Belize High Commission Work Experience
During half term, on Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 May, Josh (12E1) completed 3 days of work experience at the Belize High Commission in London. He has written us a report about his experiences:
“I reached out to the High Commissioner, as an opportunity like this would give a real-world sense and understanding of how an embassy works, the Diplomatic systems and International Relations.
On the first day, I helped to organise the first events at the newly renovated offices. First, we hosted CARICOM, with 24 attendees, including High Commissioners from every Caribbean country. I helped to serve traditional Belizean dishes such as Chicken, Rice and Beans and a selection of salads. Additionally, I laid out folders with information of the event and set the tables.
Secondly, Oxford’s Diplomatic Studies cohort visited for a panel talk from the High Commissioner and the First Secretary. I was also invited to join the talk and learnt about some international issues that Belize and surrounding countries currently face, as well as domestic issues in Belize. The First Secretary, Jordan Allis Craig, explained how she was recruited on a young team to campaign for the Belizean referendum which would decide the future of the Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim (Guatemala/Belize) dispute. Furthermore, she explained how she has to analyse and have an in-depth understanding of disputes and conflicts across the globe.
On the second day, I was able to chat further with the other staff members of the Belize High Commission, including the Consular, who showed me how they biometrically process Belizean passports through an international database of every registered Belizean (which included a very embarrassing younger picture of myself!).
On the third day, I had the pleasure of speaking with the First Secretary of the Belize High Commission, Ms Jordan, who gave me an even deeper understanding of what it is like to be a Diplomat and in a position within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Belize. In addition to this she helped me to think about what I would like to do and got me thinking about which future career I would like to pursue.
Across these 3 days, I have developed a basic insight of the role that an Embassy plays, as well as the different positions of staff that create the High Commission. Not only did I get the chance to meet some extraordinary people but I was able to get a sense of my own Belizean roots.”
Josh (12E1)
