Originally from Syria, Moustafa Tlass graduated from JCU with a BA in International Affairs in 2023. He went on to complete his MA in International Affairs in 2025. He started as an intern at the Guarini Institute for Public Affairs and currently holds a full-time position there.
Tell us about yourself and why you decided to study at JCU.
I was born and raised in Damascus, Syria and lived there until 2012 when the Civil War broke out. My family and I moved to Dubai until I came to Rome in 2019 to study at John Cabot. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to study yet. I had to take English, literature, calculus, and other classes, which I liked because it was a different educational system than what I was used to. Here at JCU, you have the opportunity to learn about more topics and interact with people from different backgrounds. I chose International Affairs as my major and I minored in Economics and Philosophy.
What made you decide to study International Affairs?
My grandfather was the Minister of Military Affairs in the Ba’athist regime of Hafez Al Assad for about 30 years. Growing up, I was aware of how European and US foreign policies influenced the lives of people around me. I saw that everyone has an opinion on how Europe and the US should handle themselves in a crisis. I got very interested in security policy, which led me to study International Affairs.
What have you learned from your time at JCU?
JCU has many advantages, especially because the classes aren't like large American universities. It is much more personal, so I’m never shy about asking questions on Middle East security issues, terrorism, or conflicting ideas I had about US hegemony. JCU offers a unique bottom-to-top learning experience, focusing on how policy decisions and policy inaction shape the lived experiences of civilians. Professors are very good at giving you a balanced approach and will always lend a helping hand. Beyond JCU, the city of Rome also gives you the opportunity to meet different people and hang out with new friends. In addition, it feels like you are constantly walking in an open-air museum.
Can you tell us about your experience working at the Guarini Institute?
I started at the Guarini Institute for Public Affairs as an intern when they decided they wanted to expand their reach. Their goal was to involve students, different clubs, and professors. I worked on a team of four interns and we did write-ups and managed logistics, emails, and communications.
Thanks to the Careers Services Office, I was offered a full-time position at the Guarini Institute. I thought it was going to be the same as my internship, just with more events. But now the focus is more on logistics and communications. It has taught me how to navigate the workplace under pressure. In the future, my hope is to focus on the Middle East to increase cultural diplomatic channels between Italy and Syria.
What is your advice for prospective students who might be worried about studying abroad?
You can't always be comfortable. If you feel uncomfortable, that means you've grown enough and you're ready for the next step in your career. It's not going to be easy, but it will allow you to be prepared for many different things in life. JCU has so many services, friendly faces, and dedicated offices that are available to help you become part of the community. If you are uncomfortable, just do it and take the leap. It will really help you become a better person for the future.
