INTERVIEW TRAINEE – Vladislava Kuz

1 – Why did you decide to join the EU4EU program?

The EU4EU program has provided me with the financial opportunity to do my internship at Globe Aroma in Brussels, Belgium. Unfortunately, the organization could not sustain a paid internship position on their own, while I also could not afford the move to Brussels. That is why EU4EU has given both me and the organization a chance to work together without financial constraints. I was also very inspired by the pursuit of EU4EU to create a vast network of motivated interns and interesting initiatives, looking for young talents. The search for an internship can be a very challenging process, and EU4EU strives to ease this struggle, offering a wide range of organizations across Europe, as well as reasonable financial help to allow interns to fully emerge into the process without more instrumental worries.

2. Could you share with us how your internship helped you develop professional and personal skills?

My internship was my first introduction to the management of a socio-cultural project, previously I had experience only in smaller short-term projects, while this time I got to emerge myself into an elaborated world of the organization I was interning for. I have learned the intricacies of navigating a multicultural environment, multilingual communication and public outreach. I could see how the project unfolds during all its stages, preparing necessary materials, contacting partners and participants. Moreover, I could finally see the reality of newcomers’ integration process, moving away from official terms to really connect with people and listen to their stories, learn from their first-hand experiences.

3. What specific tasks or projects were most meaningful to you during the internship?

During my internship I was doing various tasks for the other projects of Globe Aroma, helping with certain activities. One of such projects was “Art for Youth”, a weekly cultural or artistic visit, which was organized for refugee teenagers staying at the FEDASIL centers in Brussels. We would either visit museums, theatres, educational facilities, or organize workshops with creative professionals, making zines, short films and different crafts. Getting to know the teenagers, becoming friends and creating things together has really meant the world to me. I have learned from their bravery and curiosity during the project.

4. Could you explain how your internship helped with your thesis research?

I have based the empirical research for my thesis fully on the work I have done for Globe Aroma. Since I was investigating the influence of artistic urban initiatives on the sense of belonging among newcomers, I conducted a smaller project with the team and visitors of Globe Aroma. Together we have created ethnographic diaries, reflecting on our perception of Brussels and its vibrant culture, sharing our experiences and emotions. I was very lucky and grateful that Globe Aroma allowed me not only to see the functioning of the successful socio-cultural initiative but also allowed me to take initiative and conduct an ethnographic study of my own.

5. What factors led to you receiving a job offer from your Host Organization, and how do you feel about this opportunity?

I believe that, since the organization gave me a lot of freedom and opportunities to grow and explore, it has allowed me to demonstrate my full potential and professionalism, as well as the curiosity and desire to learn. This has played a significant role in the job offer procedure, since during the 4 months of internship I had autonomy as a permanent worker. Unfortunately, I was not able to accept the job offer, since I am a non-EU citizen, and the position was not satisfying the requirements for a high-skilled job visa.

6. What advice would you give to future EU4EU trainees about making the most of their internship experience?

I know it can sound super cliche, but do not be afraid to fail! I have embarked on my internship journey, being so scared of failing or not knowing enough, when I should have viewed it as a learning opportunity from the start. With the time passing I got over these fears, however, at the beginning they drained a lot of my energy. That is why, I highly advise you to focus on your strengths and your role as an explorer, you will know the answers later, and you will learn so much more that you have expected.