Bridging Borders: My Transformative Summer in Riga
About the author: Noah Tan ’25 is a Global Studies/FSI The Europe Center intern with The Baltic Security Foundation in Riga, Latvia. Noah is studying International Relations at Stanford University.
This summer, I had the incredible chance to intern at the Baltic Security Foundation (BSF) in Riga, Latvia. It was an experience that not only expanded my understanding of Baltic and Transatlantic security but also gave me the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to ongoing research in the field. Throughout my time at BSF, I engaged in various projects, traveled around Europe, and built connections with people from different backgrounds — connections that will likely last long after this internship has ended.
Relevant Research, Important Work:
One of my main tasks at BSF was writing an article on the current research surrounding Baltic and Transatlantic security issues. This project allowed me to dive deep into the geopolitical dynamics of the region. The Baltic States — Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania — are on the front lines of security challenges posed by Russia, and their safety is closely linked to the broader Transatlantic alliance. Through my research, I explored how NATO, the EU, and the U.S. play crucial roles in maintaining the stability and security of this region. I also wrote an article analyzing how the upcoming U.S. presidential elections could impact Baltic and Transatlantic security. Given the U.S.’s significant influence on the region’s security, any changes in its foreign policy could have major repercussions. Writing this piece was particularly interesting because it allowed me to think critically about potential policy shifts and how they might affect the Baltic States. The timing of this research made it especially relevant, given recent U.S. domestic politics, and highlighted the critical role U.S. foreign policy plays in global security.
An especially memorable part of my internship was conducting an English language workshop for Ukrainian refugee students in Riga. These students had fled the conflict in Ukraine and were now trying to adapt to life in Latvia. The goal of the workshop was to help them improve their English skills, which are essential for integrating into their new surroundings. Working with these students was both challenging and rewarding. I worked with students ages nine to sixteen on grammar, vocabulary, and general fluency of English, even getting the opportunity to help one student prepare for her International Baccalaureate program in English. Despite the hardships they had faced, these students were eager to learn, and their resilience was inspiring. This experience not only allowed me to give back to the community but also gave me a deeper understanding of the human side of geopolitical conflicts. I hope to continue this important partnership with the BSF and U.S. Embassy in Riga.
At the end of my internship, I worked on a social media campaign to counter disinformation in the Baltic Sea Region. In today’s digital age, disinformation is a significant threat to national and regional security, especially in the Baltic States. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of disinformation and promote media literacy, fact-checking, and critical thinking. This project helped me develop my communication skills and underscored the importance of addressing the challenges posed by information warfare in our increasingly connected world.
Backpacking, Bucket-listing, and Broadening Horizons
One of the unique aspects of this internship was the flexibility it offered, which allowed me to travel across Europe during my free time. In Berlin, I visited the Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and the Reichstag — sites that provided a deep sense of history and a better understanding of Germany’s past, especially its role in the 20th century.
I also had the incredible experience of watching my Stanford teammate win a bronze medal in the men’s rowing competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While in Paris, I visited iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame. The city’s rich history and vibrant culture were captivating, and it was a thrill to explore such a storied city.
In Italy, I traveled to Milan and Florence, where I was awed by the stunning architecture of the Duomos and the masterpieces of Renaissance art. Seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and Michelangelo’s “Statue of David” in person was unforgettable and one of the highlights of my travels.
Building Lasting Connections
But perhaps the most valuable part of my internship was the opportunity to meet and work with amazing people. Raina, my roommate in Riga, became a close friend. I also had the pleasure of traveling alongside interns from Estonia, whose perspectives enriched my understanding of the region’s security dynamics. My supervisors at BSF were not only mentors but also sources of inspiration, guiding me through complex research and helping me develop my skills.
The Latvian people were kind, insightful, and embarrassingly fluent in English (though I picked up a couple of words in Latvian). They made my stay in Riga very special. From sharing meals to engaging in conversations about history and culture, the friendships forged will hopefully continue long after the internship is over.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my partnership with the Baltic Security Foundation as I return to school. The work I started this summer has laid a strong foundation for further research and collaboration, and I’m eager to build on this experience during the academic year. This internship has not only shaped my academic and professional goals but has also deepened my commitment to understanding and addressing the security challenges facing the Baltic region and the broader Transatlantic alliance.
Acknowledgements
I’m incredibly grateful to the Europe Center, the Stanford Baltic Internship Program, and Stanford Global Studies for making this experience possible. Their support and guidance were instrumental in allowing me to pursue this unique opportunity. Thank you to Olevs Nikers and Otto Tabuns for supervising me through my internship with BSF, as well as Kadri Paju for organizing a tremendous internship experience in the Baltics. This summer has been transformative, and I’m thankful for the chance to contribute to such an important cause while expanding my horizons both personally and professionally.
Ten weeks ago, I knew nothing of the Baltic region, let alone Latvia. I had assumptions about Eastern Europe and about how my internship would shape up to be. It was in connecting with the Latvian people, Baltic foreign ministries, and Baltic organizations that I learned so much about this region and its importance to the world. It is crucial for us to continue this work of person-to-person diplomacy; it is what I believe to be the cornerstone of true international relations. There is a quote by philosopher William James which I have taken to heart and which embodies the message I hope to bring to anyone reading this blogpost: “We are like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected in the deep.” Let us not forget that.
