Student testimonial
Student Sabine - MSc International Development Studies
"I did my internship at the Royal Dutch Embassy in Peru." Sabine wanted to do her internship at the embassy in Peru as this would involve looking at development cooperation from a different angle than that of NGOs.
I evaluated project proposals of Dutch businesses that were setting up new ventures in Peru.
Royal Dutch Embassy
“Via my network I found a position at the Royal Dutch Embassy in Lima, Peru. I wanted to do my internship at an embassy as this would involve looking at development cooperation from a different angle than that of NGOs. Within the economics specialization, I am interested in: firstly, international trade that takes regard of sustainability and secondly, critically assessing how to create chances for a country.
The embassy works on promoting trade through (Dutch government) programmes that financially support Dutch businesses that work together with local businesses in the region. This also includes projects supporting the matchmaking facilities for Peruvian businesses to find easier entrance to the Dutch market.
Dutch businesses
I got to do a lot of different things there: I answered questions about trade, prepared meetings of trade missions from the Netherlands, visited fairs and participated in joint meetings of all European embassies in Lima. I evaluated project proposals of Dutch businesses that were setting up new ventures with Peruvian business partners to see if they met the different criteria for a subsidy from the Dutch government. During my internship I discovered that contact with colleagues and diversity in work tasks are important to me in a future job. In a short time I got to know many people who have taught me a lot, it has been a valuable experience! I now know that I want to continue to pursue a career in the international trade world and specifically focus on how Dutch businesses can effectively and sustainably do business with partners in other parts of the world.”