Мэдээ

By Bayarsaikhan Erdene-Ochir, Saruul Nanzadbaatar,

Enkhtuul Saintsog and Nandin-Erdene Bat-Erdene

On April 28, 2026, a group of International Relations students from the School of Political Science, International Relations, and Public Administration, National University of Mongolia, had an invaluable opportunity to visit the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar.

This visit is the latest chapter in a long-standing academic tradition. Senior Lecturer Oyunsuren Damdinsuren first initiated it in 2014 with a visit to the UK Embassy. Since then, it has become an important part of her “Diplomatic and Consular Relations” course, with students visiting different embassies every year to gain firsthand exposure to real-world diplomacy.

During the visit, we were warmly received by Richard Buangan, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, and Emma Lomax, Political Section Chief. We had an engaging and insightful discussion, during which Ambassador Buangan shared his professional experiences and perspectives on diplomacy. In particular, we learned about the U.S.-Mongolia Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership and its importance in strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries.

We also discussed practical issues such as visa policy and ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and streamline processes for Mongolian citizens. These real-world topics helped us better understand how diplomacy directly affects people’s lives.

One of the key lessons we took from the discussion was the importance of adaptability, openness, and cultural awareness in diplomatic practice. Ambassador Buangan emphasized that successful diplomats must approach other countries with respect, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. This perspective was particularly meaningful for us as students preparing for future careers in international relations.

When one of us asked about the challenges he faced early in his career, Richard Buangan candidly shared, “When I first started, writing diplomatic cables was a big challenge. I couldn’t quite capture the nuances and proper wording, and my drafts were often returned with corrections.” However, he emphasized that consistent practice made the difference: over time, by regularly writing cables and diplomatic notes, he steadily improved. He encouraged us to view our current studies as preparation for professional life, advising, “You should start practicing your writing early, so you’ll be ready when you enter the workforce.”

A particularly lighthearted moment came when Ms. Oyunsuren asked the Ambassador whether he knew his “Mongolian nickname.” Smiling, he replied, “I hope it’s not too bad.” She then shared that many Mongolians fondly refer to him as “Сэтгэлсайхан,” meaning “kindhearted,” prompting laughter and adding a warm, personal touch to the visit.

As part of the event, we participated in a short quiz on U.S. history, politics, and culture. This activity made the visit both educational and enjoyable, encouraging active participation from all of us. The top performing participants received commemorative gifts marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Following the discussion, we were given a guided tour of the Embassy, ​​including the Political Section, Consular Section, Economic Section, Management Section, and the Public Affairs Section. This provided us with a rare opportunity to observe how diplomatic work is carried out in practice. We gained a clearer understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of diplomats, including policy analysis, reporting, and coordination.

Overall, this visit was an enriching and inspiring experience for all of us. It helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, deepened our interest in diplomacy, and motivated us to pursue careers in international affairs with greater confidence and clarity.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the U.S. Embassy staff, especially to Ms.Zolboo Gulguu from the Political Section, for their warm hospitality and for providing us with this valuable learning opportunity.