Souliphone Dalavong (Laos – GLODEP Cohort 2020–2022)

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 such as economics, geography, and policy, and apply that knowledge to real-world project coordination. It also significantly improved my ability to adapt to new environments quickly.

The GLODEP program taught me how to stay organized and look at challenges from a global perspective, and I rely on these skills every day in my current job. For instance, I use project management techniques to keep track of all the moving parts for our international events and to meet every logistical milestone. I also lean on my communication skills as the primary point of contact for speakers and participants from diverse backgrounds to ensure information flows smoothly. Additionally, I manage tech and data by using CRM systems and event management tools to keep our records updated and maintain high quality control for all our digital content.

The most valuable part of the studies wasn’t just the lectures, but the cultural immersion. Moving between the Czech Republic, France, and Italy taught me more about international cooperation than any textbook ever could. It turned me into a truly global professional. The moment I realised the two years abroad were worth it was when I moved to Switzerland for my current position. While moving to a new country can be daunting, I realized I wasn’t nervous at all. Because of the two years I spent moving between GLODEP partner universities, I felt completely prepared to adapt, settle in, and start contributing to my team immediately.