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The DCM Mrs. Cynthia Akuetteh with the student interns  (Photo: Yacouba Soro/US Embassy)

US Chargé d’Affaires welcomes Ivorian Student Interns

The Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Abidjan, Mrs. Cynthia Akuetteh, met with six students from various Universities in Cote d’Ivoire on September 14, 2007.  The students are the initial group of participants in Embassy Abidjan's Internship Program, which was introduced in September 2007. The six student interns were selected from a group of 70 applicants from the best schools and universities in Cote d’Ivoire, after rigorous vetting. 

The informal breakfast meeting was to introduce the students to the American diplomat during their orientation to the internship program.  Mrs. Akuetteh welcomed and congratulated the students.  In her welcoming remarks, she said “I’m happy to receive you here and I hope that you’ll enjoy this first internship and learn a lot of things.”  Mrs. Akuetteh also conveyed to the students the US government's desire for a peaceful political situation in Cote d’Ivoire.  After her remarks, the interns had one-on-one conversations with American diplomats as well as Locally Employed Staff who were present.  The interns expressed great appreciation for the opportunity; some had specific questions on their assignments, others urged for the continuation of the program in future years. 

Embassy Abidjan's Internship Program is designed to benefit both the U.S. Mission and student participants who will receive valuable educational experience in our Mission, while assisting in accomplishing our mission goals.  The program offers students an opportunity to experience first-hand the challenges and possibilities of working in a foreign affairs arena and at the same time allows the Mission to benefit from their assistance and insights. The six students have been working at various sections in the U.S. Mission since September 11, 2007.