Udtalelser fra tidligere praktikanter
Name: Josefine Linn Poulsen
Education: Cand.Negot - Global Marketing Management, University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
Internship period: August 2024 – January 2025
Role: Public Diplomacy Intern
What were your main assignments?
I created a social media campaign and wrote a report analyzing its performance, comparing it to previous campaigns, and outlining key learnings for future efforts. I also got to be in charge of planning some events, such as the one for Danes in the Philippines in collaboration with “Danes Worldwide” and a reception for the Danish foreign minister. Additionally, I served as the host for both our “Denmark Day” event and the foreign minister’s reception.
These were some of my main tasks, but I also contributed to other areas (a lot of ad hoc tasks). I have appreciated the variety of assignments and the independence in managing my own responsibilities. This internship has given me valuable insights into the business environment in the Philippines.
What did you learn?
During my time at the embassy as a public diplomacy intern, I gained valuable insights into the Foreign Ministry's work and how networking and communication strategies support Denmark’s presence abroad. I developed confidence in representing Denmark through event planning, public speaking, and managing social media campaigns, all of which strengthened my skills in PR and text construction. I also learned how to work in an international setting, gaining insight not only into Filipino work culture but also into the broader cultural context. This experience significantly enhanced both my professional competencies and cultural perspective.
What was your best experience?
There were many great experiences to choose from, but I would say my best work experience was the diversity of assignments I received at the embassy. This variety allowed me to improve existing skills while also developing new ones. Additionally, I did not just have the typical "intern tasks" that no one else wanted. While there were a few tedious, and dare I say, boring tasks, most of my assignments were closely aligned with my degree and personal interests.
As for my overall experience during my six months abroad, the highlight was getting to know the people of the Philippines. Their culture is fascinating, inclusive, and very different from Danish culture. It was truly an incredible experience to be part of that culture and meet so many wonderful people across the country’s many islands. Of course, the opportunity to travel throughout the Philippines and to other Asian countries was not bad either!
How is it to live in the Philippines?
Living in BGC, Manila, has been an unforgettable experience. The city is vibrant, offering diverse food, coffee shops, malls, restaurants, etc. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by the warmth of Filipinos, who are incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming.
While traffic can be a challenge, with some planning, it is manageable. Beyond the city, the Philippines boasts breathtaking natural beauty—pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, the Chocolate Hills, rice terraces, and scenic hikes, many just a short drive from Metro Manila.
Living here has been a unique and enriching experience I will cherish forever.
What is your best advice to future interns?
My best advice for future interns is to keep an open mind and be prepared for any culture shock you might experience. Do not hesitate to ask questions, whether they are related to tasks, work, personal matters, or cultural differences. Filipinos are very welcoming and value building personal connections with those around them. Also, take the time to explore different areas and cities in the Philippines whenever you get the chance. There are countless amazing places, hikes, and experiences that make for great weekend trips. If possible, consider exploring nearby Asian countries as well—they offer unique experiences just a short flight away.
Name: Hans Andreas Hagelskjær
Education: Cand.scient.pol, University of Southern Denmark
Internship period: August 2024 - January 2025
Role: Political Intern
What were your main assignments?
My primary area of responsibility was monitoring and reporting on the evolving situation in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea through the lens of security politics. The region has become a geopolitical hotspot, and our role as an embassy is to produce in-depth analyses of the dynamic environment and share this information with our colleagues in the region and in Copenhagen.
In addition to my main task, I monitored the news and reported on political developments of interest in the country in collaboration with my mentor and the ambassador. I also attended numerous seminars, conferences, symposiums, and high-profile meetings with the diplomatic community and local stakeholders to foster shared interests and gather intelligence.
Lastly, there is a lot of ad hoc tasks at an embassy. It’s an extremely dynamic work environment, which is part of what makes it so engaging.
What did you learn?
I learned the importance of building and maintaining a strong network. As a diplomat, one of the primary responsibilities is intelligence gathering to better understand the situation on the ground. We are the experts on the country and region, and our colleagues back home and abroad rely on our insights regarding the Philippines. Having reliable contacts at different embassies and government institutions enables us to access information that may not yet be publicly available or is crucial in real-time.
Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of the power of narratives. International colleagues, local stakeholders, and strategic competitors often operate within narratives that best serve their agendas. Establishing and promoting a narrative that aligns stakeholders with our strategic interests is essential for building support for a shared cause.
What was your best experience?
Besides the amazing food and fantastic colleagues? Sharing a glass of wine with the Danish Foreign Minister.
How is it to live in the Philippines?
Living in the Philippines is a relatively easy experience. The local population generally has a high level of English proficiency, making interactions and getting around quite simple. Security is also quite high in most parts of the country.
What is your best advice to future interns?
Everything the ambassador asks for today, he needed yesterday.
Enjoy the hospitality of the locals, have a beer, eat adobo, and download apps like Grab and Moveit instead of relying on taxis.
Also, learn a few phrases of tagalog.
Education: Can. Merc. Strategy, Organization & Leadership at Aarhus University
Internship period: August 2018 – January 2019
Role: Commercial Assistant
What were your main assignments?
During my internship in the trade council I have mainly done a lot of market and partner research for all kind of sectors. Beside the research a lot of different ad-hoc tasks was giving to me, like participating in business meetings, preparing press kit, support for organizing delegation visit, attending business conferences, etc. I really enjoyed being engaged in many different cases and sectors, which I really see as a great opportunity to get an insight into different parts of the businesses in the Philippines.
What did you learn?
I learned a lot about the Foreign Ministry and the daily work at an Embassy. Furthermore, I learned how network and market knowledge is useful to assist Danish companies in starting export or finding a business partner in a foreign market. The internship provided me with a great knowledge about the South East Asian market and especially the Philippines business culture.
What was your best experience?
Is hard to chose one experience! For me, trying out different tasks and being involved in different cases is the most valuable experience. Besides that, following a case from start to delivery was a great experience. The experience of how the first contact from the Danish company to the Trade Council ends up in an agreement between the Danish company and a local distributor, where you have been engaged in the whole process in-between has been a really valuable experience for me.
How is it to live in the Philippines?
It is different and for sure, a great experience. Manila is a huge city with so many different areas and a lot of shopping malls, coffee bars and restaurants. You quickly find out Filipinos love food and the air-condition in the shopping malls. But, the Philippines is so much more than Manila. You can easily fly to a lot of beautiful islands – the Philippines have it all; beaches, rice terraces, snorkeling, diving, island-hopping, crystal clear water and not to forget the tropical climate. Furthermore, the English level for Filipinos are high compared to other South East Asian countries, which make it easy to communicate with the locals. So how is the life in the Philippines? GREAT!
What is your best advice to future interns?
If you get the opportunity to be an intern at the Royal Danish Embassy in Manila, do not hesitate to take it. Come with an open mind and enjoy the hospitality from the Filipinos. Make sure to enjoy your stay at the embassy as well as outside work. Engage with the locals, travel the beautiful islands and enjoy living in a fast-developing country.
Name: Randi Emilie Dahlen
Education: political science at University of Copenhagen
Internship period: August 2018 - January 2019
Role: Political and administrative intern
What were your main assignments?
I monitored the news to keep the ambassador and myself up to speed on developments in the political scene, which in the Philippines can be quite dramatic. I also attended meetings, conferences, talks and seminars on behalf of Denmark, where the topics varied greatly. In addition, I wrote analyses for the ambassador as well as the MFA about main events and did smaller administrative tasks when needed.
What did you learn?
Representing Denmark on my own and meeting with high-level officials and diplomatic colleagues was definitely the most rewarding part of the internship. Although challenging at first, it greatly increased my confidence in networking and presenting myself in a convincing and professional manner. I also got really good at reading news and taking in massive amounts of information which I would later put in a bigger perspective to understand the role of politics in the Philippines, especially under a president such as Rodrigo Duterte. Speaking of which: it was interesting to learn about his leadership that showed a much more nuanced picture of a man we in Denmark have come to know for the so called “war on drugs” . And yes, he has said some provocative things, but he has also created positive change in a number of areas. I also learned a lot outside my working hours. I volunteered in a teaching program for children in Tondo, the biggest slum area in the capital, which taught me the value of education and gratefulness. I also joined in International Coastal Cleanup in Manila Bay, where I saw thousands spending their morning picking up trash from Manila Bay. It shows that Filipinos know how to come together when they want to.
What was your best experience?
There is a lot of littering in Manila. One day I got fed up and started picking up trash on my way to and from work, maybe twice a week. Months later, a guy approached me and asked to make a Facebook post about it. Then it went viral. I was featured in TV and radio and even got recognized on the street a couple of times! It was a strange and wonderful experience and fortunately, it didn’t last for more than a couple of weeks.
How is it to live in the Philippines?
Fun! Filipinos are so friendly and open, especially compared to the rest of Asia. There are so many beautiful islands to see on your days off, with magnificent nature and good food! Manila itself is a huge city, which took me time to adapt to, but the area I lived in was very Western and pleasant. They also have a big LGBTQ-community here, so I saw many great drag shows as well. The climate can be intense in the hottest seasons, but you get used to it.