The Fribourg Experience
Embark on a summer like no other in the medieval city of Fribourg, Switzerland. Fribourg’s rich multicultural heritage and vibrant, welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect setting for exploring diplomacy, global governance, and environmental justice in a way no traditional classroom can offer. Fribourg Institute programs blend international adventure with academic excellence and give our students unparalleled access to the inner workings of the organizations that lead the world.
The People Behind the Mission
Dr. Andrew Armstrong
Founder & Executive Director
Dr. Andrew Armstrong is a dynamic academic with a global outlook and a passion for teaching. With a PhD in Political Science from George Mason University, Dr. Armstrong has extensive experience leading college courses in the U.S. and internationally. His love for mentoring students shines through in his teaching style, whether in a traditional classroom or abroad.
Dr. Armstrong’s international expertise is vast. He has collaborated with the U.S. State Department’s Sports Diplomacy program and serves as an academic board member for the American College Program at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. His contributions to political analysis have reached global audiences, including his role as a political contributor to Sveriges Radio, Sweden’s national public radio.
A respected voice in political science, Dr. Armstrong has presented his research at conferences in countries such as Canada, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy. He is also a Senior Associate at the Character Assassination and Reputational Politics Lab, where he delves into the fascinating world of misinformation and digital propaganda. Additionally, he serves as editor for a multidisciplinary series on character politics, published through the University of Amsterdam Press.
Through his work in the classroom, at international conferences, and in public discourse, Dr. Armstrong’s career is defined by his dedication to education, global collaboration, and insightful political commentary.
Beth Heflin Cauvel
Director of Global Operations
Heflin Cauvel brings over two decades of experience in international education to her role. Heflin Cauvel's journey in global engagement began early, first during a Rotary International Exchange experience in Australia, and later through study abroad experiences in Belgium and Japan. She holds a BA in Economics and International Relations from Wake Forest University and an MA in College Student Development and Administration from Shepherd University.
Heflin Cauvel's professional path has been rich and varied. Before transitioning into higher education, she worked as a political and economic analyst for Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Her deep commitment to personal and student development led her to found and run a successful social enterprise in Australia. Throughout her career, she has mentored over 3,000 students across several U.S. higher education institutions, fostering personal growth and cross-cultural curiosity.
At the Fribourg Institute, Heflin Cauvel continues to combine her passion for education with her global perspective. She is dedicated to supporting students on their international academic journeys, ensuring they have meaningful, transformative experiences abroad.
Dr. Trevor Thrall
Chairman, Academic Board
Dr. Trevor Thrall brings a wealth of experience to the Fribourg Institute in both academia and public discourse. With a PhD in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Thrall has distinguished himself as a professor, author, and think tank expert. His career is marked by the publication of ten books, numerous academic articles and book chapters, and a wealth of op-eds and commentaries in outlets like The Atlantic, Washington Post, Foreign Policy, and USA Today.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Thrall has served on over 50 PhD dissertation committees and mentored hundreds of students in writing their undergraduate and master’s theses. His passion for teaching and mentoring students has had a lasting impact on future scholars and writers alike.
In 2022, Dr. Thrall retired from George Mason University to pursue full-time work as a writing coach, helping individuals refine their craft. When he isn’t writing or coaching, you can find him enjoying the beach with his wife or out walking their two mischievous dogs.
Analise Schmidt
Academic Director
Professor Schmidt is a doctoral student at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. She has a Master's in International Relations, also from UC Louvain, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. Her research focuses on emerging powers' disinformation schemes in Africa, BRICS development programming, and European Union responses to disinformation threats.
Professor Schmidt has worked for several years in education, both in the development of educational programming and content, as well as in the classroom. She is enthusiastic and passionate about helping students learn and discover new things.
When she is not glued to a computer, book or journal article, or teaching, Professor Schmidt loves spending time outdoors hiking, running, skiing, paddling… name an outdoor sport and she will have tried or will want to try it.
Annie Davies
Director of Operations
After a career managing programs for international organizations, Davies is delighted to lead operations for the Fribourg Institute. She began her career working in international education at the U.S. Institute of Peace and is eager to return to the topic.
Davies has worked with non-profit organizations working on many issue areas, ranging from the environment, economic mobility, global health, women and security, as well as peacebuilding. Her passion for international education was sparked by her own study abroad experiences in Northern Ireland and Croatia.
When she is not working, Davies can be found chasing her four year old and/or two dogs around the garden.
