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Name of Intern: Amy Hsieh
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Country: Taiwan (Democratic Progressive Party)
- Internship
period: 10 June
2003 – 18 July
2003
Suggestions for Future Interns
This
internship program was a very rewarding and educational opportunity and
should be continued in the future. For the future success of the program, I
have several suggestions:
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Prior to the internship, interns should discuss with ELDR and FNF their
interests and possible project assignments in Brussels. Depending on the
office to which the intern is assigned, there may or may not be short-term
projects available. Interns should draft individual research plans that
would help them focus on specific issues in the Parliament, in addition to
learning about European politics in general. The library in the Parliament
is a valuable resource.
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Assign each intern to an ELDR advisor whose work is related to the
intern’s interests. My assignment to the ELDR Group Adminstrator for the
Foreign Affairs Committee, whether coincidental or intentional, was a
perfect match because my job in Taiwan as a parliamentary assistant also
involves following the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Taiwanese
Legislature. Explore the possibility of assigning some interns to the
offices of MEPs. My stint in the FNF office also complemented my interest
in the newly established Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, which is similar
to FNF in that it works to strengthen and promote democracy in its home
country and abroad.
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Interns should contact their respective embassies in Brussels to gain a
further understanding of their countries’ relations with the EU. Also
explore the variety of think tanks in Brussels, as some hold events that
are open to the public.
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Interns should be fluent in English or French. Knowledge of other European
languages, such as German, would also be very useful.
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Increase communication between the ELDR and FNF offices so that both
parties agree on what is expected of the interns and how the interns’ time
is split between the Parliament and the FNF.
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Schedule the internship for dates when the Parliament is in session.
Parliament was in recess during the last two weeks of my stay in Brussels.
- Interns should
join the EP-Stagiaire(Intern) email list. It’s the best way to meet other
interns and learn what’s happening around the Parliament.
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