From DEN volunteer at Westminster to European governance in Luxembourg Jimmy Purewal, BA, University of Westminster, Class of 2020; former DEN volunteer and student contributor; now completing an MA in European Governance at the University of Luxembourg Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. * * *...
“Students need to see the world to understand it.”
From a first trip abroad in Vietnam to UN panels, NGO work, and donor rooms in New York Amaan Haris, BA International Relations and Development, University of Westminster, Class of 2024; United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. * * * How did you first...
“A degree alone is not enough.”
How DEN gave one early alumnus the real-world experience that landed him a tech career Mohammed Khaled, University of Westminster (2017–2020); now working in the technology sector, United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. * * * How did you first come into contact with...
“Just show up.”
From locked-down first year to Vietnam, the DEN conference, and the Civil Service Lucas Iacuzzi, BA Politics and International Relations, University of Westminster (2020–2023); now Civil Servant at HM Revenue & Customs, United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. How did you first come into...
“Step outside of your comfort zone.”
How DEN took me from undergraduate project manager to the Embassy of Oman Tasneem Fadel, BA (Hons) International Relations and Development; former Project Manager at DEN (2018–2021); now Academic Advisor and Events Manager at the Cultural Attaché Office, Embassy of Oman, London Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic...
“Sorry, Farhang.”
How DEN became my best experience at university Afra Bhuiyan, Politics and International Relations, Class of 2026, University of Westminster (Regent Street), United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. * * * How did you first come into contact with DEN? I came into contact...
“It is also very important to listen.”
How DEN turned a curious second-year into a society president Negena Mahmoud, second-year Politics and International Relations student, University of Westminster, London (Afghan heritage) Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. * * * How did you first come into contact with DEN? I first came into...
“Trust the students.” How DEN reshaped one lecturer’s view of teaching Linh, Lecturer, International Studies Faculty, Hanoi University, Vietnam Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. * * * How did you first come into contact with DEN? I first came into contact with DEN when a...
“Wow, I wrote this.”
How DEN turned a module choice into a global education Joshua Morton, second-year English Language and Linguistics student, University of Westminster, United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. How did you first come into contact with DEN? For my entire first year at Westminster, I...
“Much more than a university society”
DEN AT 10 · IN THEIR OWN WORDS Rita, a final-year International Relations student from Ukraine, reflects on the blog that started it all, presenting her research at the 2026 conference, and three articles in DEN’s annual book. Rita · International Relations, final year · University of Westminster · Ukraine Q1. Tell us who you...
From the Sidelines to the Stage: My Second DEN Conference
At the beginning of May, I took part in my second DEN conference, and it turned out to be nothing like I had expected. When I participated last year, my role had been relatively comfortable. I guided guests around, helped with reception, and presented alongside a few friends about our trip to New York. I...
“Meaningful Learning Begins With Listening”
Que Anh, known to everyone as Cinny, a Hanoi University graduate now working in youth development in Vietnam, reflects on three international conferences, friendships that crossed borders, and learning to value questions over answers. Que Anh (Cinny) · Development Studies, Hanoi University · Vietnam Q1. Tell us who you are and where you are based....
