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Georgetown Grad Ben Oestericher’s Africa Journey
WASHINGTON, DC — May 16, 2024 — Ben Oestericher, a recent Georgetown University graduate, explored sub-Saharan Africa and economic progress as part of his studies. His academic journey, marked by hands-on experience and a deep interest in civics, took him to Kenya, Tanzania, and Cameroon, where he researched climate change and local economies. He is poised to apply his experience, so read on.
Ben Oestericher: A Georgetown Hoya’s Journey Through Africa and Beyond
Ben Oestericher, a 2025 graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, has spent his collage career deeply engaged with his passions.Majoring in regional and comparative studies (RCST), he focused on sub-Saharan Africa and economic advancement, pursuing diverse experiences both in and out of the classroom. His journey has been marked by a commitment to the Hilltop community and a thirst for global understanding.
Forging an academic Path
Oestericher’s academic journey was considerably shaped by a unique experience in Professor Lahra Smith’s Proseminar—Migration in and from Africa. The class was canceled to allow students to attend a talk by then-USAID administrator Samantha Power, whom Oestericher admired.
Even though I was just a month into georgetown, I garnered the bravery to raise my hand and ask a tough question,
Oestericher recalls. He described the experience as starstruck
and an only at Georgetown
moment that ignited his interest in economic development and public service.
Professor Emily Mendenhall’s class on global hunger further solidified his path, challenging his preconceptions and revealing the complex connections behind issues like hunger and poverty. This led to a summer research prospect in Kilifi county, Kenya, where he studied the link between climate change and mental health.
This experience of interviewing those on the frontlines of climate change, through Professor Mendenhall’s mentorship, made me understand the importance of listening to local voices and understanding local cultural contexts when designing development projects,
Oestericher stated.
These experiences led him to the RCST major, which allowed him to explore his interests in sub-Saharan Africa and international economic development.
I love that the RCST major is self-designed, allowing me to shape my own focus and concentration. In concentrating on the Peace-Humanitarian-Development nexus in Africa, I was able to take classes across departments and schools on topics ranging from technology to conflict to economic development,
he explained.
Hands-On Experience Across Africa
Oestericher complemented his academic work with real-world experience. He interned at the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Bureau, working on public diplomacy campaigns. He also held internships at USAID, Mercy Corps, and the U.S. Institute of Peace, gaining experience across various sectors.
Fieldwork on the African continent was equally crucial. He participated in a program in Tanzania led by Professor Ken Opalo, exploring the contry’s history through colonization, independence, and modern development.
Professor Opalo challenged me to unlearn assumptions in my international development coursework—namely, that democracy was a prerequisite for development and that development trajectories should adopt certain Western models,
Oestericher noted.
A semester in Cameroon allowed him to conduct self-reliant research, focusing on the Anglophone crisis. He interacted with government officials, rebel leaders, and everyday citizens, deepening his interest in civics and local economies.
Applying International Perspectives on Campus
Oestericher’s experiences in Cameroon, Kenya, and Tanzania informed his on-campus engagements.As director of on-campus operations for the Georgetown Bipartisan Coalition, he aimed to incorporate these lessons into the campus community. This included fostering dialog after the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, and planning events with SFS departments to present diverse perspectives on the conflict.
serving as president of the GU Eating Society (GUES) allowed him to explore his passion for food and its connection to local and international issues. through GUES, he visited restaurants and food-related nonprofits in the DC area, interacting with diverse owners and employees, which complemented his studies in food security and nutrition.
Pro Tip:
engage with diverse communities and organizations to broaden your understanding of complex global issues. Local experiences can provide valuable insights that complement academic studies.
Say yes to everything.The four years will fly by, so take every potential opportunity to go to that talk, do that research project, join that club, or study abroad,
Oestericher advises incoming students.
A Future Shaped by Georgetown Lessons
Oestericher is poised to apply his experience in development, sustainability, and security, focusing on Africa policy. Through the Princeton in Africa Fellowship, he will work with the International Rescue Committee in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on the peace-humanitarian-development nexus.
He aims to work with the African private sector and groups that strengthen U.S.-Africa ties, with a focus on spending time working on the continent.
I aim to do so through work on the African continent,but I would like to eventually take what I learn into the government to support a vision for U.S.-Africa policy that builds win-win mutual partnerships among the United States and african governments, civil society and people,
he stated.
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Did You Know?
The School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University is renowned for its focus on international affairs and preparing students for global leadership roles.
