Pavel Vasilyev

My path towards interning at MDAC was probably not the most usual, since my initial field of specialization is history. I first became interested in mental health issues and disability law while researching history of psychiatry in early Soviet Russia. I was surprised at how much the state could restrict the liberties of its citizens on a completely arbitrary basis. Gradually, however, I came to the understanding that the problem is still present in our contemporary world, as the rights of persons with mental disabilities are severely violated in most countries.

I had learned about MDAC before I came to Budapest, so my no.1 internship choice at the capital of Hungary was decided at once. The welcome at MDAC was very warm, and I am really glad that I had an opportunity to work with such nice and cheerful people. And it is not only about working! I played soccer with some of my colleagues, watched the World Cup with others, and enjoyed a delicious lángos at the terrace of Gödör Club with some others.

Moving to more professional issues – my internship at MDAC was supervised by Slava Shayman and Sándor Gurbai. My main task was collecting information on systems of guardianship and psychiatric help in Russia, and I also did quite a bit of translating, drafting and editing of legal and advocacy documents. Last but not least, I worked very closely with Ngila Bevan regarding the situation in psychiatric institutions of Crimea. Maybe for the first time in my life, I sincerely felt that what I was making a real difference – and it is not possible to describe how rewarding this feeling was for me!

Having left Budapest, I continue to work in the sphere of disability and do research on mental health. I highly recommend interning experience at MDAC to anyone, and I would not hesitate for a moment if asked whether I would do it again. Not only was it a fantastic learning opportunity, but also a pleasant feeling of doing something relevant and important - as well as terrific amount of fun!