''Lebanon is an amazing place (...) I am still learning how to make the best of all the resources that EU instruments offer (...) and of the openness and talent of my Lebanese guests'' Bianca speaks about her JPD experience
I remain enthusiastic – thanks to the great guidance and professionalism of the people I work with, both European and Lebanese. Among my responsibilities, I enjoyed writing pieces of political reporting and being part of policy dialogues with the authorities. Exchanges with civil society are always enriching (both professionally and at personal level). I prepared the schedule for quite a number of visits from Brussels. It is important to maintain constant communication with the Headquarters and make sure they interact with everyone who plays a key role on the ground.
Lebanon has welcomed me with its quaint combination of hospitality, beauty and diversity on the one hand and unfortunate crises – the civil war in neighbouring Syria, the largest number of refugees per capita in the world, worsening public services – on the other. The fact that the Delegation employs both EU and local staff has eased my settling in. The Lebanese are always there for tips on how to survive in a place that many Europeans described as purely chaotic. Things can get hectic when there are full blown crises (car bombings, protests, tensions on the borders) or when there are simply many missions coming in from Brussels. Lebanon is an amazing place for any recreational activities that one can imagine. Finally, Lebanon would not be what it is without its friendly, immensely talented and resilient people. I can only be grateful to them for the "Lebanese" that I now speak (a mixture of Arabic, English and French) and some of the greatest moments of my life J
The main challenge has been to make two different parts of the world converge and work together in spite of all differences. I came to know and understand that government, governance and society can work differently outside the EU. I am still learning how to make the best of all the resources that EU instruments offer, on the one hand, and of the openness and talent of my Lebanese guests, on the other.
Bianca ANECHITEI from Romania – EEAS JPD in Lebanon
For more information about the JPD programme, please visit our website: http://eeas.europa.eu/jobs/delegations/junior-professional-delegations/