SURF Alumni

"SURF has been one of the most influential programs during my time at Stanford. Researching Russia with Russian students has informed me greatly about the traditional research process and has also been equally fulfilling for me. I feel as though my research scope and questions have widened with exposure and collaboration with students abroad."

~ Emily Sehati, Stanford University (SURF 2025-26)

"I felt incredibly lucky to participate in SURF this year. My research alongside Russian students at Charles University made me more conscious of how fragile political freedoms can be and the importance of international exchanges in promoting democracy. Our study of pro-Russian propaganda consistently reiterated the importance of independent media in safeguarding truth, a lesson that crosses borders."

~ George Porteous, Stanford University (SURF 2025-26)

"Participating in the SURF program has been an incredibly transformative milestone in my academic and professional journey. Over the course of the program, I had the unique privilege of immersing myself in Stanford’s vibrant intellectual ecosystem, which exceeded all expectations.
 

One of the absolute highlights of the experience was the opportunity to engage with world-renowned scholars whose work has shaped global discourse. Meeting and learning from figures such as Francis Fukuyama and Michael McFaul was profoundly inspiring. These interactions not only expanded my understanding of complex global dynamics but also challenged me to approach my own research with greater critical depth and a broader perspective.
 

Beyond the invaluable faculty mentorship, SURF provided a collaborative space to connect with an exceptional, diverse group of peers. Exchanging ideas with passionate fellow researchers from various backgrounds has both deepened my intellectual connections and fostered a lasting network of colleagues and friends.
 

I return from this experience with sharpened analytical tools, a renewed passion for my fields of study, and immense gratitude for the Stanford community's warmth and support. SURF has truly redefined what I believe is possible in my future academic and professional endeavors."

~ Michael Sozon, Charles University (SURF 2025-26)

"SURF was one of the most transformative experiences I had at Stanford. It taught me not only about dialogue in a professional manner but also about cross-cultural exchanges and the current state of the world."

~ Fadie Arabo, Stanford University (SURF 2025-26)

"My SURF experience was truly memorable and meaningful. Before joining, I expected to learn more about Russia-related issues and international affairs, but I gained much more than that. The program gave me the opportunity to meet thoughtful and motivated people, listen to diverse perspectives, and engage in conversations that challenged me to think in new ways.
 

What I enjoyed most was the open and respectful atmosphere. I felt comfortable asking questions, sharing my views, and learning from both the speakers and other participants.
 

SURF helped me develop a deeper understanding of complex issues and reminded me of the value of dialogue, curiosity, and critical thinking. I am very grateful for this experience and for everyone who contributed to making it so enriching."

~ Anonymous, Charles University

"SURF helped me familiarize myself with international research work, including leading a research team when the members reside in different countries. I am also very thankful for the opportunity to meet with people from cultures other than what I am used to, and I believe such programs are important to promote Russia-US cooperation in a contemporary context, as well as in the future."

~ Violetta Solodova, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Montenegro (SURF 2025-26)

"Participating in SURF was an extraordinary experience, and I am grateful to the organizing team for this opportunity. The most valuable element of my experience was working on the team project and presenting the results at the two conferences. While I occasionally felt somewhat out of my depth with the topic we chose, I feel I contributed to the project to the best of my abilities.
 

Another crucial moment is learning how to (and how not to) work and communicate in a cross-cultural team whose members all have divergent backgrounds and expectations. Our occasional failures to communicate and settle on a reasonable compromise have taught me a good deal about managing a team project.
 

On a more personal note, this journey has been instrumental in helping me reconsider my relationship to Russia. Having left Russia at 18, I have tended to attempt to leave that part of my understanding of self completely behind. I felt so uncomfortable about having ties to Russia to the point of seeking to avoid contact with Russian nationals in Prague.

Socializing with like-minded people as well as doing academic research on Russia helped me to begin to overcome that discomfort and to reconsider my almost total rejection of Russia and my Russian background. This will perhaps be the most lasting effect of my SURF journey."

~ Anonymous, Charles University

"Coordinating a team divided not only by an ocean and several time zones, but also by differing mindsets and perspectives on global challenges, became a truly special and profound experience for me. I didn't just gain new knowledge and connections; I found new reliable friends who approach their tasks without arrogance and with genuine passion to exceed initial expectations.
 

During almost a year of challenging work, it sometimes seemed better to choose a simpler and less provocative research topic. Still, our team succeeded despite all the personal and professional obstacles we faced along the way.

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who helped coordinate or contribute to SURF for their exceptional efforts, to Stanford University for its generosity and hospitality, and to my alma mater, Charles University, for all its support and the knowledge I gained there."

~ Hleb Fitsner, PPE Program, Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University (SURF 2025-26)

"On a professional level, SURF provided a unique opportunity for me to learn and generate ideas alongside students and colleagues whose education level and years of experience far exceeded my own. The quality and depth of every SURF-related conversation and meeting, from cultural outings to policy briefings, motivated me to produce my best work, pushed me to generate higher-quality work, and equipped me with tools to advance my negotiation, people management, and public speaking skills to the next level. My participation in SURF has directly contributed to my ability to produce impact-driven deliverables and my capacity to facilitate cross-disciplinary collaborations — both skills that I find crucial in my work today."

~ Irina Gavrilova, Yale University (SURF 2016-17)

"The Stanford U.S.-Russia Forum was a fantastic experience and was valuable on both a personal and an academic level. Interacting with Russian students provided me with a perspective on current events, politics, and cultural issues that I was unaware of, and the research project helped broaden my understanding of the energy sector beyond the ever-narrowing scope of my petroleum engineering research. Speaking with Russian and American politicians and academics put into perspective how critical energy policy is and gave some broader context to the importance of the energy sector to both countries. Our trip to Tyumen was particularly interesting, as it highlighted the importance of the oil industry to Russia and showed the challenges present under the current sanctions regime."

~ David Fukuyama, University of Texas at Austin (SURF 2018-19)

"Coming from a military background, I had an adversarial view of Russia. My myopic perspective was quickly altered as I started to work alongside my Russian colleagues on our SURF projects. Additionally, my visits to Moscow and Tyumen broadened my aperture and helped me realize there are so many people committed to cooperating with the US and improving relations between the two countries. The opportunities to engage with congressmen in D.C. and faculty at Stanford offered nuanced approaches to challenging topics. The best part about SURF, and what I'm most grateful for, is the friendships I've formed with people from across the globe."

~ Major Thomas K. Schueman, United States Naval Academy (SURF 2018-19)