NELSON LWANGA

Master's Candidate in European and International Governance at Vrije Universiteit Brussels, specializing in EU-Africa migration relations and deportation policy. Conducting thesis research under Brussels Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Migration and Minorities (BIRMM) on "The Positions of Nigeria's Political Actors Regarding EU Migration Cooperation Demands on Deportation." Academic background combines transportation policy planning with migration governance, providing unique perspective on refugee integration and urban mobility challenges. Seeking to build practical experience in migration policy research and advocacy through meaningful internship opportunities.

• European Association for International Education (EAIE) - Member
• Erasmus Student Network (ESN) - Member
• Intercultural Talents Belgium Graduate
• Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety - Member
• Transportation Sciences Network (TSN) - Member

• Prof. dr. Vjosa Musliu Vjosa.musliu@vub.be Vrije Universiteit Brussels

Prof. Dr. Ilke Adam Thesis Supervisor & Director, Centre for Migration, Diversity, and Justice Vrije Universiteit Brussels Email: ilke.adam@vub.ac.be

Mrs. Marjan Frederix Former Supervisor, Mobility Department City of Genk Email: Marjan.Frederix@genk.be

TEAM LEADER | VOLUNTARY SERVICES OVERSEAS (VSO) | May 2019 - August 2019

• Coordinated volunteer activities supporting 25+ national and international volunteers in community development projects
• Facilitated cultural orientation organizing weekly activities to improve volunteer integration and effectiveness
• Maintained communication systems ensuring regular contact with supervisors and addressing volunteer welfare needs

• EU External Migration Policy & Deportation Frameworks
• EU-Africa Migration Relations & Postcolonial Analysis
• Refugee Integration & Community-Based Support
• Migration Governance & Protection Systems
• Urban Planning & Mobility in Migration Integration
• Comparative Migration Law

• English: Native/Bilingual (C2)
• Dutch: Professional Working
• Luganda: Native
• Swahili: Intermediate (B1)
• French: Beginner (A1)
• German: Elementary

Seeking to gain hands-on experience in migration policy research and advocacy to build toward a career in international migration governance. Particularly interested in EU-Africa migration relations, refugee protection systems, and evidence-based policy development. Eager to contribute research skills while learning from experienced practitioners in the field.

Published Work:

• Contributing researcher: "Economic Impact Assessment of Uganda's Open-Door Refugee Policy" (EU-funded, 2017)

Conference Participation:

• #OpenDoorsUG Public Dialogue, Kampala (2017)
• VUBMUN Simulation Conference, Brussels (2023 & 2025)

Current Research:

• Master's thesis on EU deportation policy (Expected completion: October 2025)

Research & Analysis: SPSS, Power BI, NVIVO, Excel, Academic Writing, Literature Review Communication Tools: Microsoft Office Suite, CiviCRM, Slack, Teams, Trello Digital Media: Canva, Basic Adobe Creative Suite Project Management: Event coordination, Stakeholder engagement, Report writing

Migration-Focused Training (2025)

• Global Migration Law in Action Course | Amsterdam Centre for Migration and Refugee Law, VU Amsterdam (In Progress)

IOM Professional Certificate Program (Completed)

• Protection and Assistance for Migrants Vulnerable to Violence, Exploitation and Abuse
• Rights at Borders in the Context of Migration
• Alternatives to Detention in the Context of Migration

UNHCR-IOM Joint Training (Completed)

• The Protection of Migrants and Refugees Moving by Sea