Internship at the FGCSS

Who would have thought five months could easily swing by like this? Hi, my name is Eunice and right now, I will walk you through my journey and experience during my internship at the Fulda Graduate Center for Social Sciences (FGCSS). I studied M.A. Human Rights Studies at the department of Social and Cultural Sciences at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.

During the 3^rd Semester of the programme, I enrolled in the cross-study course Fulda International Autumn School. I enjoyed the workshops and discussion sessions as well as the participatory approach of the cross study a lot.  It was during this week-long course that I became familiar with the graduate centre of our department - the FGCSS. Thus, while scouting for a suitable place to undertake the mandatory internship for my master’s programme, I reached out to the coordination about the possibility of doing this at the FGCSS.

Although my email was very random, the team engaged with me through numerous emails and scheduled a formal meeting represented by Norina Fischer (scientific coordination) and Prof. Dr. Kirsten Nazakiewicz (deputy director). I know my first email was random because, there was no advertised vacancy for an intern, and that was a complete leap of faith to have sent that mail at that time. This random email marked the beginning of five (5) incredible months of a journey I would credit some of the most exciting times in my master’s experience to.

The internship started on 11^th August, 2025 with a brief and friendly orientation at the Center’s office inbuilding 34. Over the course of the period, I worked on multidisciplinary tasks covering academic, organisational, administrative, and creative ones. As I reflect on these tasks, I am grateful because they did not only unmask and challenge my personal limits but also presented opportunities to learn and expand my skill set. 

Additionally, this internship built my network and knowledge capitals massively. I enjoyed participating and sometimes helping in the organisation of workshops for the doctoral candidates at FGCSS. It was refreshing to hear and engage multiple perspectives from experts in diverse fields in the social sciences. These workshops and events also boosted my ambition to further explore fields of interest in academia.

As such, another highlight of this internship journey was the teaching assistantship role for Norina Fischer’s Multiple Perspectives on Globalisation course for 3^rd semester BASIB students. It felt surreal to be privy to both sides of discussions in the lecture room and I enjoyed assisting in the lectures and the progressive delegation of duty during the semester. I also loved listening to how our students present discussions on learning materials very much that I always looked forward to each Thursday for our classes.

From redesigning the Winter semester programme, through being trusted with organisational roles during workshops, to giving a full lecture on “Human Rights in a Globalised World” and everything in between, I have seen person growth and development in my professional capacity through this internship at the FGCSS. This is a space where your voice and ideas are valued, you can be trusted with delegation and rest assured of some delicious breakfast pastries during team meetings at the office! Take it from me and send that email if you’re still dithering over or exploring internship options as a MAHRS student! (or any student at all)

By: Eunice Amankwaa Bekoe (First Intern FGCSS)

M.A Human Rights Studies 2025

Fulda University of Applied Sciences