all over the world, the Hansard Scholars Programme provided a plethora of extraordinary experiences. I honestly feel as though such a complete immersion in British culture — popular, academic and political — is something that only an organization with the stellar reputation of the the Hansard Society could provide. I highly recommend this programme and am searching for a way to get back to Britain asap!”
Michael Woolslayer – College of William & Mary, USA (Hansard Scholar, Summer 2006)

“As an aspiring lawyer, diplomat, and legislator, I have always had an interest in the process of making laws. The Hansard Society gave me the opportunity to experience this first hand as a research assistant with a Labour MP. In this internship, I got an opportunity to experience the process of making decisions on difficult issues such as Northern Ireland and the Middle East first hand. This is an opportunity that I would have gotten nowhere else… The classes and disseration were challenging as well because you were competing against the best students in the country and in the world, which also helped to strengthen my academic skills. I was extremely satisfied with my Hansard experience and would definitely recommend it to others.”
William Steinwedel – Washington College, USA (Hansard Scholar, Summer 2006)

“It was a great time out from a daily routine, an enjoyable adventure and no day was the same during my stay in London. My internship in the MP’s office, the lectures, the West End- nights, trips to Oxford and Bath, and even watching a Polo match in Windsor with the other Hansard Scholars, made it all a fantastic and memorable experience! If you plan on experiencing British culture and politics, the Hansard Research Scholars Programme should be your only choice.”
Marta Rynkowska – Poland (Hansard/ Chevening Research Scholar, Summer 2006)

“The Hansard Scholars Programme truly surpasses any other political study abroad programme. It is a launching ground for lasting political careers and I highly recommend it to anyone who is ready to experience politics on a deeper level.”
Shubha Shukla – Brandeis University, USA (Hansard Scholar, Spring 2006)

“The Hansard Society Scholars Programme neatly hemmed the theoretical, intellectual and academic notions of democracy with the practical ground-level work that makes government work. Studying at the LSE, thinking in their towering library and listening to renowned scholars and political theorists complimented an unforgettable internship placement at the heart of one of the world’s oldest democratic institutions – the British House of Commons. I left the Programme with new found passion for political engagement and a fresh sense of the importance placed on strengthening democracies around the world for the coming century.”
Michael Sterchak – Marist College, USA (Hansard Scholar, Spring 2006)

“Taking the programme was one of the most powerful experiences in my life! It gave me the chance to live, work and study with people from all over the world, which really opened my mind. In a nutshell, a truly amazing experience!”
Paula Florencia Fredes – Argentina (Hansard/ Chevening Research Scholar, Spring 2006)

“The Hansard Research Scholars Programme gave me an amazing opportunity to increase my understanding of the British government and political system. Through first-hand accounts and insights from the renowned Guest Lecturers, to the invaluable practical experience I gained from my internship and the discussions with other Scholars from around the world, the Research Scholars Programme was a truly eye-opening experience.”
Grace Kwok – Hong Kong (Hansard Research Scholar, Autumn 2005)

“The Hansard Scholars Programme provides students with a unique opportunity to actively experience British politics and society. Through the exciting combination of guided study visits, internships, and classes the programme offers an unparalleled study abroad experience. It provided me with a breadth of hands-on professional and academic experience which will undoubtedly influence the course of my future career. I was able to participate directly in the British political process while taking classes at an excellent international university. I would recommend the programme to anyone interested in an exciting and challenging study abroad experience.”
John Gardiner – Colorado State University, USA (Hansard Scholar, Autumn 2005)

“It would’ve been easy to learn about the Scottish Parliament from the classrooms in London but the study trip immersed us in Scottish politics and the whole devolution debate. Not only did we hear lectures on the structure of the Scottish Parliament and meet MSPs, but we toured the recently constructed Parliament building, strolled the Royal Mile, and met the people to whom devolution means the most – the Scottish people. This engaging approach to learning highlights the unique experience that is the Hansard Scholars Programme.”
Will Bowling – Brown University, USA (Hansard Scholar, Summer 2005) – speaking about the political study visit to Edinburgh.

“The Hansard Research Scholars Programme is a marvellous opportunity to experience British political life from within. Fascinating classes in a first-rate academic environment combined with hands-on experience in some of the finest political institutions allowed me to broaden my understanding of British politics in the most enjoyable way possible”.
Edon Vrenezi – Kosovo (Hansard/ Chevening Research Scholar, Autumn 2004)

“If you like to work hard and you’re looking for a wonderful study abroad experience, think about the Hansard Scholars Programme. I have met people from all over the world and have talked to them about our different perspectives. I’ve learned so much that you can’t learn in a textbook – about myself, about the world. I honestly cannot describe how much it has enhanced and changed my life.”
Ashley Gavarny, Goucher College, USA (Hansard Scholar, Autumn 2004)

“As an EU affairs reporter in Brussels, I have used the contacts I made during the Hansard Research Scholars Programme for my current work a lot. The Programme helped me to understand the British media, parliamentary elections and the party system. All the more so thanks to my internship placement, at BBC Parliament. ...This Programme is the best journalists could get for helping them to cover political issues in the UK.”
Lucia Kubosova – Slovakia (Hansard/ Chevening Research Scholar, Autumn 2004)