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Binta Souare
(France – GLODEP cohort 2022–2024)

Written on . Posted in Alumni.

I currently work at the European Commission, in a unit responsible for anti-racism and non-discrimination at the European Union level. The GLODEP programme helped me build a strong European profile, particularly through studying and living in three different European countries. This experience was a real asset when applying for my current role. Interestingly, one of my superiors also studied at  Palacký University in Olomouc years ago. 

Why did you decide to come to study IDS at Palacky University (Olomouc, Czech Republic)? 

To be honest, I mainly wanted to travel. I discovered Erasmus Mundus quite last minute, and once I was selected for GLODEP, I was excited to explore a part of Europe I did not know at all. 

What were your biggest learnings during the master’s course? 

I gained strong theoretical foundations, especially in development studies, peace studies, and democracy studies. This knowledge is still invaluable today, as it taught me that arguments and interpretations depend on different schools of thought — a key insight for both my professional and personal life. 

How did your stay in the Czech Republic influence you? 
Coming from Western Europe, the Czech Republic was a real discovery. It encouraged me to travel to Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria, countries I did not know much about. I am still nostalgic about Czech Republic’s colourful architecture, especially now that I live in a very grey city. Learning some Czech, even at a basic level, still helps me break the ice with Czech and Slovak colleagues today, as they do not expect it and are pleasantly surprised.   

What stayed with you the most after completing the GLODEP master’s? 

Without hesitation: the human connections. GLODEP has been a treasure because of the people I met. They are still my community — nearly two years after graduation, we still meet and stay in touch. I found life-long friends, and almost a family.