My Internship at Myanmar Ethnics Organization in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

by Cin Deih Tuang

As part my study requirements, I chose to take an internship from June to August 2025 at Myanmar Ethnics Organization (MEO). MEO is a volunteer-driven, community-based organization dedicated to empowering Myanmar Refugees, fostering inclusion, and supporting refugee well-being, safety, and advocacy – values that align with my personal and career aspiration.

During the internship, I had an opportunity to work and learn in the Case Documentation and Asylum Registration Department. My role involved maintaining refugee and asylum seeker case records, preparing applications and drafting referral forms to the UNHCR for protection needs. These experiences enabled me to understand the guiding policy and protection frameworks created by the UN and gain insight into the precarious lives of refugees.

I was able to support MEO’s mission through the skills that I developed in International Social Sciences studies, such as research skills, report writing, interviewing, communication, and intercultural exchange. Beyond office work, I also took initiative in the field work, including visits to visiting Refugee school, participate in gender-based violence protection initiatives, participating in social activities, and involvement in advocacy and awareness-raising programs.

Through the internship, I was able to connect theoretical debates from the Theories of Development & Practice- on power, institutions and social changes with the realities of refugee governance. Insights from the studies of Refugee and Forced Migration, Peace and Conflicts and among others helped me develop a deeper understanding of resilience and refugee governance and community dynamics.

My journey with MEO began even before arriving, as I faced the challenges of traveling with a Myanmar passport amid strict immigration controls. I am proud to have turned these obstacles into a meaningful learning experience that deepened my commitment to refugee issues. Living among the refugees gave me new perspectives, as I witnessed the strategics and resourceful ways in which refugees navigate daily life, their creativity, resilience, and solidarity. Their ability to build networks of care and mutual support left a lasting impression on me and deepened my understanding of collective strength in challenging circumstances. In addition, it is crucial to recognize refugees’ rights, acknowledge the importance of intersectionality, and work toward durable solutions to their situation.

Finally, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Erasmus Program for funding my traineeship and MEO for offering me opportunity to learn and contribute. My sincere thanks go to Dr. Friedegard Foeltz, Dr. Ulrike Schulz, Dr. Daniel Bendix, Michelle Koch, Chancellor Tobias Koch and many others for their guidance and support throughout my internship and studies.