Stagii de practică în cadrul Ambasadei României la Washington

Ambasada Romaniei in SUA ofera studentilor oportunitatea efectuarii unui program de practica. Programul ofera posibilitatea dobandirii de experinta profesionala de catre studenti entuziasti care doresc sa urmeze o cariera in sfera diplomatiei sau au un interes special in domeniul relatiilor internationale.

Descrierea stagiului de practica

Studentii selectionati pentru efectuarea stagiului de practica la Ambasada vor fi implicati direct in activitatea colectivului diplomatic roman din Washington , DC .

Stagiul de practica vizeaza tineri capabili sa abordeze o varietate de responsabilitati intr-un mediu dinamic. Candidatii selectionati vor lucra in urmatoarele sectii ale Ambasadei: politica, economica, consulara, presa, relatia cu publicul si cultura. Toate locurile pot fi ocupate simultan, dar, in general, acomodam doar o persoana intr-o sectie, pe o anumita perioada. Efectuarea unui stagiu de practica se poate realiza pe intreaga durata a anului.

Programul este un proces de invatare atat pentru studenti, cat si pentru personalul Ambasadei. Incurajam, in mod deosebit, spiritul inovator. In general, responsabilitatile se stabilesc de comun acord intre studenti si colectivul diplomatic astfel incat stagiul sa raspunda atat intereselor studentilor cat si nevoilor Ambasadei.

Desi atributiile pot varia in functie de sectia Ambasadei in care studentul lucreaza, experienta noastra anterioara a fost foarte buna in urmatoarele tipuri de actiuni: implicarea in diverse proiecte in derulare, editarea buletinului de stiri al Ambasadei, analizarea unor subiecte internationale, organizarea de evenimente, elaborarea profilului statelor SUA cu elemente de interes general si aspecte privind comunitatea romaneasca, asistare in elaborarea comunicatelor de presa, sprijin la realizarea paginii de internet, participarea la conferinte si intalniri cu oficiali si reprezentanti ai organizatiilor non-guvernamentale.

Studentii vor avea acces la computer si e-mail de lucru personal.

Ambasada Romaniei va emite Certificat pentru efectuarea unui stagiu de practica ca o recunoastere a programelor ce au avut succes. Fiecare student apare in buletinul de stiri al Ambasadei si pe pagina de internet. De asemenea, Ambasada va elabora, la cerere, scrisori de recomandare.

Eligibilitate

Programul este deschis studentilor care detin o diploma de studii universitare (in Romania sau Statele Unite) si studiaza in universitati din SUA. Programul de lucru este de minim 30 de ore pe saptamana.

Cunoasterea limbilor romana si engleza este esentiala.

Dosarul de candidatura  

1. o scrisoare adresata d-lui Cristian Diaconescu, ministrul Afacerilor Externe al Romaniei, in care descrie de ce esti interesat sa lucrezi la Ambasada Romaniei la Washington si ce astepti de la aceasta experienta;
2. curriculum vitae;
3. o scrisoare de recomandare din partea unui profesor.

Scrisoarea de motivatie si curriculum vitae pot fi transmise prin email la adresa atudorache@roembus.org 

Scrisoarea de recomandare trebuie transmisa prin posta in atentia dlui. Adrian Tudorache.

Ca parte a procesului de selectie, unul sau mai multi membrii ai Ambasadei vor conduce un interviu.

Studentii selectionati pot incepe stagiul de practica dupa comunicarea aprobarii Ministerului Afacerilor Externe, Bucuresti, care dureaza cel putin doua saptamani.

Cerinte

Stagiul de practica se efectueaza pe baza de voluntariat. Cerintele vizeaza profesionalism si responsabilitate in indeplinirea sarcinilor stabilite de comun acord.

Studentii trebuie sa isi asigure cazarea in zona Washingtonului. Ambasada poate acorda asistenta in gasirea unei locuinte.

La sfarsitul stagiului, incurajam elaborarea unui raport care descrie experienta de lucru in cadrul Ambasadei. O parte din aceste rapoarte pot fi accesate pe pagina de internet a Ambasadei.

Sorina Crisan

There are many wonderful words of praise which can be used to describe the summer I spent as an intern at the Romanian Embassy in Washington DC. I did not think that there was a place where so many wonderful people work together, and never have I imagined what an extraordinary experience I was to embark upon when I first thought of applying for this internship. It is wonderful to be able to say that ideals which have driven me to study politics are the ones coordinating the staff that I was to meet, admire and be inspired by. The internship of summer 2006 will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Before I applied, I read all the descriptions written by previous interns, available on this webpage, but none gave any information on how these students heard about this internship nor did they mention anything regarding the application process. In my case, pure curiosity and luck guided me to this website, which gave me two of the major factors that influenced my decision to apply: the amount of strong profiles of highly experienced young Romanian diplomats active at this embassy, and, the wonderful condition of the website, always updated with a variety of events and happenings, which demonstrates a highly dynamic and active center – something that I found to be more than true once I started working here. One can never get bored while working at this embassy!
To briefly address the application process, I would advise all interested students, to apply for this internship a good few months in advance to the date they would like to start working as the application process might take some time due to the high number of applications received and the many admission and clearance steps that applications must undergo. Applicants must be admitted by both the embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest. Do not worry though, as throughout this journey Ms. Raluca Golumbeanu is highly supportive and wonderful at getting back to you with all the needed information and material.
In order to describe my impressions regarding this internship and why I think students should be interested in applying, one has to know that this institution perfectly portrays the life of a diplomat. This internship has shown me a political facet that I never thought I would see and actually be emerged into. Starting with the initial gesture of Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, who asked the interns to join the staff meeting from the first day of work, a wonderful way of meeting everyone and understanding from the start that the Romanian government beneficiates of an amazing staff abroad. From this first day I was treated as a colleague.
As a Political Science major with a double minor in Economics and Spanish, I successfully satisfied my interest in working with the economic and political sections, while also helping in the press, communication and cultural section. Almost on a daily basis, I was in charge of compiling and critically analyzing news from the main US newspapers for the American Press Magazine, sent every day to Bucharest. I was also involved in helping to organize conferences such as the ATHGO International Summit held at the World Bank, official meetings and receptions; preparing company profiles, syntheses and analyses regarding Romania-US economic cooperation for the Presidential visit; representing our Embassy at numerous seminars organized by Washington-based think tanks, and attending hearings on Capitol Hill on foreign policy topics followed by writing reports on these events which were later sent to the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Bucharest. This internship has been very helpful in terms of finding information and learning various economical, political and cultural aspects about Romania and its relationship with the US, information that I will further use in writing my thesis throughout the 2006-2007 academic year, my last year of college.
One of the highlights of this internship was meeting the Romanian President, Traian Basescu. When I applied for this internship I did not think I would get the chance to work at the embassy the summer when the staff would be preparing a presidential visit. It was extraordinary to gain first hand experience in organizing and attending such meetings and to actually meet all the members of the Romanian delegacy. At the end of the visit Ambassador Ducaru gave a speech and thanked all the embassy staff for all their hard work throughout the preparation process and further on during the visit. I became speechless when I heard all the diplomats applaud as a sign of gratitude, the work that the two interns have put in to create such a successful visit.

Thank you Mr. Ambassador Sorin Ducaru for leading such a wonderful group of people and gracefully portraying the spirit of Romania in US; this internship offered me insight into the work and responsibilities held by our embassy in Washington DC and opened a new awareness towards the world and the two societies I have been living in, making me feel so close to home while being so far.
Last but not least, I would like to thank each member of the embassy for always being so helpful, resourceful and encouraging, for inspiring and guiding me through these new lands of politics and helping me decide what my next life step will be.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the embassy family, for this wonderful summer and for showing me the side of your institution that only a few people have the privilege to experience.
You have my true respect and admiration.

Yours sincerely,
Sorina I. Crisan

Sinziana Poiana

In June 2006, I had the wonderful opportunity to join the team of the Romanian Embassy in Washington DC. When starting to describe my experience at the Embassy there are not any other words coming up in my mind except “honor” and “privilege” to have had the chance to represent my country in the capital city of the United States of America. Even though the time spent there was very short, I believe it was enough for me to form an impression on the diplomatic environment in Washington DC.

I came to the United States in August 2005 as an international exchange student at Randolph – Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia, and I was supposed to leave the States on the 8th of May 2006. Four days before my planned departure I got the news: “His Excellency Mr. Ambasador Sorin Ducaru has looked over your application and you were accepted for the internship with the Romanian Embassy.” I honestly have not given much thought about it. I knew it right away: I wanted to stay. Working for a month at the Embassy proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

From the moment when I stepped through the door of the Embassy I felt welcome. It was so exciting just to hear people speaking only Romanian around me. That had not happen in almost one year. Once Raluca introduced me to H.E. Mr. Ambassador Sorin Ducaru I received my first task: the preparation of a report on the situation of the congressional elections which were to take place in November 2006. The rest of the tasks came as I went on: preparing different reports and translations for the press department, helping with the organization of the events taking place at the Embassy or putting together databases. Except the every day tasks, I also had the opportunity to take part to events and briefings organized by the think tanks or embassies in Washington DC. I got the chance to meet many people and learn a lot about the insights of the work as a diplomat. For example, while I was visiting the US Capitol, my fellow interns and I rode on the same train with Senator John McCain and spotted Senator Obama. Unfortunately, my internship was over in the midst of the preparations for the visit of Mr. President Traian Basescu.

My thoughts about the time spent at the Embassy would be only half-complete if I would not mention the impression that the embassy staff left on me. The members of the Washington DC team marked me through their professionalism, their knowledge, their respect for all the members of the Embassy and the wonderful home-like atmosphere that they manage to create by working together. I can only thank them for everything they taught me in such a short time, for all their confidence and for receiving me so kindly and openheartedly among them.

Now, when I am in Romania, looking back on my American experience, I realize that the past year, the best year of my life so far, would have never been as valuable or as valued without my internship at the Romanian Embassy in Washington DC.

Irina VINTILA

I do not think I could have asked for a better experience during my time as an intern at the Embassy of Romania in Washington, D.C. My internship lasted from September through December 2005 and I am only sad to have had to leave. I gained valuable experience that will help me in my future endeavors in the work place and I felt that I was given the opportunity to apply all of the knowledge that I have gained through my studies in college.

It was wonderful to gain some experience in the international realm of both politics and cultural affairs. I have never had an internship that dealt with international issues and it was great to get a different perspective on politics. Having been born in Romania but raised in the United States since the age of two, my parents always had it in mind to make sure I never lost my cultural identity – though I did lose some of my language skills! Luckily, after working at the Embassy of Romania for a few months I was able to brush up on my Romanian and I am sure my parents will appreciate that!

During my time at the embassy I was given the opportunity to create an informational packet about Romanian culture, traditions, history, and much more that will be used in future public relations outreach programs for school children and libraries that send in letters requesting information about Romania. I was also placed in charge of creating a PowerPoint presentation with talking points about the changes in the Romanian educational system from 1989-present to be used by embassy staff.

On a daily basis, I was charged with putting together the daily news magazine which involved the surveying of several newspapers to gather articles of the utmost importance to the embassy staff, particularly articles dealing with Washington politics and Europe. A major component of my internship at the Embassy of Romania was to translate documents such as press releases and memos from Romanian to English and vice versa – another task that managed to help me with my Romanian language skills!

Overall, my experience can be summed up in one word: wonderful! The embassy staff was more than delightful to work with and I was really made to feel at home. Who knows, I may enter the international political world as a career thanks to my time at the Embassy of Romania, it has definitely sparked that interest in me! I feel that I have made some lasting connections that will help me in the future and I could not have asked for more.

Andreea BALABAN

Last summer I had the great opportunity to intern at the Romanian Embassy in Washington DC. It was a great and enriching experience both from a professional and a personal point of view.

As an intern within the culture and press department, I learned about the efforts an Embassy has to make in order to culturally best represent its country abroad. During my internship, the Embassy organized one big cultural event featuring the famous pan flute interpreter Nicolae Voiculet and a Romanian icons exhibition. Organizing this event was one of the highlights of my internship, and I enjoyed working with Mrs. Ilinca Ilie, and learned a lot about the job she is doing. I also enjoyed preparing the press reports for the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as it gave me a good insight into American newspapers, periodicals and magazines. Thus, I learned about the current political and international trends concerning the transatlantic relationship, and mostly about the US foreign policy and how US citizen and journalists view it. In order to learn more about global conflicts and policies, I was able to attend, together with the other interns, several hearings at Capitol Hill, World Bank and Radio Free Europe.

Getting to know the team that works at the Romanian Embassy and making new friends made my summer experience in Washington DC even more valuable. Besides working together at the Embassy at our common project that implied updating the database of think-tanks and academic institutions, we decided to discover the US capital together, and it felt good to share everything with them.

I am sure we will all remember our summer days in Washington DC, and the laughs we had together. I am very thankful to everybody who was a part of my life and work at the Embassy, and hope that this internship program will continue to be as fruitful in the future.

Ruxandra BACIU

The internship at the Romanian Embassy in Washington has been an extremely valuable experience for my career. I learnt what it means to be part of a professional team, how important is to gain the trust of your colleagues and your superiors and how appreciated is to take initiative.

I felt that I was part of the embassy team from the day Ambassador Sorin Ducaru asked me to attend the embassy’s staff meetings. The main focus of our team during my internship was the preparation of the recent visit of the Romanian President, Traian Basescu. I had the opportunity to work with the team that was responsible for the President’s visit to Detroit.

Being in the middle of the events was by far the greatest experience an intern can have. As part of the work I have done for the visit was to draft the bios of the officials who met with the President both in San Francisco as well as Detroit. More over, I had the opportunity to give my input towards the talking points needed for the meeting that President Basescu had with the professors and students at Stanford University. In Detroit, together with my colleagues from the Embassy, with whom I developed a friendship during my stay in Washington, I was responsible for the Romanian press delegation. In addition, I helped out with the reception attended by hundreds of Romanian-Americans from the Midwest, as well as the business dinner hosted in honor of the President.

The trust that the ambassador and the diplomats at the Embassy gave me has been critical and made me feel confident. The climax of my internship came in Detroit, when President Basescu asked about “the student from Cluj”, referring to me. I was so happy to learn that ambassador Ducaru told the President about me. I was basically overwhelmed by the question and I felt that I made a good impression on the ambassador. He always acknowledges the work of his team, and this time he included me as well.

As an intern at the embassy, taking initiative is highly appreciated. As soon as I arrived at the Embassy, I met with ambassador Ducaru and I mentioned that I would like to develop a project that involves Romanians who study in America. I decided to contact all Romanian Students Associations from the United States and ask them to be part of the Embassy’s project. They liked the idea and were very committed to this initiative. Hence, I was able to gather the contact information of 25 Romanian Students Associations and the goal is to compile this information into a map which will soon be available on the Embassy’s web site. I believe this map is as helpful for the future Romanian students coming to study in US as is for the existing ones. There was limited contact between the students and I hope that through my project I created a bridge that will allow them to develop future projects together.

Besides learning about the challenges Romania faces today, I was able to observe the incredible skills of our diplomats as they represent our great nation in Washington. Also, I deepened my knowledge on the special relationship between Romania and the United States, as well as the opportunities waiting ahead of us. I like to think that I took the best out of each project.

As I am preparing to go back to school, I only have one piece of advice for all Romanian students: the internship at the Embassy is a great experience and it feels wonderful to serve your country!

Angelica FARTAIS

Pentru un student "american" de pe Coasta de Vest a Statelor Unite, Washington DC a fost un miraj . . .tangibil. Sa fii parte din nucleul vieţii politice americane, chiar si pentru o vara, e nu numai o realizare de trecut in CV, dar si o oportunitate de a cunoaşte o lume pe care mulţi dintre noi o vedem evoluând abstract, in mass-media.

Ambasada României la Washington este o oaza de "acasă" si mai ales, o familie. Pentru mine, ambasada înseamnă in primul rând un colectiv tânăr si realmente entuziast, din care am simţit ca fac parte din prima zi, o locaţie in una din zonele cele mai minunate ale vechiului Washington si doua luni care au trecut prea repede.

Internship-ul mi-a oferit nu doar ocazia sa cunosc lumea diplomatica sub toate aspectele ei, dar mi-a adus si multe prietenii noi, atât in cadrul ambasadei, cat si in afara ei. Domnul Ambasador Ducaru a făcut tot posibilul ca atât eu, cat si ceilalţi interni, sa ne simţim bineveniţi si implicaţi in viata ambasadei, iar uşa dumnealui a fost in permanenta deschisa pentru noi. Din punct de vedere professional, atât domnul ambasador, cat si ceilalţi membri ai corpului diplomatic roman (pe care indraznesc sa-i numesc colegii mei), au fost un sprijin si un model .

A fost o experienţa unica si de neuitat, pentru care vreau sa le mulţumesc tuturor angajaţilor ambasadei si pe care o recomand tuturor studenţilor romani, oriunde s-ar afla ei.

Nicoleta MARINESCU

My internship with the Romanian Embassy in Washington from April through June 2005 was a great learning experience both on a professional and on a personal level.

I came to the Embassy wanting to gain a deeper insight into the relations between the US and Romania, as well as to enrich my knowledge of Romanian culture and intellectuals in the US. As a Comparative Literature graduate student at Harvard University focusing on contemporary literature and politics, I have a deep interest in twentieth century and current Romanian intellectual history. The Romanian Embassy in Washington keeps close ties with numerous academic institutions in the US, proving to be a wonderful gateway to the Romanian-American cultural world.

A very gracious host of several events promoting Romanian culture held during my internship, H.E. Ambassador Sorin Ducaru also turned out to be personal friends with some of the Romanian-American writers in whose works I was keenly interested. Kindly supportive of my research interests from our very first discussion, Ambassador Ducaru arranged for my meeting with Dr.Vladimir Tismaneanu, Political Science Professor at the University of Maryland, during a friendly visit the latter paid to him at the Embassy. Given Professor Tismaneanu's unparalleled expertise in matters of Romanian political history that bear significant relevance to my graduate school research, I was remarkably fortunate and privileged to have this opportunity to speak with him about his work and about present day Romanian realities. Professor Tismaneanu's welcoming and unassuming manner made it all the more a pleasure to exchange thoughts with him. Being in the company of two such distinguished personalities as H.E. Ambassador Sorin Ducaru and Professor Vladimir Tismaneanu as we discussed current Romanian politics and culture was one of the highlights of my internship –it is an experience I treasure deeply and for which I feel very indebted and very grateful to both.

My most important work at the Embassy consisted of projects such as researching Romanian-American academics and academic programs in the US that promote and teach Romanian language, literature and culture; searching for ways of increasing the participation of US universities in the annual Bucharest College Fair, an engaging project on which I will continue to work throughout the year; and, most significantly, reporting home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on issues of importance to Romania, on which I became informed through research and by attending Senate hearings, as well as lectures and seminars held by DC think-tanks.

The last three weeks of my internship with the Embassy were both the most intense and the most fruitful. Joined by three other interns, closely guided on several group projects by Ms. Nadia Crisan, I got to experience the benefits of team work at its best through a combination of synergy and sunshine (remember this is June in DC!). I bear the fondest memories of our group meetings to discuss the progress of our project and strategize on our next steps. For this wonderful opportunity to learn from one another and work together, I am very grateful to Ms. Crisan, and to my fellow interns Andreea, Angelica, and Ionut.

I look forward to staying in touch and collaborating with the Embassy on some of its on-going projects.

Laura TAUTU

The most fascinating experience of my life: an invaluable encounter with the Romanian Diplomacy
Keep on looking straight ahead!!!
And if the Land you are looking for does not exist yet, BE Sure that Destiny will create it if only to reward your longing.
It is hard indeed, if not impossible to express in words the excitement that the five months spent interning at the Romanian Embassy in Washington DC have brought me.
It was fascinating to work daily with brilliant diplomats whose professionalism, commitment, efficiency and nobleness will always remain vivid in my mind and heart.
I have been delighted to meet and work together with remarkable people who represent, with so much majesty and brilliance my country abroad at a diplomatic level.
I would love to express my profound gratitude towards Their Excellencies Ambassador Sorin Ducaru and Mrs. Carmen Ducaru who are a wonderful example for whoever intends to represent our country abroad at any of the economical, political, cultural or diplomatical level. I would also express my gratitude towards H.E. Ambassador Sorin Ducaru for being such an outstanding example for everyone willing to learn and develop into a brilliant manager, successful politician or a harmonious human being.
Nevertheless I would love to thank all the diplomats and embassy staff for their support, assistance and warmth and for transforming the internship into a complete success.
I consider myself very lucky to have had the chance to work together with the Romanian Diplomatic Corp, to have attended various events and receptions, to have received valuable advice and guidance, to have coped daily with the most precious people I have ever met.
Interning at the Romanian Embassy is a terrific experience not only for students of political sciences but for anybody who is looking for the ideal working environment; the harmonious atmosphere in the Embassy, the complexity of the personal interactions and over all the outstanding management are only a few issues which will create an unforgettable experience.
I can definitely add my name to the list of former interns who have already stated to have spent the most wonderful time of their lives while interning at the Romanian Embassy in Washington DC.
I would also encourage everybody interested in international affairs to take this chance. Complete satisfaction is guaranteed.

Laura Tǎutu, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany

Alexandru MANTA

Excelenta Voastră, Domnule Ambasador,
Va scriu acum pentru a va mulţumi pentru aceasta vara nemaipomenita si pentru a va impartasi cat de rau îmi pare ca nu am avut ocazia sa-mi iau rămas bun de la dumneavoastră. Datorita dumneavoastră am avut onoarea si adevărata plăcere de a munci timp de trei luni alături de un corp de oameni nemaipomenit de lucizi, străluciţi si demni de a reprezenta România in străinătate. Astfel de momente definitorii in viata sunt rare si mă simt foarte umilit de faptul ca nu am fost in stare sa va mulţumesc fata in fata, cu toata stima, pentru ca mi-ati dăruit aceasta şansa unica.
La recepţia de pe Bricu Mircea la Baltimore m-am simţit ca in al şaptelea cer deoarece aţi insistat sa ne expunem prezentarea in ciuda ploii neingaduitoare, si ati ascultat cu răbdare si cu intelegere atunci când mă străduiam sa cant o melodie la acordeon. Sintezele săptămânale pentru biroul economic m-au ajutat sa-mi focalizez cunoştinţele din domeniul economic si sa-mi îmbunătăţesc scrisul in limba materna, iar rapoartele pe care le-am furnizat domnilor Dumitru si Dumitrescu mi-au dezvăluit multe despre relaţiile comerciale bilaterale si despre economia globala in genere. Conferinţele unde am asistat (mai ales la Senat) m-au făcut sa inteleg mai profund politica Americana, lumea diplomatica si relaţiile internaţionale. In sfârşit, lecţiile de zi de zi pe care le-am invatat muncind alături de oameni atât de incredibili m-au schimbat la nivel personal, si atât invatatura cat si amintirile frumoase le voi păstra in inima mereu.
Va mulţumesc cu tot sufletul domnule Ambasador si va urez multa fericire, multa implinire si si mai mult success in viata!
Cu toata stima, Alexandru Manta

Raymond Craciun

This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern at the Romanian Embassy in Washington D.C. The time I spent at the embassy was an invaluable learning experience that exposed me to the  beauty and allure of diplomacy. In one month, I acquired memories, experiences, and observations that will last a lifetime.

The Romanian Embassy itself is separated into a well-organized hierarchy of diplomats separated by rank. At the top of the hierarchy is the ambassador, followed by the minister counselors, the counselors, and the first, second, and third secretaries. Each distinct position
serves different and unique functions, all of which are integral to the fulfillment of diplomatic duties and obligations. All of the diplomats are extremely industrious, and constantly engaged in many projects and programs.

During my internship, I was fortunate enough to participate and assist in a variety of projects. Much of my work consisted of research for the embassy. I studied and documented general information and facts regarding different states, the Romanian communities in these states, Romanian parishes in America, and business enterprises associated with Romania and Romanian-Americans. I completed research on a multitude of religious, cultural, economic, and political personalities and institutions in America, Romania, and throughout the world. I also assisted with the production of the embassy’s newsletter, translation of documents, and the distribution of literature on Romania. However, the highlights of my internship involved the hands-on collaboration with different officials and well respected personalities. I was able to
visit the United States Congress and assist in both the Romanian and Central European Caucus. Moreover, I was fortunate enough to intern during a year when Romania was one of the three featured nations in the annual Smithsonian Folk life Festival. There, I was able to share in the celebration of Romanian history and culture. In addition to having the tremendous privilege and honor of working alongside the Honorable Mircea Geoana, Ambassador of Romania, I had the opportunity to meet numerous congressmen, Romanian officials, and the U.S. Ambassador to Romania, James Rosapepe.

Overall, my internship at the Embassy of Romania was a tremendous opportunity and an unforgettable experience. I learned a great deal about the complexity and importance of diplomatic work, along with the prestige and rewards of diplomatic life. The warmth, hospitality,
encouragement, and assistance of all the diplomats, created a comfortable, inspirational, and productive environment. Their instruction, support, and interest in my aspirations and endeavors allowed me to learn a great deal from all of them. Undoubtedly, the parts of my internship that I cherish most are the friendships that I made with all of the diplomats at the embassy.

I encourage anyone interested in Romania’s history, culture, and diplomacy to visit the embassy and volunteer there. Any internship with the embassy provides an invaluable educational experience in a stimulating and exciting environment. Through the internship, one enriches his or her knowledge regarding Romania, and more importantly, enhances his or her appreciation of Romanian history, politics, and culture.

Ten Weeks at the Embassy of Romania: Some Words about an Exciting Internship

Looking back upon the two and a half months that I spent on my internship with the Embassy of Romania in Washington, D.C., many pleasant memories come to my mind, and I realize this was an extremely valuable time.

Diana Andanut

The summer of 2003 has significantly changed my life due to my internship at the Romanian Embassy in Washington DC. My interest in International Relations and my Romanian roots have led to my interest in interning at the Embassy. When I applied for the intern position I was not truly aware of how much this experience would influence me. After being accepted in the program, I decided to work with the Political Department of the Embassy. During the two months and a half spent at the Embassy, I had the opportunity to get to know the activities of the distinguished diplomats and, many times, had the chance to get involved in their projects.

One of the tasks that I had to fulfill was to attend US Congress Committee Hearings on different topics, focused mostly on US Foreign Affairs, and to complete reports on these hearings. Another activity that I was fortunate enough to assist with was the planning of an important conference for Romania: “Progress Against Trafficking in Persons in Southeastern Europe” organized by the US Department of State in collaboration with the Romanian Embassy. Another task that I had to accomplish was the translation of official and unofficial documents from Romanian to English (Like “Romania’s Completion of NATO Reforms 2003”, cultural articles, press releases” and from English to Romanian.

The most impressive part of my internship was the willingness of the diplomats to make me feel welcome and useful in their environment. The hard work that they do every day is a model of dedication that everyone should follow in life. They have all proven to be wonderful representatives of my country in the United States. I feel very proud to have had the opportunity to work side by side with the team of H. E. Ambassador Sorin Ducaru.

A suggestion that I would like to pass on to future interns of the Embassy is to open themselves to all opportunities here, at the Embassy. An idea that might present interest to future interns is taking charge of a Film Series Program promoting the real Romania. This program could include short clips of Romania and speeches by diplomats on different topics of interest at the time. This program should target the Romanian community, especially teenagers and students in the area. This would be a wonderful way to promote Romania and strengthen the ties of the Romanian community in the area, which is one of the purposes of an Embassy.

My internship has been a complete success and I feel I have gained more experience through this internship than I ever have through a textbook. I encourage everyone interested in International Relations, especially Eastern European Affairs, to consider interning at the Embassy. It is guaranteed that it will be the experience that will change perspectives and strengthen one’s interest in this field.