Student testimonials
![Astrid Knox-McConnell](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/astrid_knox-mcconnell.jpg)
Astrid Knox-McConnell
BA History and Politics of the Americas (with a year abroad)
'I chose to study at the Institute because of the unique chance to take a deep dive into the US from a variety of different perspectives. The interdisciplinary nature of the department has allowed me to both explore multiple fields of study of which I am curious, as well as specialise in my final year.' Read Astrid's full testimonial
![Photograph of Max Traeger](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/max_traeger.jpg)
Max Traeger
BA History and Politics of the Americas | 2018-2021
'At the Institute of the Americas I felt that I had my own village community within UCL to belong to. I decided to swap from a different degree to BA History and Politics of the Americas after a call with the ever-supported Nick Witham, and I never regretted my choice.' Read Max's full testimonial
![Dr Paul J. Angelo](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/p_angelo_headshot_cropped.jpg)
Dr Paul J. Angelo
Research Degree | 2015-2019
'In deciding among PhD programs, I was looking for a department that would be challenging, stimulating, and supportive, and I have absolutely no regrets about my decision to attend the Institute of the Americas.' Read Paul's full testimonial
![Daniela Giambruno Leal](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/daniela_giambruno_leal_165x200.jpg)
Dr Daniela Giambruno Leal
Research Degree | 2015-2019
'The academic relationship I had with my supervisor gave me the space and freedom to think, make mistakes, and develop my own concerns and line of thinking as a professional and researcher. I am extremely grateful for this...' Read Daniela's full testimonial
![Wen Ma](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/wen_ma_2.jpeg)
Wen Ma
MSc International Relations of the Americas | 2018-2019
'Whilst focusing on the Americas, the Institute is open, inclusive and international. I highly recommend international students to pursue academic careers here.' Read Wen's full testimonial
![Holly Rowden](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/holly_rowden_rszd.jpg)
Holly Rowden
MA United States Studies: History and Politics | 2018-2019
'Studying at the Institute of the Americas provided an opportunity to dive into a rigorous and truly interdisciplinary MA programme and has given me the confidence to do a PhD.' Read Holly's full testimonial.
![Fergus Selsdon Games](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/fselsdongames.jpg)
Fergus Selsdon Games
MA United States Studies: History and Politics | 2018-2019
'The MA program at the Institute of the Americas proved to be truly rewarding. The coursework modules cover a formidable range of fields, while...' Read Fergus' full testimonial
![Professor Anthony Teitler](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/anthony_teitler_recent2_headshot.jpg)
Professor Anthony Teitler
Research Degree | 2014-2018
'Doing a PhD can be referred to as the loneliness of the long-distance runner but this was – fortunately – a very different experience to what I had!' Read Anthony's full testimonial
![Dr Daniel Willis](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/Daniel_Willis_photo.jpg)
Dr Daniel Willis
Research Degree | 2014-2018
'Whilst at the Institute, I was encouraged to follow my interests but was also supported to explore new research topics and contexts by supervisors and other staff.' Read Daniel's full testimonial.
![Teresa Kuhn](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/teresa_kuhn.jpg)
Teresa Kuhn
MA Latin American Studies | 2017-2018
'What I particularly enjoyed about my time at the Institute was becoming part of a close-knit community of people with different backgrounds and interests, who share a passion for the Latin American region.' Read Teresa's full testimonial
![Harry Garnett Sammons](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/henry_garnett_sammons.jpg)
Harry Garnett Sammons
MA United States Studies: History and Politics | 2017-2018
The most enjoyable element of my time studying at the Institute of the Americas was the academic freedom that we were granted by our supervisors.' Read Harry's full testimonial
![Carlo Catapano](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/carlo_catapano_0.jpg)
Carlo Catapano
MA Latin American Studies | 2017-2018
'During my year at UCL, I felt part of a true community, where professors, staff, and students work and cooperate with each other in a friendly and constructive atmosphere.' Read Carlo's full testimonial
![Olivia Arigho-Stiles](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/pic_oliviaa.jpg)
Olivia Arigho-Stiles
MA Latin American Studies | 2016-2017
'The Masters programme in Latin American Studies was invaluable in developing my research and critical thinking skills and was instrumental in my later decision to...' Read Olivia's full testimonial
![Joonsoo Yi](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/1.png)
Joonsoo Yi
MA United States Studies: History and Politics | 2016-2017
'Studying at the Institute of Americas was a crucial stepping stone in my career, and I certainly would not be where I am today without the support and guidance from the wonderful faculty at UCL.' Read Joonsoo's full testimonial
![Natalia Koper](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/n_kopper.jpg)
Natalia Koper
MSc International Relations of the Americas | 2015-2016
'UCL Americas provided me with the confidence and skills to advance my career in ways that I didn’t expect. I would strongly recommend this programme to anyone passionate about comparative politics, international relations, and human rights in the region.' Read Natalia's full testimonial
![Jessica Fernández de Lara Harada](https://www.ucl.ac.uk/americas/sites/americas/files/jessica_harada_womenstudents_image_-_copy_0.png)
Jessica Fernández de Lara Harada
MA Latin American Studies | 2014-2015
'I have been most inspired by the UCL approach in my own learning and teaching practice. I hope I can help other students from minoritarian backgrounds as my mentors at UCL, and...'. Read Jessica's full testimonial