Joining the GLODEP program marked the beginning of an exciting, internationally‑focused chapter in my life. It became the key steppingstone that propelled my career forward and opened the door to my current role as Counselor at the Permanent Mission of my country to the World Trade Organization handling,issues as Market Access, Agriculture, E-commerce among others. Throughout the program, GLODEP exposed me to a wide spectrum of opportunities and equipped me with a solid foundation across multiple fields. Given my background, I chose to specialize in international trade. Between the second and third semesters, during the summer break, I secured an internship at the Permanent Mission of El Salvador in Geneva — which is now my workplace. Later, during my fourth semester and while writing my thesis, I completed another internship at the International Trade Centre (ITC). Looking back, it was truly a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience. Each country in the program has its own personality, and in...

I am Dilshoda Marufova, a GLODEP graduate of 2020-2022, currently working as a Project Management Officer at UNOPS in Copenhagen, Denmark. My professional journey began shortly after graduation with an internship, which led to a full-time position after four months. In my current role, I coordinate the implementation of development projects and manage grant portfolios across multiple countries, contributing to impactful initiatives, particularly in the environmental sector. GLODEP was a life-changing experience that shaped both my professional path and personal perspective. The program’s structure, which combines development studies with a strong economic perspective, is closely aligned with my career aspirations. Studying across three universities in different countries, alongside a diverse and international cohort, provided not only theoretical knowledge but also a global mindset. Many of my classmates remain close friends, and this network continues to be valuable both personally...

I am currently working as a Business Controller at WEP, an international organization that supports students pursuing study‑abroad experiences around the world. In my role, I support strategic decision‑making and oversee financial analysis for eight European markets, as well as the UK and Australia. GLODEP helped me get here by giving me a strong analytical foundation, but also by shaping the way I approach international environments. The program trained me to think across countries, systems, and cultures — which is exactly what I do every day in my job.   I chose GLODEP because it’s really a one‑of‑a‑kind program. Not many degrees allow you to live and study in three different countries, experience completely different academic approaches, and meet people from all over the world. That mix of cultures, universities, and ways of thinking was exactly what I wanted. Besides the academic content, the biggest learning for me was adaptability — getting used to new places, new systems, and...

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Climate Change and Management at the University of CA FOSCARI (Italy). The GLODEP program played a significant role in helping me secure this position by strengthening my analytical skills and enhancing my research capabilities. The coursework and academic environment prepared me well for advanced research and critical thinking required at the PhD level.  I completed my bachelor’s degree in development studies in Pakistan. During that time, I became very interested in exploring different aspects of development. I chose the GLODEP program because it offered a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to development economics. I wanted to deepen my understanding of development theories and improve my skills in development economics. Studying in Olomouc was a very positive experience for me. It is a peaceful and well-equipped city with everything a student needs. Personally, I did not face any major challenges during my stay. During the program,...

I am currently based in Lausanne, Switzerland, working as an e-Learning Assistant at the European Respiratory Society (ERS). In this role, I coordinate the full lifecycle of international webinars and digital educational events. GLODEP was instrumental in preparing me for this by providing a high-level understanding of international stakeholder management and the ability to work across diverse cultural and administrative frameworks. I chose GLODEP because of its unique Erasmus Mundus Joint Degree structure. Having the opportunity to study at Palacký University (Czech Republic), Clermont Auvergne University (France), and the University of Pavia (Italy) was a decisive factor. I wanted a program that offered a truly multidisciplinary approach to development, combining foresight, policy, and economics across different European contexts. The program taught me how to stay organized while navigating complex, multi-layered challenges. I learned how to synthesize information from various fields...

I currently serve in a dual role at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Zambia Country Office as a MineTech Hub Community and Ecosystem Engagement Officer and an Innovation Assistant under the University Innovation Pod (UniPod). My work focuses on supporting the growth and establishment of Zambia’s innovation ecosystem through program design, stakeholder engagement, implementation, and evaluation. A key part of my journey has been contributing to the setup of the first-ever UniPod in Zambia, as well as supporting the establishment of the MineTech Hub. Through this work, I have been involved in program design and rollout, stakeholder coordination, and reporting. I strongly believe that GLODEP played a key role in preparing me for this position. The program equipped me with a global perspective and the ability to navigate complex development challenges – qualities that are essential in my current role. I chose GLODEP because it built naturally on my undergraduate studies...