´óÏó´«Ã½

Hope Robinson's academic journey began with the French Cohort Program in Public and International Affairs at ´óÏó´«Ã½ (´óÏó´«Ã½), where she pursued an honours degree in Political Science with an extended minor in French, graduating with distinction in 2019. Today, she serves as a Communications Officer at 's Climate-smart Healthcare team, a program at the forefront of decarbonizing the healthcare sector and strengthening its resilience to climate change.

Her bilingual education, international exposure, and interdisciplinary courses sparked her interest in policy and advocacy, prompting her to pursue her master's degree in political strategy and communication at the University of Kent's Brussels School of International Studies in Brussels, Belgium, where she now lives and works. 

In her role, Robinson works with a team that helps hospitals and healthcare systems across Europe become more sustainable and climate resilient by reducing their climate impact and becoming more prepared for the increasing impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat, severe storms, and floods. Robinson's job calls for her translate data and technical expertise into accessible messaging that is easily understood by different audiences—from hospital workers and doctors to government leaders and the general public. She also works with healthcare professionals to build up their communication and advocacy skills, so they feel confident speaking up and become strong voices for climate action.

"This is super important because healthcare workers are on the frontlines when extreme weather events hit, and healthcare gets slammed first — and at the same time, healthcare itself adds to the problem by contributing to climate change," says Robinson. "So, if we can make healthcare part of the solution, it sends a strong message that other sectors can and should change too."

What drew you to the French Cohort Program (FCP)? 

I was drawn to the FCP because it offered something unique — a bilingual, international lens on politics, society, and culture, right from the start of my degree. The idea of studying in French and English, and having the chance to live and learn abroad felt like a way to challenge myself and gain a perspective that went beyond a typical university experience. It also appealed to me that the course structure was laid out in large part for you, with of course some flexibility for electives and classes especially as you got further into the program. I didn’t want to have that classic experience of trying to sign up for classes as a general student and not getting a spot, and having to settle for classes that weren’t my top picks.

What I loved most was the community FCP created. Small classes, shared experiences, and professors who genuinely cared. It made a big school feel personal, and I still keep in touch with classmates and some professors.

Were there any unexpected skills you gained from the program that turned out to be essential in your professional life?

I’d say that one of the most unexpected but valuable skills I gained was the ability to navigate ambiguity in life, with confidence. I think in particular of adapting to dynamics in several languages, and managing life as a student and now professional abroad. I learned how to stay adaptable, curious, and solution-oriented. Those soft skills have been just as important in my work as any technical skill, especially in communications, where context and nuance really matter!