Interns from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

On Friday 16 January 2015 a group of twenty interns from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs was welcomed at the Clingendael Institute for a working visit. The intern committee of the Dutch MFA regularly organises working visits to different organisations active in the field of international relations.

After a cup of coffee, a discussion on the building and park’s rich history, and most importantly the Clingendael Institute’s function and activities, one of the Clingendael Academy’s skills trainers introduced the group to the do’s and don’ts in international negotiations and intercultural communications. To negotiate on different positions did not prove to be an easy task, nor was it easy to find a common position.

The group completed an interactive assignment, resulting in some interesting observations from the interns:

• Our norms and values can influence our decisions, goals and behaviour.
• In order to prevent disputes, it is important to understand the other party, but also to understand oneself.
• One of the most difficult aspects is to defend your interests and remain good relations with the other parties, while at the same time representing your constituency and keeping them supportive.

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The interns were given the opportunity to immediately test their knowledge of intercultural communication during networking drinks with delegations of diplomats from Pakistan and Bangladesh, who are currently enrolled in a 6-week training programme at the Clingendael Academy. The groups enthusiastically exchanged views and ideas on several topics, offering a unique learning experience for all.

Clingendael Academy courses

The group expressed sincere interest in the open registration courses of the Clingendael Academy, and especially in the Course on Foreign Relations or Leergang Buitenlands Betrekkingen (LBB). This year, the 70th edition of this three-month post-graduate programme will be organised by the Academy starting in September.

Please visit our open registration courses page for more information.

- 5 February 2015