Our People
Passionate about inspiring and empowering young peopleInternships and Volunteering at Momentum World
We welcome interns and volunteers from the UK, Europe or further afield. Young people who work with us get a varied and rewarding experience, opportunities to participate in our projects and sometimes travel to other countries. We benefit from the extra motivation and energy which they bring to our team.
Mei-Belle Sun
2022
Ethan Khan
2021
I am the Current Website Assistant intern for CILL. I study a level 3 programming course at a local college and was fortunate enough to learn that CILL was offering this internship. I’ve worked with computers for many reasons from content creation and video editing to making programs and games. When it comes to software and web development and design I’m extremely passionate so this is a perfect role for me to learn and gain experience in.
Iciar Prieto
2021
I study International Relations and Global communication at Universidad Pontificia de Comillas in Madrid (Spain) and I’m currently in my year abroad in London. Fortunately, I have been able to become an intern at CILL and I’m in charge of the company’s Social Media and Marketing. Music is my passion (I actually play the clarinet) and I love meeting new people, watching movies, reading and trying new sports. I am really interested in the differences between cultures and how these define people. That is why working at CILL is so exciting, because apart from working with people from all over the world, I get to be a part of many interesting international projects.
Carla Bruce
2020
Hello! My name is Carla. I’ve been fortunate to grow up in a very international environment. My family comes from all over: mainly the UK, Croatia, and Colombia. Growing up in London added to that global experience in many ways. I have been able to travel abroad multiple times in the past, which always brings new and exciting experiences! The most significant was ten months in Quebec, Canada. I worked there as a teaching assistant. However, even travelling to a neighbouring country can create everlasting memories and friendships. While interning at CILL, I want to share my love of travel and intercultural experiences with those who may still feel some anxiety around the concepts, especially after this rollercoaster of a year. Meanwhile, I can utilise and improve my communication and administrative skills.
Rebecca Wilson
2020
George Hadley
2020
Hello, I’m George. My international experiences have had a significant impact on me, shaping my outlook and my attitude towards new situations, having grown up in Macedonia and having been on several Momentum projects. Since finishing my masters in History, I’ve taken on a number of opportunities in strategic communications and project management, the most recent of which is my internship with Momentum. My role in this internship has been to create a digital communications and marketing strategy for Momentum and CILL. I am really proud of the work we’ve done and know we’ve had a lot to contribute.
Deniz Ozen
2020
My name is Deniz, and I am from Turkey. I am studying Marketing and Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis and had the opportunity to participate in my university’s study abroad program in London. During my semester, I will be taking classes and interning at Momentum World. Even though my internship has just begun, I am eager to assist Momentum World over the next month. As a young adult who has lived and studied in three continents, I believe that education and an international mindset are integral parts of making a difference in the world. I find the principles and programs Momentum World promotes to be incredibly valuable. So I am looking forward to contributing to the organization’s initiatives to create opportunities that facilitate international learning and career preparation. I am also excited to develop new skills and broaden my perspective.
Zachary Calvar Miot
2017
Ashley Chiu
2017
My name is Ashley, and I’m a university student from the United States, studying Marketing and Economics at Washington University in St. Louis. I started my internship at Momentum World through my university’s study abroad internship program, in which I’ll be living, taking classes, and working in London for a semester.
Even though I’ve just started, I’m already incredibly excited for the work that I’ll be doing over the next several months. As someone who is still young, I think the opportunities that the organization provides in terms of experiencing other cultures and preparing for future careers are really important and valuable.
Anja Stock
2015
Momentum World has given me the chance to improve my English, to become more confident and in addition, to learn something about the culture of England, because it was my first trip to England.
In addition to that Momentum World gave me the possibility to take part in the “S-Factor into Eurovision” program in the north of England. I was very curious and excited to be a part of this great program. This time was probably the most rewarding of my internship.
I think the best thing about Momentum World is that they give young people with disabilities a chance to become integrated into everyday life. They take time to work with them and give them a goal to which they can work.
Jennifer Awoniyi
2014
I am keen in pursuing a career in Advertising and Marketing in the near future, and being the Marketing, Projects and Communication intern I was able to use my skills to emphasise the importance of the life changing education and training which Momentum World is offering young people. As a young person myself I believe that the development of leadership, communication and enterprise skills is incredibly important and imperative to enhance career prospects and is something which many young people are not exposed to. I definitely admire the purpose, values and ethics of Momentum World and I was truly excited to embark on my journey there for three months.
Patti Dejaeger
2013 - 2014
I was working in the Momentum World office and I participated in several projects with the team from December to March (Momentum gave me the opportunity to travel abroad to Finland for a project). This organisation gave the opportunity to improve many of my skills and bring my own Belgian style. I am always comparing Momentum World to a Lighthouse, because this internship changed my life and gave me direction for the future whilst at the same time kept me away from the rocks when things weren’t going right in my life.
I’ll never forget this experience and my British team. Thank you again for everything.
Avisha Patel
2013
The people I met through Momentum and the projects I worked on both within the UK and internationally inspired me in more ways than I imagined. Momentums mission is to enhance the career prospects of young people. And this is exactly what they do. There are no corners cut, no other interest, no other motive. From the beginning to end of my time at Momentum there would be new projects for young people being sought and continual learning from previous ones. It was a privilege to work alongside a team which have a genuine desire to change and forward the lives of young people.
A project particularly close to me was the Time for Tea campaign. I strongly believe in the importance of engaging young people in addressing global issues and the Time for Tea campaign is at the forefront of this. The campaign gave me the opportunity to meet with an inspiring nuclear activist called Satish Kumar and also be part of his BBC Radio 4 documentary. Opportunities such as these not only built experience and skills, but greatly played a strong role in fuelling my own passion.
Amal el brini
2021
Khadija Fatihi
2021
Hello! My name is Khadija, and I am from Morocco, I have a BA degree in Economics and Management and I am a marketing enthusiast, have a keen inclination to work with youth to cultivate civic values education, bringing sharp business acumen, with a passion for social
entrepreneurship. I believe in the power of education and youth empowerment to change
perspectives, unleash the best in people, and create a sustainable positive movement. I am an alumni of one of the CILL programmes -ShePower – and taking part in the organization now is such incredible joy and a wonderful
opportunity to upgrade my personal and professional skills in developing and managing educational programmes.
Celia Lacave
2021
I am an International Relations and Communications student at Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, Spain. At the moment, I am a Social Media and Marketing Intern at CILL. I am passionate about art, photography, design, music and travel. I have always loved meeting new people , getting to know different cultures, to help and to learn new things. In this sense, I am excited and grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me to work alongside CILL in helping others and getting in touch with the international community.
Ainhoa Urech
2021
María Irigoyen Ciriza
2021
Hi! My name is María, I’m 20 years old and I study a double degree in Translation and Interpreting with Global Communication at Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid. I will be working as a Heritage Projects Assistant and my job is to help Momentum World develop its work in the field of heritage and digital media. One thing that has always remained constant in my life is my love for cultures, reading, and traveling. I have lived in places like New Zealand, France, and Ireland and loved every minute of it. I am a perpetual lover of everything multicultural, and ever since I was a child, I have always known I want to settle in a big city, where people from all over walk around. As you can guess by my interests, I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to work on something that genuinely fascinates and intrigues me alongside experts in the field. There is no bigger joy than to work on something you adore and then be able to share it with others. I believe working with CILL will give me profound knowledge about intercultural communication, help me further improve my skills, and encourage me to develop new ones.
Gabriela de la Cuesta
2021
Nell Basley
2020
Hi, my name is Nell. I’m 18 years old and on a gap year before I begin my deferred place at Sussex University to study Theatre and Performance in September 2021. I grew up in rural Norfolk which can seem detached, but as a teenager in Norwich I began to explore what the creative community had to offer. I’m grateful for the involvements I developed because they’ve permitted me to build my confidence and independence within an organisation. I’m now producer and panellist for a young people-oriented show at BBC Radio Norfolk, member of Young Norfolk Arts and the National Youth Theatre. But this year I’m especially grateful for my partnership with a friend and our short film about public sexual harassment called Stolen Skin which appeared on regional television, was reported by the BBC and won national/international film prizes. Now I’m approaching adulthood I notice that I’ve established my ability to connect locally, but not internationally, which is why I’m so glad to be an intern at CILL. To learn how to cooperate within different communities, indulge in my interest in interculture and to develop my professionalism alongside industry experts.
Louis Bryson
2020
Hi, my name is Louis, I’m 20 and I study Economics and International Relations at the University of Dundee. I’m originally from Glasgow, but when I was 10 years old I moved to the small countryside town of Dunblane. Dunblane was a good place to spend my teenage years, but I did however miss the multicultural and international feeling of a big city, as Dunblane is almost entirely populated by Scottish people. At school I started learning
French to try and get the opportunities for different cultural experiences I so desired. Since then, I have been lucky enough to travel all over Europe, to South Africa, and even to a global academy in China. These International experiences have been invaluable to me, both personally and professionally, and I hope to help bring these opportunities to as many people as possible by working with CILL.
Christian Vlach
2020
Hello, I’m Christian and I’m 20 years old. I live in a small village in Czech Republic but originally, I’m from Italy. I’m studying at Business Academy in Kroměříž.
I’ve got the opportunity to work in the UK (London) for 2 months through the organisation Royal Chance. I’m looking forward especially to meeting new people, learning about culture, improving my English skills and so on. This is great opportunity to make it happen. We should be happy to have chances like this to travel around the world. I remember when I told my grandpa about this and he said “Please, don’t be stupid, take this opportunity. I would take it if I had the chance.” So, I hope this curse will give me a lot of experiences for the rest of my life.
Petr Karal
2017
Veronika Hasnikova
2018
Hello, I’m Veronika. I’m from the Czech Republic. I studied at the Business Academy in Kromeriz. Then I studied English language at language school in Olomouc. The job centre helped me find out more information about this internship with Royal Chance. I got the chance to go to London and have an internship in Momentum World. I wanted to get new experiences and to improve my English. I like to learn new things and meet new people. I wanted to work in an administrative role. I got the job at Momentum CIC. I liked it there.
My work included work on a laptop, creating tables, text, searching for various information, writing articles, editing photos, scanning documents, organizing the office. The project opened the door for me to go to London for the first time and try to work abroad. Thank you for the opportunity. I found out that it is similar to the Czech Republic. Thank you Momentum World – it has enriched me! This experience is very important and beneficial to me.
Ondrej Kejik
2017
Hello, my name is Ondrej Kejik and I am from Czech Republic. I am thirty years old. I worked as a warehouseman but now I am unemployed. I would like to work as an administrative
assistant and I was lucky. One Czech company offered me an internship in London in a nonprofit organisation Momentum World, so I accepted it immediately. I think this experience will help me to better understand office work. I also expect that I will meet interesting people because Momentum is working with young people from many countries of the European Union.
Tony Zhu
2016
My time at Momentum World has been an extremely rewarding opportunity for me to learn more about the importance of youth mobility, and to make connections with people from all over Europe. I have gained skills in event planning and proposals that will prove invaluable in my future career, and have been inspired by the passion with which the team at Momentum World works every single day.
Though my internship has come to an end, I have come to greatly appreciate the time I spent working there, and am grateful to have been given the opportunity to do so.
Sarah Bogaert
2015
My application was sent out to over 100 organisations, and Momentum World was the first to show interest in me. You have to know that I didn’t have any relevant work experience, so even getting one positive response on my resume was massive for me. I couldn’t be more lucky with Momentum World as my workplace, as I really had no idea what I wanted to do in my life career wise. I thought Momentum World would teach me things about myself I didn’t know before and help me to get more confidence in myself.
After 7 weeks with Momentum, everything I thought that I would learn came true and even more. I’ve indeed learned a lot of things about myself, about things I like and don’t like and about how I want to become one day. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that I need to step out of my comfort zone, my bubble, I’m capable of a lot more things than I thought I was. Another important thing I’ve learned is that money isn’t everything, money isn’t the answer to every question. Passion and happiness is.
Chris Bradford
2013
I never expected an internship to be as rewarding as it was with Momentum. Before they took me on, I had just finished university and was finding it pretty tough getting a full time job due lack of experience. Afterwards, I was left with the technical experience that I thought I would get from working with databases but also so much more.
During my time with them, Momentum offered me so many amazing opportunities. I got to learn about events management, film making, meet some truly inspirational people from all over the world and learn about their culture, and I even got to go abroad myself.
Even though I have now moved on to working for an events organisation, I still tell everyone I meet about my time with Momentum World because I am proud to have been part of their amazing team and the work that they are doing.
Eddie Keough
2012
Around Easter in 2012 I was given the amazing opportunity to help with the media promotion of 2020 Education. My first office was the very impressive Northcliffe House, home of national newspapers like the Daily Mail, Independent and Evening Standard. I spent six months helping with 2020 Education and was inspired to start my own career in PR.
My experience with Momentum helped me get my job at one of London’s top PR agencies and I’ve been there since but obviously keep in touch with everything that’s going on back at Momentum.
Alex Cameron
2021
Executive assistant at CILL, I studied International Relations and English. I am interested in people and how connecting and learning from them can shape our lives. I currently enjoy studying Korean, a bit of amateur photography and spending evenings with my cat alongside a glass of wine (or three).
Valeria Ceccerelli
2021
Hello, I’m Valeria and I come from Italy. I’m doing my internship as a Social Media and Web editor for Momentum and EuroPeers UK. After I did my EVS in London in 2016 (experience that changed my life completely) I decided to stay in touch with an international environment and hoping to find a job in the volunteering sector. During these years I had the opportunity to join some international groups, make new friends from all around the world and spread the voice about my gap year to encourage other people to do the same. I became a EuroPeer since the Italian National Agency started the network, and I’m very glad that I can help the UK network. At the end of 2020 I attended a professional basic Social Media Marketing course and I was looking for an internship to start this career step by step, because it is a job that you learn with practice. I found the opportunity via CILL. I found this perfect because learning this job in English is better.
I hope to grow up professionally and also as a person through this experience, I’m very glad to be part of this community!
Annabelle Marsden
2021
In 2019 I stumbled across an Erasmus+ advertisement for projects in Seville and have been hooked ever since. Upon returning I wanted to dive into the behind the scenes operations and am now the internship coordinator at CILL. I hope to improve my knowledge whilst working here so that one day I can go back to my small home seaside town and spread the word.
Belqees Al Hinaai
2021
I am the partnership development assistant for the Middle East & North Africa region. I am from Oman and studying International Businesses and Services Management at GUtech (German University of technology in Oman). In addition, I am interested in heritage digitization field and for that reason I am currently doing my Bachelor thesis about it.
2021
My name is Lucía, I am from Spain and I live in Madrid. I am the Social Media Assistant for CILL and I am currently working on improving CILL’s Social Media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn…). I study International Relations and Global Communication in Comillas Pontifical University and I am more than pleased to have the opportunity of working for CILL. I am an active user on Social Media and I enjoy everything related with different cultures, internationality, cooperation and sustainability. I see myself represented in CILL’s values and I hope the next interns will enjoy working here as much as I do!
2020
My name is Francesca, I am British and was born and raised in Belgium. Growing up in Brussels, you are immediately surrounded by people with all sorts of backgrounds and many different cultures. It is hardly surprising that I would develop a love for learning new languages and travelling. Having participated in the Erasmus+ programme myself, I very much understand the importance and the value of such exchange programmes. After all, the world has become more globalised and, as a result, we as individuals need to have the necessary skills to be able to communicate and ultimately
understand each other. This is why I am looking forward to interning with Momentum World and the Centre for International Learning and Leadership, and contributing to their projects, while developing my own skills and bringing yet another European perspective to the table.
Dan Mapatac
2020
Laura Alberich Arias
2020
Hello, my name is Laura. I’m 22 and I’m studying the Double Degree in Translation and Interpretation with Global Communication at Comillas Pontifical University, Madrid. I grew up in the UK and I have family in both Spain and Germany, so, having been surrounded by several languages and cultures from a young age, internationality is something I strongly identify with and support. For this reason, I was thrilled when I was given an internship with CILL, an organisation which promotes just that: international thinking, values and skills. Having taken courses on public speaking and leadership for my degree, I am also very interested in leadership skills. In addition, since I have personally benefited from it greatly, I am keen on creating and promoting opportunities that enable young people to travel abroad so they may expand their intercultural knowledge.
There is no shadow of a doubt that I will learn a lot through my internship with CILL, since it will give me the chance to put my knowledge and skills into practice and develop them further. Moreover, I will also have the privilege of working alongside individuals who are experts in fields that align with my own personal interests and values.
Marek Ždych
2020
Hi, my name is Marek and I am 19 years old. I grew up in Prague, Czech Republic. I have been suffering from severe headaches for over 8 years now and so I had problems with studying because of it. I interrupted my studies several times, so I was a 17 year old guy without proper education and without any perspective for the future. And so, I moved from Prague to a little town Kroměříž which is about 3,5 hours away from Prague. I moved there because of an internship on a small protestant Bible course called Czech Bible Institute (CBI). I started working part time at watchmaker shop and after a year of living there I got an opportunity to travel for two months to London and work there. I took the chance and now I’m sitting in cool office with great colleagues from Momentum World and looking forward what these two months will give me.
Sara Valero
2019
I am Sara. I am 22 years old. I am a Spanish student of International Relations and Translation and now intern at Momentum World. I chose this internship as part of my degree since I thought it would be constructive and would open new doors for me. I also wanted to gain some international experience and what better place to do so than London. When I first looked at the organization’s mission and activities, I found it admirable and thought it was going to be very rewarding for both my personal and professional life. Even though I have specialized in Economics and International Business, I have always been interested in the human aspect of my studies. I love travelling, getting to know different cultures and learning from them. It has given me a broader vision of life. I hope I can bring positive things to Momentum, and I am sure I will be able to develop my skills and gain expertise in such an interesting field.
Bence Labos
2017
My name is Bence and I am from Hungary. In October 2017 I began an internship with Momentum World in London. I have just completed my Master’s degree in International Relations at Corvinus University in Budapest. A 7-month Erasmus programme in Germany enabled me to broaden my horizons extensively as well as allowed me to conduct extensive research for my thesis. After this I decided to apply for Erasmus plus, which provides students with an amazing opportunity to gain international work experience, increase their cultural awareness and enhance their employability. Fortunately, Momentum World gave me the opportunity to take part in their projects. I am really glad that I can be here because I support the objectives of Momentum World, developing young people’s employability, adding value to formal education. I would like to learn about the mechanism of this organization and assist in any way that may be helpful.
Nikola Hrnciarova
2016
During my time at high school I became familiar with community projects in my hometown. This helped to develop my passion for community development and volunteer work. Later on at university I further explored this interest by participating in many international youth projects supported by Erasmus+, both at home and abroad. These projects excited and inspired me to continue personal, educational and skill development in this area. Momentum´s inspiring work with young people and schools, and their aims such as increasing understanding of global issues and participation of young people in local or global projects, are reasons why I decided to apply for the internship here. I am now a member of staff with Momentum, in charge of developing the EuroPeers UK network.
Lucie Cevelova
2016
I studied photography at art school in Brno. When I finished my studies, I couldn’t find a job. The job centre in my city created a project called “Royal Chance or Come and Work in England”. The project was for two months and when I read about it, I knew I had to be a part of the project. I applied and was selected. When I got the news, I said to myself: Lucy, this will be the beginning of a new life.
What did I get from my internship with Momentum World? They really changed my life. The internship helped me imagine new possibilities for my life. I found out what is really important in my life, what I really want to do. I want to join the EVS, help people, travel and explore other cultures…
I’m very happy that I was able to participate in the Centres of Excellence project. I met a lot of interesting people who helped me with my English. They were incredibly patient, kind and respectful. I learned something from everyone. They were inspirational and showed me there are other ways to live my life.
The internship at Momentum World was a big opportunity for me and I really needed it. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I was lost. My personal goal for this internship was to find myself. And yes. I did.
When I started working for Momentum World, I didn’t know about the existence of Erasmus plus and some of the other organisations and projects. I was surprised because they are some of the best ways to travel, learn a lot of new things, meet lovely people and experience opportunities to change our lives. Learning about them inspired me to find similar organisations in my country and I decided to join them and help other people as COE helped me. I found countless amazing projects throughout Europe and I want to be a part of this because I want to work on my personal development.
Thank you to the whole team at Momentum World. Thank you for the chance to work with the best people I have met in my life.
Esther Dark
2014
Inspired by Momentum World’s values and their wide range of projects, I applied for an internship. Having experienced the benefits of an overseas gap year in Australia and South Africa, I believe strongly in the value of experiencing other cultures and gaining a world-view perspective.
Also as a local youth group leader, I was excited to be working for a company that provides life-changing opportunities for young people and engages them in important global issues. The experience was eye-opening, and projects such as 2020 Education, international learners and leaders programmes are inspiring. Momentum World offers an exciting, challenging engagement with a diverse range of projects.
Conor Sherry
2013
I assisted Momentum World on 6 different projects assisting the team in a variety of ways from helping to organise conferences to running workshops and doing energisers with the young people. I gained a lot of IT skills that I didn’t previously have in areas like designing presentations, spreadsheets and database input. I also gave speeches and presentations to different organisations promoting Momentum world in 3 different countries across Europe. Working for Momentum gave me such an insight into many global issues that I wasn’t aware of until I worked with them such as the declining bee population and human trafficking. My work there allowed me to explore and expand my skills in film making which was something I wasn’t expecting to learn about but I am very passionate about so I was very happy to learn about it.
During my time there I was given the opportunity to travel to Poland to learn about Civic Volunteering, Portugal to build partner ships with other organisations and I went to Finland to learn about cultural understanding. I met amazing people on these projects and have made some friends for life in my time on them.
Even after my internship finished I took part in their Leadership Programme which was one of the most inspirational weeks of my entire life. I learnt so much about myself and my abilities during that week. I gained many new skills through my experiences there such as leadership, organisation, confidence and broadened my knowledge and skills in film making which is an area I am very passionate about my experience I gained through working with Momentum World helped me to get the job I have now working in advertising as a Client Assistant at Posterscope in Manchester. I cannot thank Momentum World for everything they have done for me, They helped me to succeed and grow as a person and helped me achieve things I never thought possible.I would advise everyone who possibly can to get involved with Momentum World in whatever capacity because it will change your life.
Nicolien Van Der Linden
2012
I have been inspired by the work Momentum World does with young people. The way they engage youngsters is amazing and inspired me to work with youth in the future. That is why I am now going to start with a Teacher education programme.
Since my internship my life has changed in so many ways. I am much more confident than I was before. I have met amazing people around the projects I did during my internship. I am pleased that I have worked with Momentum, the things I have learned and my education will be the key for my future students.