My name is Lennart Funck and I come from Germany. In 2010 I was awarded with the Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology and of Journalism and Communication Science at the Freie Universität in Berlin (Germany). After completing my Bachelor, I worked with the German Development Institute (GDI). In 2011 I worked at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in the scope of Governance at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the public service in South Africa. This was followed by an internship at the German Embassy in Pretoria (South Africa). During my time in the field, I was able to experience different spheres and perspectives of development work and bilateral cooperation on local and national level, which fostered my wish to gather more background in the theories and debates on international development.

'One of my main reasons to apply for this programme was the possibility towards a fieldwork research project'

My choice to apply for International Development Studies in Amsterdam was determined by various factors: my personal experiences with the UvA (I took part in an exchange programme in 2009) and the recommendation of a former student and friend who worked with me in South Africa and is now contracted with the United Nations in New York. However, one of my main reasons to apply for this programme was the possibility towards a fieldwork research project.

'I was positively surprised to find myself within a very international environment'

I was positively surprised to find myself within a very international environment, which does not only include students from the EU, but also from the Middle East, Asia and North- and South America. Our geographical and cultural backgrounds led more than once to fascinating and stimulating discussions, both within and outside the classroom.

'This interdisciplinary programme allows me to explore and learn new theoretical concepts and methods and also gives me the opportunity to specialise'

This interdisciplinary programme allowed me to explore and learn new theoretical concepts and methods and also gave me the opportunity to specialise, for example in environmental topics, education, governance, urbanisation, health, etc. But since you will find yourself in a one-year Master’s programme, where you have to organise a three-month field research activity, you will face a lot of work and organizational tasks. Not just in relation to your courses, but also in regard to your thesis and your time abroad. You’ll probably experience some frustration and obstacles, but you’ll also have a lot of support and encounter new and interesting experiences in the theoretical and practical challenges that come your way.

'I will conduct my fieldwork in Northern Uganda'

I have conducted my fieldwork in Northern Uganda and worked towards transnational partnerships in contemporary development discourse. The research was supported by the Dutch Consortium for Rehabilitation in Corporation with the University van Amsterdam and aimed to answer how hybrid partnerships are constructed in practice. Which actors get access to the space, which legitimization processes take place, how are humanitarian beneficiaries selected and how is the distribution of resources contested and organized in practice?