FIME’s fall 2025 EDUFI intern, Lotta Huotari, has begun her work in Beirut. Lotta is a currently a master’s student in Human Security program at Aarhus University in Denmark. She completed her undergraduate studies in Cultural Studies at the University of Helsinki, where her major was the study of religion.
Lotta’s multidisciplinary interests focus on the intersections of peace research, urban studies, environmental sciences and the study of religion. FIME’s internship in Beirut provides her an opportunity to deepen her knowledge on these topics in the field.
”At FIME, I get to learn about the institute’s operations as well as develop my own communication and organizational skills,” says Lotta. ”I also hope to gain new perspectives on how the current situation in the region is reflected in the daily lives of local people.”
In her first few days, Lotta has only scratched the surface of Beirut and is eager to explore it more: ”I’ve made a list of dozens of places to visit, and I Imagine a goof portion of my free time will be spent checking out cafes and galleries. I also want to just wander through the city without plans and study Arabic.”