Our ARES interns are making the most of their work placements!
Whether recent graduates or experienced professionals, doctoral students, teachers, or journalists, they all chose to join our institution to hone their communication and journalism skills.
Thanks to a bespoke syllabus within one of IHECS's master's programmes, these interns follow a four-month, tailor-made programme aligned with their professional and personal goals.
A cultural exchange
Hailing from Senegal, Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and Vietnam, the interns enjoyed sharing their experiences and their different perspectives on the world with the students and staff members.
In addition to attending classes, they will have the opportunity to speak in lecture halls, attend seminars, or contribute their skills to IHECS media outlets such as Fluid Radio and Mammouth Media.
A semester rich in every way
During their first weeks in Brussels, the ARES interns participated in an integration week organised by the International Exchanges Office. This allowed them to familiarise themselves with their new life in Brussels through various activities, including a tour of the capital, which gave them a first glimpse of Brussels' iconic and cultural landmarks, while also learning about the city's history.
They also had the opportunity to visit RTBF, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the Belgian media outlet, and to chat with a journalist from the international newsroom, Benoît Feyt.
Moreover, their semester will continue to be punctuated by excursions throughout Belgium and cultural visits such as the one to the Carnival and Mask Museum in Binche.
At the same time, they participated in a training session organised by ITECO (the training centre for development and international solidarity) on culture shock and intercultural communication. This shared experience aimed to help them better understand the challenges they had faced since their arrival in Belgium by providing them with concrete tools to adapt to their new environment. It was also an awareness-raising exercise, aimed at deconstructing certain prejudices and fostering a better understanding of intercultural dynamics—a key point for the rest of their stay.
To round off their stay in style: an event not to be missed!
The City of Brussels' Chair of International Solidarity will be the final highlight of the interns' stay. In collaboration with the first-year Master's in Journalism students, they will have the opportunity to create a radio show on a crucial topic: peacebuilding in conflict zones.
Through debates, testimonials, and workshops, they will deepen their understanding of the issues surrounding international conflicts and the role of each individual in promoting a more just and peaceful world. This final aspect will enrich their stay by adding a human and supportive dimension, making their internship both an educational and inspiring experience. Join us on 15th May to discover the fruits of their labour!
