Old Boys Success

In keeping with our desire to publish news about old boys we have the article below on recent old boy Ben Schaare (left). The article is taken from the Victoria University web site.

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With a family tree dominated by the armed forces, it’s no surprise that Ben Schaare has been awarded a Defence Force Freyberg Scholarship.

The Victoria University student, who graduated with a BA in International Relations, French and European Studies last year, has won a Freyberg Scholarship to study at the prestigious John Hopkins University (JHU) in Washington DC.

Freyberg Scholarships are awarded for graduate study into areas relevant to national security at a recognised institution in an Asia-Pacific Country, including Canada and the United States. Ben will start a two-year Masters in International Relations at JHU in August, with a focus on international law and economics.

Currently teaching English in France, Ben says the scholarship is “incredibly important” to him, not least because his family has a long, proud history of involvement with New Zealand’s defence force.

“My great-grandfather, grandfather, father and uncle all served in the army and my younger brother is considering joining,” says Ben. “This scholarship is a chance to make a positive contribution towards the debate and analysis of defence issues when I return home, and means I am able to contribute in a small way to their important work.”

The scholarship, named after the late Lord Freyberg, who had a distinguished career with the New Zealand Armed Forces, also means Ben is able to live in the US for two years.

“Studying there is expensive so, on a practical level, the Freyberg eases my financial burden. It also allows me to pursue my educational and career goals. I genuinely enjoy studying International relations, and the chance to learn at an elite university is a dream come true.”

The 22-year-old is also excited about immersing himself in the global epicentre of foreign policy.

“Washington DC is where it all happens and there are innumerable opportunities for internships in a range of areas from politics and economics to non-profit and development.”

When his two years are up, the new New Plymouth native is hoping to land a job with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) in Wellington.