Mayuri Dang: EMJM in International Humanitarian Action

Mayuri Dang is an EMJM student in the International Humanitarian Action at the University of Warsaw (UW). She says, that the NOHA UW attracted her "due to its rigorous academic curriculum, diverse faculty with expertise in humanitarian fields, and a strong emphasis on practical skills."

The University offers an opportunity for students to get educated and trained by practitioners from leading international humanitarian relief and aid organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), etc.

- Believe it or not, one of our professors even showed us old photos of the working meeting taken during the official visit of the UN Former Secretary-General Mr. Kofi Annan!

I would not have considered any other alternative because I have always wanted to make a meaningful difference by working in the humanitarian field. So, when I came across the NOHA Joint Master's in International Humanitarian Action, I knew I’d found my calling.

- My first impression of our teachers is very optimistic. They are genuinely interested in the success of their students. The way they engage with the material and encourage discussions in class creates a dynamic learning environment. I find that inspiring!

Courses are taught by a combination of in-house experts and field-experienced guest lecturers. We have had the opportunity to participate in simulation trainings organised by the Polish Center for International Aid and Save the Children International. There are also guest lectures offered on the Project Management.

Our Anthropology professor often takes us on site visits: we have visited several museums in and outside of Warsaw, like POLIN Museum, Museum of Second World War, Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum where focused on the practice of multidirectional memory and intercultural sensitivity. Most importantly, it served as a reminder to avoid consistently prioritizing our own culture and experiences.

The University is well-maintained, and the facilities are modern and encourage learning. I appreciate the availability of resources, such as libraries and research centers, which I believe are greatly contributing to my academic experience. The overall atmosphere is vibrant, and there are many opportunities for personal and academic growth, which encourage positivity, rather than constant dwelling on personal, national, or other constraints."

- Students in my class are diverse, we are a team of internationals from US, Japan, Afghanistan, France, Indonesia: some with experiences working for Norwegian Red Cross, Save the Children, IFRC and other aid organisations, while others joining online all the way from Africa-Rwanda, each bringing a variety of perspectives to the academic community. This diverse mix of perspectives creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere in our classroom.I am grateful for this environment and eagerly anticipate working with my classmates on future projects!

In my spare time, I go around exploring all that the city of Warsaw has to offer, visiting parks, museums, trying international cuisines, attending ongoing events and sightseeing.

- My wishes for future EMJM students from Turkmenistan: embarking on the journey of the European EMJM NOHA programme or any other EMJM programme is an admirable and impactful endeavor. As you prepare to apply and potentially join this esteemed programme, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a meaningful and transformative academic journey.

For those going for NOHA programme, may your pursuit of knowledge in humanitarian action be marked by a deepening understanding of global challenges, empathy for those in need, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world!

To all, embrace the unique opportunity to collaborate with fellow students of diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment of shared experiences and collective learning. Throughout your academic path, I wish you to stay strong, resilient, adaptable, and compassionate!

The field of international humanitarian action demands not only intellectual rigor, but also a profound sense of empathy and a dedication to alleviating the suffering of others. Appreciate the opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and academics that will shape your understanding of the field.

Let your time in the EMJM programme be a stepping stone toward a career dedicated to promoting human dignity, justice, and compassion on a global scale.

Embrace the diversity of thought and experiences within your group, and build lasting connections that will serve you well in your future endeavors! Your commitment to humanitarian values will undoubtedly contribute to creating a more compassionate and just world.

Best of luck with your applications, and may your experiences in the EMJM programme be both intellectually enriching and personally fulfilling!