I applied to Notre Dame’s master of global affairs program in December 2022—it was the only school I applied to. At that time in Ukraine, constant Russian air raids made it impossible to take English-language tests in person. Although I had registered to take the one online, my December 2 test was canceled due to a major missile strike that knocked out power, including the internet. With Starlink at my office not working, Duolingo was my only option for showing my proficiency in English. Somehow, I was admitted to the Keough School of Global Affairs.
Sitting here now and reflecting on the journey that brought me to the Keough School, it feels like I’ve lived a thousand lives in just two years. I often joke that living through war in Ukraine means one year counts as two. These two years have provided a pause—a time to rethink my professional path. While I had previously been working with the UN Refugee Agency in humanitarian response and it had been meaningful, it wasn’t exactly the direction I wanted, especially given that the UN’s operation in Ukraine has often rightly been described as inadequate.
I arrived at Notre Dame expecting that, even amid the acute phase of war, there would eventually be a transitional period where my newly acquired international peace studies knowledge could be applied. My understanding of “peace” came from living through war in a middle-income country moving toward membership in the EU — hardly a place where armed conflict is typically expected — was different from what was taught at the Keough School. Many Ukrainians, including me, see rapid “peace” as a time for Russia to regain its power and launch a more brutal war several years later. We don’t live in an illusion.
My first semester at the Keough School was difficult, even disorienting, as it emphasized deep reflection—something neither easy nor comfortable. Yet that process has become central to my life.
One of the most impactful classes I took at the Keough School was International Organization in Global Politics, taught by Erin Graham. It helped systematize my previously scattered legal understanding of international organizations — my main area of work — and deeply reshaped my perspective. The course proved invaluable during my six-month field placement in The Hague with the International Register of Damages for Ukraine, which records all eligible claims of damage, loss and injury inflicted by the Russian aggression in and against Ukraine and serves as the first step toward Russian accountability and reparations.
Although I worked primarily in the legal department since I hold an L.L.M. degree, I was often asked to contribute research on the institutional design of international organizations. Having studied this topic in class gave me a strong foundation. Without it, I would have needed much more time to navigate the complexities of working at a newly established institution in its "start-up" phase.
Initially, I didn’t choose my courses strategically; I simply filled the gaps I felt I had. But in the end, everything I learned proved relevant and essential. That experience also shaped my capstone project, where I explored the institutional nature of the register and its role in both international and domestic reparative justice.
My field placement was the most transformative part of my time at Keough School. If not for the fully funded placement through the Keough School’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, I wouldn’t have had the chance to contribute to Ukraine’s justice efforts. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.
In my final semester, I took my most challenging class: a research methods course titled Violent Conflict in Fragile States, taught by Rachel Sweet. I gained a great deal academically, and combined with the demands of the capstone projects, I began seriously considering staying in a research-focused role for a while. Around that time, I was contacted by the Center for Civilians in Conflict about a lead researcher position in their Ukraine office.
Honestly, I wasn’t actively looking for a job in January when they first reached out. I thought I needed a break after two intense years. But things unfolded differently. After speaking with the team, I realized the role was a perfect fit. It focuses on a topic I find deeply important—understanding the drivers of international humanitarian law compliance in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine, including other topics like mandatory evacuation, Russian disinformation and more. So, I have decided to give it a try.
Until now, my work has mostly focused on civilians. This new role involves engaging primarily with the Ministry of Defense and combatants, which is a major shift for me—and I expect to learn a lot.
To sum up, the Keough School of Global Affairs and its Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies have helped me develop both the hard and soft skills I need for an international career. Most importantly, they gave me the greatest gift: the people I met. The friends and mentors I met at Notre Dame will always remain close to my heart. I hope to one day welcome them to a peaceful Kyiv, in a world where Russia is held accountable for its war crimes and acts of aggression.
Khrystyna Kozak is a member of the Master of Global Affairs Class of 2025. In addition to her M.G.A., she also holds an L.L.M. in human rights from Ukrainian Catholic University. Before coming to Notre Dame, she worked as a development officer for the UN Refugee Agency.
Originally published by at keough.nd.edu on May 16, 2025.