Karen Adriana Castillo Ramirez (Spain – GLODEP Cohort 2022–2024)
After graduating from GLODEP in 2024, I began working approximately three months later as an Assistant to the Deputy Head of Mission and Political Affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in The Netherlands. This role has allowed me to apply many of the analytical, communication, and coordination skills I developed during the program, particularly in political reporting, stakeholder engagement, and multilateral diplomacy. I chose GLODEP because of its unique joint-degree structure, its strong academic reputation, and its interdisciplinary approach to development policy, combining economics, political science, and international cooperation. The opportunity to live and study in three different countries was also a key motivation, as I was looking for a truly international and immersive academic experience.
One of my key learnings from GLODEP was the ability to approach development challenges from multiple perspectives I hadn’t even considered (economic, political, social, philosophical, and much more…!) while maintaining a critical and analytical mindset. The program strengthened my capacity to connect theory with practice, particularly through applied coursework and my internship experience. During the second semester, I completed an internship with CARE International in Bénin/Togo, where I worked in communications and resource mobilization, focusing on gender equality programs and projects for sexual and reproductive health and rights. This experience was pivotal in shaping my interest in the development and humanitarian sectors, and it allowed me to engage directly with real-world development challenges in West Africa.
The skills I use most in my current role include policy analysis and report (briefing) writing, communication and drafting for institutional contexts, coordination with diverse stakeholders, and most importantly, adaptability in multicultural environments. Beyond GLODEP, I have continued to build on this foundation. I am currently pursuing a Diploma in Humanitarian Action, as I am committed to continuously strengthening my knowledge in development and international cooperation.
A moment when I truly realized that the two years abroad were worth it was towards the end of the program, when I reflected on how much I had grown, not only academically, but also personally. Living across three countries, engaging with diverse perspectives, and building an international network with my wonderful cohort gave me a level of confidence and adaptability that continues to shape my career today. Overall, GLODEP provided me with an exceptional academic foundation, an international outlook, and a strong professional direction, which I continue to build upon.
Looking ahead, I am very motivated to continue working at the intersection of Latin America and Europe, increasingly focusing on the development sector, and hopefully contributing to international cooperation efforts, ideally within European institutions or in representation of the EU.