Manon Bertho

As part of my second year of the Master’s degree in European and International Studies, specialising in International Solidarity, at the University of Nantes, I undertook my end-of-course placement at Ucoopia. My aim was to put into practice the concepts and issues covered during my course, whilst gaining a practical insight into how an NGO operates and the means at its disposal, in order to clarify my career plans.

Throughout my work placement, I had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects related to Global Citizenship and Solidarity Education (ECMS). This diversity enabled me to develop a broad understanding of the sector and to discover the various aspects of the role of a project officer: strategic planning, facilitation, training, coordination and fundraising. In particular, I helped organise the Cooperation Games, facilitated intercultural workshops as part of the RECIT project, drafted applications for WBI and Erasmus+ calls for proposals, and contributed to the discussions that led to the launch of the Tempêtes à Mons project.

The RECIT project was the most memorable experience of my work placement. Focusing on migration and intercultural understanding, it enabled me to follow a project from its conception through to its final evaluation. I took part in the initial meetings with partners, the educational and logistical preparations, the creation of ECMS tools, and an exchange programme in Tunisia. This hands-on experience enabled me to understand how the planning carried out beforehand translates into practical action on the ground and to gain an insight into the realities of project management in an intercultural context.

Beyond the projects themselves, what I remember most is the trust and kindness shown by the team. Right from the very first weeks, I was fully involved in the projects and encouraged to share my ideas and suggestions. This experience has enabled me to develop new skills, become more independent and gain a better understanding of the realities of the voluntary sector, with its opportunities but also its challenges, particularly in terms of funding and dealing with the unexpected.

This work placement far exceeded my expectations. It has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the field of international cooperation and civic engagement, particularly in relation to the issues of migration, inclusion, the fight against discrimination and decolonisation. It was a particularly enriching personal and professional experience, which has confirmed my desire to put my convictions to work in practical projects that bring about change.