International Mobility, Global Vocation: The Story of Julien Stauffer

Julien Stauffer, born in 1979, earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication in 2006, followed by a Master's degree in Institutional Communication in 2008.

After gaining extensive experience in the diplomatic field in Serbia, Montenegro, and several African countries, he now serves as Head of Section for Economic, Scientific and Sectoral Affairs at the Embassy of Switzerland in Italy.

Julien was among the first USI students to embark on an international mobility experience, at a time when the International Relations Service was just getting started (it was founded in 2005). In the autumn of 2006, he spent a semester at Virginia Tech in the United States.

Nearly twenty years later, we asked Julien to tell us how the mobility experience influenced his educational and professional path, leading up to his current diplomatic career.

Julien, we’d like to take you back in time to your years at USI. What were your dreams and ambitions back then?

First of all, thank you for this dive into the past! At that time, I had a strong desire to learn and to explore perspectives and ways of thinking different from my own and from the world I had known up to that point. I dreamed of one day working in an environment that would allow me to travel, meet new people, and live exciting adventures.

What pushed you to spend a semester abroad? Was it something your peers were already talking about?

At first, we were asked to decide between doing an internship and going on an exchange. The turning point came thanks to the Social Marketing course taught by Professor Brinberg, which included a mixed group of students from USI and Virginia Tech (VT). He was the one who told me about VT, and the idea of improving my English, getting to know the American culture, and studying in such a different academic system convinced me to apply for a an exchange semester there.

How did the mobility experience influence your academic path? Did it change your perspective, interests, or ambitions?

The experience in the United States had a decisive impact on my journey. On a personal level, it allowed me to build connections that later proved essential for starting my own company in Lugano and developing new ventures. It was also the moment I discovered the joy of talking about and explaining my country to people from different cultures - both in the courses I attended and with my new friends. This enhanced my desire to understand Switzerland even more deeply: it’s when you’re confronted with another culture that you truly start to grasp where you come from.

Were there any skills or content you learned during your time abroad that turned out to be useful in the years that followed?

In terms of content, the courses in geopolitics and comparative journalism were especially stimulating. The learning approach was also quite different, with a strong focus on reading and writing weekly essays. And of course, my English improved significantly!

Did your experience abroad play a role in your decision to pursue a diplomatic career?

Let’s say it strengthened my interest in this path - an interest that was first sparked during my time at USI, thanks to the inspiration of several professors.

Which aspects of the exchange experience do you feel best prepared you for the international dimension of diplomatic work?

Life as a diplomat constantly pushes you to question yourself, to solidify your values, and to keep your knowledge up to date. Every 3 - 4 years, you change country, habits, and points of reference. You find yourself far from your family and friends, often in a linguistic and cultural context you know only superficially - if at all. After the initial excitement of the first few months, a phase of doubt and cultural shock almost inevitably follows. And yet, you have to be able to quickly build genuine connections, both personally and professionally, even in complex situations. Only then you truly start to feel at ease.

Many of these emotions and challenges I experienced for the first time during my study stay in the United States: a major life lesson, and a valuable experience for the future.

Looking at your career today, what would you say to someone who is trying to decide whether to go on an international exchange?

I’d say: go! precisely because it scares you and seems complicated. That’s exactly when you should do it. Stepping out of your comfort zone will help you discover strengths and resources you didn’t know you had. It’s in that space of uncertainty and novelty that the real growth begins.

Was there a particular episode or moment during your time abroad that still comes to mind today?

There are many moments I remember, but I fondly recall how on Sunday evenings we’d gather in the dorm kitchen with a small group of Italians, Germans, Americans, and Swiss to eat spaghetti with tomato sauce. It was our family away from home. Oh, and the Italians were the ones cooking… ça va sans dire!

What would you say to the student you were in 2006, with your backpack ready and a plane ticket in your hands?

You can’t even imagine how stimulating and meaningful this experience will be for your future. Stay open, nurture your curiosity, and never get discouraged.