Record number of interns at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in Hamburg is the educational institute of UNESCO dedicated to advocacy, research, capacity building and networking in the field of literacy, adult education and lifelong learning. As such, UIL opens its doors not only to established experts, but also to young students who, as interns, are eager to have a practical learning experience outside the classroom.

In August 2012, UIL hosted a record number of 8 interns,  actively involved in all UIL departments (Publications Unit, Administration, Documentation Centre & Library, Research and Training).

Here is what some of them have to say about their UIL experience:

Essie Samtou, a Togolese, studying at Essen-Duisburg University, Germany: “I am impressed by the friendliness and the cultural diversity of the workers which nicely reflect the diversity of the  Member States; this experience is great and has immensely informed my decision as to what to do in the future.”

Koeun Lee, American, studying at Duke University, USA: “I hope to use my experience at UIL while pursuing law school next year, particularly focusing on issues relating to education.  Surrounded by the hard work and dedication at UIL has been inspiring, culminating in a truly enriching summer here in Hamburg! “

Thorsten Ahrens, German, graduate of Humboldt-University (Institute of  Library and  Information  Science), Berlin, Germany: “Libraries are deeply linked to the topic of lifelong learning and they are an essential basis for the progress of this global issue. The internship at UIL gives me the opportunity to support the UIL staff with my know-how as a librarian and to get broad practical experience working in a UNESCO educational institute.”

Mika Hama, Japanese, studying at Georgetown University, USA: "The experiences I had at UIL were nothing but incredible. There was a supportive and inclusive atmosphere at the  Institute, and I always felt my work was appreciated. My internship was 3 months, but what I learned there was worth at least a few years of studying in school. It was indeed a wonderful learning experience."

Patricia Ruth Cristobal, Filipina, studying at the Department of Education, Aarhus University, Denmark: "My internship at UIL has been a valuable learning experience thus far. Being involved in a project like GRALE has given me hands-on experience in research design and methods that I otherwise just read or hear about in lectures.  I appreciate being given the opportunity to do meaningful tasks, to be included in meetings and to be given a voice during discussions. This experience has provided me a venue to cultivate competences and develop insight that could help me after I finish my studies."

Further information on internships can be found here: http://uil.unesco.org/about-us/internships/