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A partnership between the University of Westminster and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), also known as the UN Migration Agency, has led to an International Relations and Development alumna to be offered a full-time consultancy position at the organisation after successfully completing an internship. The programme is funded by resources dedicated to outward mobility opportunities, including funds from Westminster alumnus Trevor Yang, the Quintin Hogg Trust and the Global Experience Bursary.

Alexandra Bukhareva, a 2023 graduate of the International Relations and Development BA Honours course, was successfully selected into the 2023 IOM internship programme and embarked on a “life changing” 9-month-long internship with IOM Somalia, at their support office in Nairobi, Kenya.

Thanks to a 2022 agreement between the University of Westminster and the IOM, Westminster students can apply for exclusive internship opportunities at IOM offices around the world. Upon successful completion of her internship in February 2024, Alexandra has been offered a full-time consultancy position at IOM.

In the 2023 round of the programme, nine Westminster students were selected as interns to IOM offices in Europe, Asia and Africa and were stationed in locations such as Switzerland, Mozambique, Lao People's Democratic Republic and Bangladesh. Two more Westminster students were stationed at IOM’s London office.

Currently the selection process is underway for the 2024 IOM internship round, in which Westminster students can apply for 15 exclusive internship positions across IOM offices in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The selected interns will contribute to the greater IOM agenda to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need.

The partnership with the IOM directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their add Link to full potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about and apply for United Nations internships through the University of Westminster.

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