Alumni dreams #207

Her BA taught Laure Burg to cultivate open-mindedness and pursue academic and professional interests. After she began a Master in International Affairs at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. So she moved from one city at the crossroads of diplomatic affairs to another at the heart of international relations.

Laure majors in Environment, Resources and Sustainability and follows a Conflict and Development minor. It stems from study of Africa in her BA which sparked interest to delve further into food systems, land degradation, and climate change-induced displacement.

Even without area specialisation all her assignments are tailored to the African continent’s realities and complexities. Although all classes have been online her experience has been extremely enriching.

Laure is a part-time climate change and circular economy intern at the International Telecommunication Union working mainly on e-waste management and youth engagement. It has been rewarding applying academic knowledge as part of a dynamic team.

Her fondness of the interdisciplinary nature of International Studies encouraged her to start an interdisciplinary master, a choice she has not regretted since.

Alumni dreams #211

Growing up in Europe meant growing up with a highly Eurocentric view on the world’s current and past affairs. Mala really wanted to challenge what she had been told, and what she read in the media. When she started to learn about African history, culture, politics and economy it quickly became clear to her that learning more about the African continent would be a lifelong journey. 

Next to studying the bachelor, she had the opportunity to join the student-led NGO Reach and Teach, which aims to help asylum seekers and refugees in the Netherlands to learn Dutch and English, and organises social activities for and with asylum seekers and refugees to further their integration. "It was a wonderful experience to work with other students, and most significantly, to meet and learn from people from around the world, who were generous enough to share their stories and experiences with us students."

Following her bachelor’s degree, Mala had the opportunity to follow a master program in International Studies and Diplomacy at SOAS University of London. After finishing her master, she interned at the German Development Agency (GIZ) before starting a traineeship at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). 

Recently Mala completed her traineeship as an Internal Displacement Associate at the ICRC in Geneva. This really was a dream come true for her. In the future, she aims to continue working in the humanitarian sector, especially in the field of Protection. 

We champion your commitment Mala, and looking forward to what you will do in the future!