Vanessa (Weng Ian) Leong approaches global politics with a unique perspective—and a sense of humor.

“Some people follow celebrity drama. I follow diplomats and prime ministers,” she says.

For Leong, a double major in international studies and political science at UC Irvine, politics is more than policy. It’s a dynamic, high-stakes narrative unfolding on the world stage. She likens it to watching a fast-moving drama, only this one has real-world consequences.

This curiosity and engagement have guided her through an undergraduate journey defined by international experience, academic excellence and cultural exchange. Born and raised in Macau, (a city on the southern coast of China and a former Portuguese colony) Leong came to UC Irvine already fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. She’s also conversational in Spanish, French and Portuguese—languages she’s used during her studies and internships across Asia, Europe and the United States.

From the outset, she’s impressed faculty with her initiative and thoughtfulness.

“What stood out to me right away about Vanessa was her proactiveness and diligence,” says Ka-eul Yoo, assistant professor of global and international studies. “She approached every assignment—from written responses to presentations—with impressive attention to detail and a real eagerness to engage deeply with the course material.”

A European perspective

Leong’s academic achievements have matched the breadth of her experiences. With a high GPA and consistent recognition on the Dean’s Honor List, she’s taken full advantage of what UC Irvine has to offer. Leong spent her third year at UC Irvine abroad at Sciences Po in Paris, where she pursued coursework in international relations and diplomacy.

Studying at one of Europe’s most respected institutions gave her a new vantage point.

“I’d always had a U.S.-centric academic background,” she says. “In Paris, I saw how global affairs are discussed through a European lens.”

In classes filled with students from across the globe, she explored topics like U.S.–EU–China relations and global governance. The trilateral dynamics between these major powers was subject matter that felt personal given her own international background.

“It gave me a more well-rounded understanding of how countries interact. I saw how different the narratives can be depending on where you're standing,” she says.

Living in Paris also offered personal growth. Leong navigated daily life in a language she was still learning, discovering how to adapt in unfamiliar situations. Though Parisians were often quick to switch to English when she attempted to speak French, the challenge only deepened her motivation. She’s now back at UC Irvine, enrolled in six hours of French instruction each week, preparing for a return to Paris after graduation.

Leong’s global mindset stood out to Yoo.

“Vanessa combines intellectual curiosity with rigorous academic discipline and a truly global perspective,” Yoo says. “She demonstrated an acute awareness of how Western-centric frameworks often shape our understanding of global issues and worked intentionally to bring diverse viewpoints into her writing, presentations, and discussions.”

The power of narrative

Another defining experience for Leong was her internship in Washington, D.C., through the UC Center in Washington (UCDC). At a political communications firm, she spent the quarter immersed in the rhythms of Capitol Hill—monitoring congressional hearings, drafting press releases, and pulling together daily media sweeps.

But it was the substance of the work that left a lasting impression. She saw how political narratives are crafted and delivered—not just for campaigns, but to influence policymaking and public opinion. While much of her daily work was behind the scenes, she was energized by the chance to learn from professionals across the firm.

“I had coffee chats with people at every level,” she says. “Those conversations helped me realize that I want to stay in the field of public affairs.”

Still, the experience also clarified what kind of environment she’s looking for.

“D.C. felt very focused on domestic politics. I care about U.S. policy, but I want to work in a more international space,” she says.

That realization helped her start to envision a different kind of career—one that builds on the skills she developed in D.C. but applies them on a global scale.

A path shaped by global experience

After graduation, Leong hopes to return to Paris to begin her professional career. She’s looking for roles in international affairs or communication that align with her multicultural background and language skills. Her dream is to work somewhere she can connect the dots between cultures and markets. Eventually, she plans to pursue an MBA and open her own firm focused on international communications or consulting.

“I want to leverage everything I’ve experienced. Beijing, Irvine, Paris—it all shaped how I think,” she says.

Leong credits UC Irvine for helping her discover this global path.

“If it weren’t for my majors, I don’t think I would’ve realized Europe was even an option,” she says. “Studying international studies and political science opened doors I hadn’t considered before.”

Now, as she prepares for the next chapter, Leong says she’s driven by the same curiosity that’s fueled her college experience.

“I want to keep exploring, keep learning, keep moving,” she says.

—Jill Kato for UC Irvine School of Social Sciences