I started my Master Degree studies at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University in Boston in January 2008. A few months into my studies, I asked my professor, Jacqueline Bhabha from the Harvard Law School where I enrolled in her course on international refugee protection, for advice on internship opportunities in the field of refugee protection in Boston. Not only did she refer me to one of the most reputed law firms that provide legal aid to asylum applicants; she also put me in touch with Emil Wyss, the Deputy Consul of swissnex Boston. Over a cup of coffee, he explained the range of activities that swissnex undertakes in Boston, particularly in terms of liaison among Swiss and U.S. universities.
Personally, I was given the opportunity to attend an informal gathering among the presidents of all Swiss universities and Swiss students in Boston during which we brainstormed ideas how student life could be enhanced in Switzerland. I also participated in a conference on children´s rights that Professor Jacqueline Bhabha organized at Harvard University with swissnex´ substantial support. Following the conference, I was asked by Jacqueline Bhabha to assist her in the publication process of an edited volume on the topic of stateless children, which is expected to be published by MIT Press in 2010. I have been especially grateful for swissnex´ generous contribution for my summer internship in 2008. In order to provide the Swiss community in Boston with some insight into my work, I held a short presentation on the comparison of asylum systems in the U.S. and Switzerland at the consulate in October 2008. In April 2009, when the Swiss students of the Fletcher School and swissnex jointly organized a reception at the Fletcher School, I wrote a brief description of the event for both the swissnex and the Fletcher School website.
Finally, swissnex has gone to great lengths assisting me in my post-graduation job search. In addition to advising me on the content of job applications, the Consulate also offered its premises, telephone, computer – and not to forget – firsthand IT support during a job interview.
As my stay in Boston is coming to an end since I am going to take on a position with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in New York, I would like to use this opportunity to express my tremendous gratitude for swissnex´ continuous support and interest in my work. Much more than the delicious and abundant display of Swiss chocolate and strong coffee, it is the swissnex team that has meant to me “a piece of home” throughout the past two years.
