Tomiris Otesh

Tomiris Otesh is a Masters student in International Affairs at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies. She holds a Bachelors degree in International Relations from MNU and has also participated in an exchange program at the University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic. Originally from Kazakhstan, she is interested in migration, borders, refugee issues, human rights, and international development. Her academic and professional interests focus on the experiences of displaced and vulnerable populations, particularly in regions undergoing social and political change. In 2026, Tomiris was awarded the Michael T. Corgan Internship Fund, a competitive Pardee School award that supports students pursuing high-impact internships in international affairs. Through this support, she is undertaking an internship in Nepal, where she aims to gain practical experience in development and humanitarian work while deepening her understanding of refugee protection, migration governance, and community-based approaches to social challenges. Her master’s thesis will explore Refugee Perspectives on Justice, Recovery, and Durable Solutions in Post-Conflict Societies. She plans to pursue a career in international policy and in organizations working on migration, refugee protection, human rights, and global development.