Mark Freedman

Canada | Batch 2020-2021

Thoughts on the programme: One of the things that attracted me most to this programme was its interdisciplinary approach to human rights. Since starting the programme here at FAU I feel that I’ve already accumulated a wealth of practical knowledge that will transfer into working in a human rights field, or at least contributing to a greater foundation in my current profession as an educator. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable around the disciplines of law, politics and philosophy and provide great spaces for engaging, thoughtful and critical discussion. The atmosphere and breadth of discussion is uniquely established in the diversity and variety of professional backgrounds of the students involved. The professors and programme coordinators have also ensured a personable and engaging environment with themselves and within the cohort.

It is such an incredible experience to be able to collaborate, discuss and debate with our year’s amazing cohort, not only do I feel like I have gained a valuable global network of colleagues, but I have also gained some amazing friends. 

Professional background: I earned my Bachelor Arts degree from Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, QC, Canada in History and Environmental Studies and Geography. I concurrently studied secondary education and earned my Bachelor’s of Education the following year, thus becoming a qualified secondary teacher. Through my university studies I volunteered for a non-profit organization with the goals of sustainability, equality and alleviation of human suffering through education, health and development. This is the field I find myself most wanting to be a part of, which sparked my interest to look for programs like this one. I taught full time for a couple of years after graduating university before moving to Germany to study the Master’s in Human Rights.