RSU China Studies Centre welcomes summer interns: conversation with Amina Lučkova
This summer the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) China Studies Centre has the privilege of hosting a number of interns from a myriad of universities. Amina Lučkova is one of them and we are glad to have her on the team over the summer months before she goes back to her studies at the University of Amsterdam. Here is a short interview with Amina, to get to know her and find out why she decided to intern at RSU.
What attracted you to the internship opportunity at the RSU China Studies Centre?
In general, I believe it is very important to study a major global power such as China to gain a better understanding of geopolitics and the multipolar world we live in today. Personally, my interest in China grew after my trip to Southeast Asia, where I observed a significant Chinese presence in countries like Cambodia and Thailand. This experience made me curious about how China exerts its influence – whether economically, culturally, or otherwise. There was no better place to explore these questions than at the RSU China Studies Centre, given its excellent academic expertise and supportive environment.
What is your research focus? How will your time at RSU help you delve deeper into your area of interest?
I am very interested in human rights and international development. Naturally, one of my research projects focuses on the Belt and Road Initiative and the protection of labour rights within the initiative. In addition, since I previously knew little about Latvia–China relations, I am also conducting research on how Latvia and the other Baltic states operate within the EU’s three-pronged strategy towards China. So far, I have gained many valuable insights about China from the people I have met during the internship, which has helped me in my research.
Are there any specific things you enjoy about interning in Riga?
After graduating from high school here in Riga, I have not had the opportunity to fully experience the city again, as I later moved to Amsterdam. It has been fun to rediscover old places and discover new ones. Riga is a lovely city to come back to!
What are some of the opportunities you have taken advantage of while here that you particularly enjoyed?
So far, this internship has given me many exciting opportunities to meet people from various areas of politics, providing valuable insight into the possibilities of working in this field. Without a doubt, the biggest advantage of this internship is the RSU China Studies Centre team. They work hard to make all of these opportunities possible.
Why would you recommend others to take part in internship opportunities at the RSU China Studies Centre?
What I like most about the RSU China Studies Centre is the perfect balance between guidance and freedom in our work. We are given plenty of space to explore topics we are genuinely interested in, without being pressured to follow a specific direction. In addition, we are allowed to manage our own time, which helps relieve the constant pressure of meeting deadlines and makes the work feel more personal and self-driven. Based on this experience, I highly recommend choosing the RSU China Studies Centre for an internship.
If you are also interested in an internship opportunity in the RSU China Studies Centre, reach out to us by email and make sure to follow us on social media!
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