This summer, Master of Public Affairs student Marina Porto took her public service education beyond the mainland United States—traveling to Puerto Rico to complete an internship with the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF). Her experience reflects the Truman School’s commitment to preparing students to lead across diverse policy environments and government systems.
A Global Perspective on Public Policy
For Porto, the decision to intern in Puerto Rico stemmed from a desire to merge her academic interests in public policy with a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.
“I wanted an experience that would let me combine Public Policy with cultural diversity, and Puerto Rico has both,” Porto explained. “Its unique political status and fiscal challenges made it an ideal place to study government decision-making and intergovernmental affairs firsthand.”
At AAFAF, Porto engaged in projects related to fiscal policy and legislative affairs she found both demanding and deeply rewarding.
Lessons in Language and Resilience
Among the many takeaways from her summer abroad, Porto was most struck by the subtle complexities of language and culture.
“Even though Puerto Ricans and I share the same language, Spanish, it was sometimes hard for us to understand each other due to cultural differences and the meaning of certain words,” she said. “It was fascinating to see that the same words and phrases could mean different things.”
She also noted that the people she met exemplified remarkable resilience and optimism in the face of ongoing economic and political challenges.
“Despite issues such as emigration and political conflict, Puerto Ricans remain supportive, optimistic, and deeply committed to making the island a better place.”
Shaping a Future in Fiscal Policy
Porto’s work at AAFAF offered an invaluable opportunity to observe how public policy design and implementation directly influence a community’s economic and social well-being.
“My experience helped me understand the importance and impact of public policy on Puerto Rico’s development,” she reflected. “It also gave me firsthand insight into the challenges public policy analysts face when shaping fiscal plans and social programs.”
Looking Ahead
Building on her internship experience, Porto now plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Affairs or Public Policy, focusing on the intersection of fiscal policy, poverty reduction, and inequality.
“I want to build bridges between academia and the real world,” she said, “by bringing solutions to the challenges facing the public sector.”
Her journey illustrates how experiential learning opportunities, whether local, national, or international—prepare Truman School students to become thoughtful, adaptive, and impactful public servants.