Carolin Sanz Noriega
Germany

I recently received a Master’s degree in History, Political Sciences and Spanish Literature from Humboldt-University and Free University, which are both in Berlin, Germany. I wrote my Master’s thesis on the public perception of environmental risks during the 1979 accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in the United States. This experience allowed me to develop an interest in environmental issues, which led me to apply for the Governments Affairs internship at UNEP’s Regional Office for North America (UNEP RONA). Through my internship, I hope to expand my knowledge in international environmental policies. I am also very curious about the working processes of an international organization, especially the activities of UN agencies.

Prior to my internship at UNEP RONA, I worked in several institutions in the field of foreign policy through which I gained an understanding of European-based political businesses. I hope that my internship at UNEP RONA will add a North American perspective to my previous experiences.

This is my first time in the U.S. and I am very happy that UNEP RONA gave me the opportunity to spend some time in this country. Luckily, I received a stipend from the Carlo-Schmid-Program, which is administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), to finance this experience. I am sure it will be a rewarding experience!