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Internship Spotlight: Sacha Depoortere - Consulate General of Pakistan in Montreal, Quebec

Attending the Turkish Cuisine National Day Reception, seated between the Consul General of Egypt and the Consul General of Pakistan.

I sincerely thank Mr. John Macfarlane for his generous support. His contribution allowed me to fully commit to my internship at the Consulate General of Pakistan in Montreal and make the most of this unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in diplomacy and public service. Without Mr. John Macfarlane鈥檚 funding of the Faculty of Arts Internship Award, I could not have supported myself financially through the summer, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity it created. I am also grateful to Mayada Ageeb, Secretary to the Consul General, and to the Consul General himself for their guidance and support throughout my internship.

Delivering a presentation examining Canada鈥檚 migrant worker programs as a manifestation of modern slavery
My sustained interest in the intersection of international relations and cultural diplomacy motivated me to pursue this internship. I wanted to work in a setting where protocol, public engagement, and policy analysis shape the rhythm of daily work. The position promised professional exposure and gave me the chance to sharpen my research skills while observing how diplomatic practice adapts to shifting political realities.

The Consulate General of Pakistan represents the country鈥檚 interests in Montreal and across the province. It delivers essential services to citizens abroad, strengthens trade and cultural ties with Canadian partners, and works closely with political and institutional actors to maintain active diplomatic relationships. This combination allows the Consulate to operate both as a public service hub and as a strategic actor in Canada-Pakistan relations.

My assignments reflected that dual role. I prepared reports and summaries of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) working papers, processed consular requests such as powers of attorney and certifications, helped organize the Consulate鈥檚 National Day reception, researched the Quebec health system, and developed provincial profiles to guide outreach and policy work.

My studies in International Development and Political Science directly supported these responsibilities. They equipped me to interpret institutional structures, assess policy developments, and approach interactions with cultural awareness. I relied on these skills both in producing written analyses and in working directly with the public.

One of the most memorable moments of the internship was participating in the National Day reception for Pakistan Independence Day. Months of preparation culminated in an evening that blended cultural expression with diplomatic formality. The presence of both diplomatic figures and prominent members of the Pakistani community in Montreal illustrated how personal and political relationships reinforce one another. Preparing detailed policy reports for the Consul General was another highlight, as the work contributed directly to internal discussions and strategic planning.

Office of Mayada Ageeb, Secretary to the Consul General, which also served as my workspace
The pace of the work was demanding. Priorities often shifted with little notice, whether due to urgent community needs or developments in external files. I learned to adapt quickly without compromising accuracy, a skill I will carry forward in future roles.

This experience has clarified my career ambitions. I want to continue working where policy, advocacy, and diplomacy intersect. The internship strengthened my ability to conduct targeted research, communicate effectively across cultures, and navigate institutional processes with professionalism and adaptability.

The Faculty of Arts Internship Award funded by John H. Macfarlane made this possible. His support removed financial barriers, enabling me to focus entirely on my responsibilities and take full advantage of every opportunity. That freedom allowed me to engage fully in experiences that will remain valuable well into my career. Thank you to Mr. John Macfarlane for his generous support and for making this transformative experience possible.

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