Internship at the Permanent Mission of the Slovak Republic to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg
The External Relations Department brings another inspiring story of a successful student of the Faculty of Law, Peter Jarábek, who completed a one-month professional internship under the Erasmus+ program at the Permanent Mission of the Slovak Republic to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
His experience proves that even a short stay abroad can open up new professional and personal horizons for students. We believe that Peter's journey will encourage other students to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ program, whether in the form of an internship or a study stay.
The internship at the Permanent Mission of the Slovak Republic to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg was an exceptional opportunity for me to gain insight into the functioning of one of the most important international organizations in Europe and, at the same time, to gain valuable experience right at the center of multilateral diplomacy.
During my stay, I attended meetings of the Committee of Ministers and expert bodies such as GRECO and MONEYVAL. These meetings allowed me to understand how discussions between member states take place and how specific measures in the field of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy are developed.
The Council of Europe suffers from low visibility and is often confused with the European Union. Although not as well known as some other international organizations, it plays a crucial role in European politics. For decades, it has been setting the basic standards that shape the legal environment across Europe. It may do so without making big headlines, but it does so with concrete and tangible results.
As the Director of the Council of Europe's Legal Advice and International Law Department once aptly put it: "The Council of Europe is the only organization where Armenia and Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Turkey sit at the same table – an organization where things get done, not just talked about."
From my internship, I am taking away not only professional knowledge, but also the personal realization that fundamental rights only have meaning if they are truly enforceable and accessible to everyone. Working in an environment where these values are not only declared but also actively protected has been a fundamental life and professional experience for me.
At the same time, I want to encourage all students, regardless of their field of study, to take advantage of the Erasmus+ program.
Whether it's a professional internship or an exchange program, it's a unique opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, gain practical skills, gain an international perspective, and experience the dynamics of a professional environment abroad.
And finally, your future employer will also look at you differently when they see that you have actively sought out opportunities and been able to succeed in them. For me, this internship was the most formative part of my studies—and I believe it can be for you too.
— Peter Jarábek, student at the Faculty of Law
