Charlie Johnson: From Lawrence to the Levant

Charlie Johnson is an example of a student whose curiosity and broad academic interests shaped every part of his college journey. A recent graduate of the University of Kansas with majors in Global & International Studies, History, Political Science, and Religious Studies, Johnson’s undergraduate years were distinguished by border crossings, both intellectual and geographical. International Affairs at KU was a significant part of those adventures.

"KUIA has really facilitated the journey I’ve been on to understand how the relationship with the U.S. and the Middle East and North Africa developed, how to chart a course toward a more mutually beneficial relationship, and my desire to do more research on the region," Johnson said.

His engagement with KU’s International Affairs division opened doors to study abroad, language scholarships, and leadership opportunities. From organizing campus-wide cultural festivals to conducting research on religious minority persecution, his work has been guided by a passion for human rights and a belief in the value of global understanding. His experiences in Morocco, Jordan, and Oman have not only honed his language skills but also shaped his vision for a better world.

This fall, Johnson has begun a prestigious junior fellowship at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. It’s a role that will challenge him to apply his language skills and passion for global issues to real-world research projects, expanding a journey defined by curiosity and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone, whether that meant learning new languages, living abroad, or diving into complex topics. 

Throughout his time at the University of Kansas, Charlie Johnson’s academic and extracurricular pursuits were intertwined with the university’s International Affairs Division. Here are some steps along his undergraduate journey that were supported by International Affairs at KU: 

• Anchored his multidisciplinary academic studies in Global and International Studies with a focus on the Middle East.
• Joined the Global Awareness Program, earning a certificate with distinction and serving as a student ambassador. Through GAP he helped plan and organize multicultural programming and campus events.
• Studied less commonly taught languages, including Arabic and Uyghur, supported by scholarships and KUIA’s language programs.
• Participated in study abroad programs, living with host families in Jordan and Morocco.  His seven-month stay in Morocco was funded by KUIA’s Hodgie Bricke Award.  
• Benefited from mentorship and opportunities provided by KU’s International Affairs division, including connections with faculty and global programs, which led to an internship at a research think tank in Jordan that focused on international relations and regional politics.
• Received grants and awards including the Melissa Evans Study Abroad Award, KU Global & International Studies Abroad Grant, and a Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship.
• Engaged with international students, fostering cross-cultural exchange on campus and sharpening his language skills.
• As a part of his Global and International Studies major, conducted research and wrote a thesis on U.S.–Middle East relations, with special attention to the Levant and its complex political dynamics.

What’s next for Charlie Johnson? As he looks ahead, Johnson is considering several possible paths after his fellowship. He’s drawn to international law, particularly humanitarian or human rights law, regional work with refugees, and the world of academia and research. For now, he’s leaving his options open, and the ambiguity doesn’t bother him. For Johnson, navigating uncertainty doesn’t ever seem to be the problem—it’s just the next step in the adventure. 

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