News & Events | International Relations & Politics Program, Carnegie Mellon University

Alum Peter Lafave Teaches English in Taiwan, Finds Carnegie Mellon Helps Open Doors

:: Curriculum

:: Prospective Students

:: Student Organizations

:: Study Abroad & Internships

:: News & Events

:: Faculty

:: Contact Us

After graduating from Carnegie Mellon with a double major in International Relations and design, Peter Lafave moved to Taiwan to teach English and study Chinese.

Peter Lafave with his students
After two years in Taiwan, he will be heading to Beijing in the fall of 2009 on a fellowship to study Chinese full time.

When asked how his experience at Carnegie Mellon has helped him in his career, Lafave says, "Even on the other side of the world, it's easy to see the weight that the Carnegie Mellon name carries. When I tell people that I studied International Relations at Carnegie Mellon, I can see their ears perk up a little bit. They take you more seriously from the outset. In my experience, Carnegie Mellon grads hold a reputation the world over for being intelligent, well educated and, often most importantly, extremely hard workers."