DIM Volunteers

My name is Francesca Bădoaea and I’m a second-year student at the Faculty of Political Science at SNSPA, majoring in International Relations and European Studies. Currently, I’m an Erasmus+ exchange student at ISIT Pantheon-Assas, where I’m focusing on diplomacy and intercultural studies. This mobility complements the program “Introduction to International Migration Studies: Governance, Law, Society, and Politics” organized by DIM in partnership with TOBB University, Ankara, activity that introduced me to the complex field of migration and inspired me to focus my studies on national security issues, as well as political discourse analysis and ethics. Beyond this broad academic spectrum, you may have guessed that I am passionate about traveling. I enjoy meeting people from different cultures, understanding their habits and savoring their cuisine (I think this one is my favourite). Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize how many places there are to discover and how much impact we can have on the world around us. From my involvement in the ISIT Student Association for environmental protection during my Erasmus in Paris to taking part in the election monitoring program this spring in Bucharest, each of these activities has encouraged me to embrace solidarity while remaining critical, as I believe the world needs this framework to build something meaningful. For me, the experience I will gain at the Center for International Development and Migration will be “the gift that keeps on giving”- I will grow learning how to create a sense of home in a place where migrants often see only foreignness.

I am a second-year student in the Master’s program in International Development and Migration, building on a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Over time, my path has been shaped by a strong interest in the social impact of global processes, particularly how conflict, displacement, inequality, and developmental policies reshape communities and individual lives.

In recent years, I have been involved in projects focusing on migration, displacement, and social movements. I see these areas as powerful lenses through which broader structural and societal transformations can be understood. These experiences have helped me deepen my understanding of public participation, humanitarian challenges, and the complex realities faced by communities affected by forced mobility. I chose to volunteer at the Centre for the Study of International Development and Migration because its mission strongly aligns with my core values and my approach to global issues. The Centre’s dedication to understanding international development and mobility matches my belief that meaningful change comes from thorough analysis and ongoing, human-centered engagement.

I am a student at the Faculty of Political Sciences, 3rd year, from SNSPA. I chose to be part of the DIM team because it offers the opportunity to work in a friendly environment, full of events and experiences with important people in the field. It is also a project that helps both personally and professionally, giving you the chance to help create a better future, but also to use your imagination in a constructive way.

I graduated from the Faculty of Political Science at SNSPA, specializing in International Relations and European Studies, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Development and Migration. My academic and professional interests focus on the field of migration, international cooperation, and processes of social inclusion. I believe these areas represent major challenges today, requiring a complex approach and solutions informed by multiple perspectives.

Through my involvement as a volunteer at the Center for International Development and Migration (DIM), I have the opportunity to engage actively in both the academic and professional spheres, while contributing to projects that explore complex social phenomena. For me, this experience is not only a stage of learning, but also an important step in my personal and professional growth.

In the long term, I aim to continue my path in this field and to apply the knowledge gained during my studies through direct involvement in initiatives that can drive meaningful change in society.

I have finished the master’s programme in European Politics and Society at the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA). I hold a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and European Studies from the University of Bucharest, with a strong foundation in history, economics, and political science. My perspective on global issues, particularly migration, has been shaped by international experiences that have deepened my understanding of EU policies, international relations, and migration governance at a global level.

Passionate about addressing contemporary challenges, I am committed to identifying sustainable solutions through informed analysis. At DIM, I coordinated Migrating into Books, a project that explored migration through literature, fostering critical discussions and fresh perspectives. This initiative reflected my dedication to academic excellence, civic engagement, and meaningful contributions to the field.

I completed my Bachelor’s studies in International Relations and European Studies at the Faculty of Political Science, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Development and Migration. My academic background has helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between European institutions and the ways in which these influence migration dynamics and public policy frameworks. Thus, I believe I posses the expertise and knowledge to contribute to the center’s development especially through research and projects that address general aspects of migration and explore possible solutions to the challenges it generates.

I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Political Sciences from SNSPA. I wished to be part of the DIM team as it provides an opportunity to work in an environment which allows me to take initiative and meet diverse experts from this field of activity. Moreover, it is a project that will not only push us to evolve academically, but it will also help us gain invaluable life skills essential for any future workplace.

I graduated from the Faculty of Political Science at SNSPA, with a major in International Relations and European Studies, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Development and Migration. During my academic journey, I developed a strong interest in asylum, human rights, and the protection of vulnerable individuals, areas in which I have been actively involved through research, volunteering, and professional training, both nationally and internationally.

I chose to volunteer at the Centre for the Study of International Development and Migration because I wanted to contribute directly to supporting displaced people and to better understand how assistance is delivered at the community level. This experience aligns with my commitment to human dignity and inclusive policies, while also allowing me to strenghten my knowledge and skills in a practical setting.

My long-term goal is to pursue a career in the field of forced migration, with a focus on promoting sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered solutions for refugees and asylum seekers. I am particularly interested in the intersection of migration policy, humanitarian assistance, and international law, and in how these can work together to create real, lasting impact.

I graduated from the Faculty of Political Science, with a major in International Relations and European Studies, at the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA). Starting in September, I will pursue a Master’s degree in Geopolitics and Strategic Studies at University Carlos III of Madrid.

In recent years, I have taken part in various events and courses that increased my interest in the field of migration, asylum and the policies regulating these processes. In the spring of 2024, I participated in a training programme on migration, organized by the Romanian National Council for Refugees, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and the Faculty of Political Science, which provided me with practical experience in counseling asylum seekers. My knowledge of the migration process was further deepened through the course Migration, Asylum and International Development, taken during the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year.

I have also attended several international events focusing on academic training in this field, such as Democracy, EU in the World and Migration Issues and Global Migration Studies: Governance, Law, Society and Politics. These gatherings brought together students and young researchers from multiple countries, creating an interdisciplinary platform for the exchange of ideas and perspectives on migration. Participating in these events enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of the political, legal and social dimensions of migration.

Looking ahead, I wish to further explore migration analysis from a gender perspective, as I believe it offers a more nuanced understanding of how migration affects certain social categories.

Bachelor Degree in “International Relations and European Studies” and Master Degree in “Development, International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid”, both at the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), Bucharest, Romania. At the moment, I am a PhD student in the field of Political Science, focused on the role of public participation in the EU integration in the Western Balkans. I am interested in research, academic field and further exploring how can the European Union space improve daily in order to better provide for its citizens and for those trying to make it their new home.

I started my career as a journalist and communicator, then went on to organise various social and cultural events while working in civil society. As executive director of the Association for the Promotion of Freedom of Expression, I played a key role in the removal of two articles that violated freedom of expression from the draft Penal Code, just as Romania was about to join the EU.

The fire at the Colectiv nightclub in Romania was a profound turning point in my life. It made me dedicate a year of my life to volunteering and supporting the victims and their families. This experience motivated me to launch campaigns to help disadvantaged families, homeless people, migrants and refugees from non-European countries and Ukraine. My efforts led to the creation of a non-profit association that supports vulnerable people.

In order to deepen my knowledge of development, cooperation, migration, social economy and humanitarian aid, I enrolled in the Master of International Development and Migration (back then, Regional Development and International Cooperation) at the Faculty of Political Sciences of SNSPA. My previous studies were in the field of cultural anthropology, communication, heritage and cultural management, migration, ethnic diversity and intercultural relations at the University of Bucharest and the Free University of Brussels. The Centre for the Study of International Development and Migration is the perfect environment for me to further enrich my theoretical and practical knowledge and to contribute my skills and experience to the Centre’s mission of creating a better and more equitable world.

I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Political Sciences, SNSPA. I am drawn to the way political processes influence the dynamics of migration and international development, which is why I chose to join DIM. I see it as a valuable opportunity to participate in practical initiatives and experiences, ranging from research and projects to meetings with experts and decision-makers, that contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges facing contemporary society. For me, DIM represents an ideal space for personal and professional growth, where I can actively contribute alongside a motivated and dedicated team.

Hello! I am a third-year student at the Faculty of Political Sciences within SNSPA. I work as a junior DBA at an IT company and I’ve chosen to participate in DIM with the aim to actively engage in projects that enhance societal awareness regarding current events. Moreover, I see attending meetings with decision-makers from various fields of public interest, together with a team of experts from academia and public communication, as a valuable opportunity. This experience will enhance my ability to discern information, paving the way for me to become a beacon in society, unaffected by misinformation or hidden agendas. I hope that, together with the team’s efforts, we can elucidate unclear realities and combat misinformation with verified and impartial information provided by academic staff and students.

I am a second-year student at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics within the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, specializing in logistics. At DIM, I serve as the IT and technology coordinator, overseeing podcast production, video editing, and the preparation of digital content for various platforms.

I consider civic spirit to be a key pillar of a well-functioning society, and I joined DIM with the intention of applying my technical expertise to support its development.

Graduate of the Faculty of Law of the University of Bucharest and the Franco-Romanian Legal College of European Studies; since 2025 also graduate of the Master of European Politics and Economy at SNSPA.

I am a second-year student at the Faculty of Political Science (SNSPA), majoring in International Relations and European Studies. I chose to join the DIM team driven by a desire to put theoretical concepts into practice and to better understand the dynamics of an environment where ideas are valued and challenges are viewed as learning opportunities.

For me, DIM represents the ideal opportunity for both academic and professional growth, allowing me to work alongside like-minded people and actively contribute to projects that matter.