Kimberley K Moxley

I came to the ICE Program after completing a year abroad teaching and researching language education practices as a Fulbright Scholar in Spain. Given the growing political upheaval surrounding national and minority language use in schools that I observed occurring across Europe and the United States, I decided the best path to continue exploring this phenomenon was through undertaking a research based Master’s program that would also offer me the opportunity to develop concrete, marketable skills. After visiting Stanford and speaking with ICE/IEPA faculty, I was confident that this program alone could provide these opportunities and more.

During my year here, I was guided through the research process to produce my own capstone thesis. This program component allowed me to apply the vital quantitative and qualitative methodology skills I gained through my coursework to the analysis of a real world educational policy issue. In addition, I was able to present my research at an international academic conference and to submit my master's paper for possible publication in a top-tier language policy journal. I believe this is one of the unique benefits of the Stanford ICE/IEPA Master’s program – every graduate leaves with tangible evidence of their research abilities that they can use to secure a great job or a spot in a competitive PhD program.

Outside of class and research, the Stanford GSE community also offers students a multitude of occasions to get involved and build their resumes/CVs. I utilized my extracurricular time to attend lectures with Noble Prize winners, work with undergraduates as a research mentor, and participate in cultural events at the Native American and Latino campus community centers. Over the summer, I acquired more practical policy evaluation practice after being hired as an assistant at the GSE Understanding Language Research Center.

By taking advantage of Stanford’s many distinctive opportunities, I am leaving the ICE MA program having gained invaluable research, service, and professional experiences. I have harnessed the skills acquired throughout this intensive program to secure a research and policy fellowship with the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, where I will have the opportunity to work on current legislation directly related to the policy focus of my thesis. I am 100% confident that Stanford was the best choice to meet and exceed all of my expectations for my graduate studies in international and comparative education!