My EUROSUD Internship at the UN Population Fund EECARO

Hi! This is Can from Istanbul, Turkey, a final year student of the EUROSUD International Master Programme, currently studying at Aix-Marseille University in France while interning at the UNFPA EECARO.

While almost completing, I appreciate more the opportunities given and the doors opened by EUROSUD in different corners of Europe. I started this programme in Glasgow with everyone else thinking that it will change my life and career prospects and I am not disappointed. Even though the pandemic interrupted everything, including our mobility, classes, and expectations from future, it didn’t stop us to continue to study, blend in different cultures and customs, create networks and act for future.

Currently, I am doing an internship at the UN Population Fund Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office in my hometown, Istanbul. As one of the major UN agencies, UNFPA works on issues ranging from sexual and maternal health to gender equality and population issues such as ageing and youth. As the communications intern, I am pleased to contribute to such crucial issues for the region’s and the world’s sustainability.  As an intern for the regional office, I work with 17 country offices and several other teams to coordinate events, publications, and projects. I support the development and execution of UNFPA communication campaigns such as Day of the Girl Child, Older Persons Day, or International Equal Pay Day.

My background in regional studies from EUROSUD helps me to understand the issues relevant to different regions. Also, the international atmosphere and language abilities I had chance to develop throughout the programme have been important assets before and during my internship at the UN. So, thanks to the EUROSUD experience, I am much more confident and capable of achieving my career goals.