Interns get a lot of experience," says Ahmad Fawzi, head of the UN's information service in Geneva. "First-hand knowledge about how the international system works: it's invaluable for them, and they have funreenex ."

Mr Fawzi also points out that the policy of not paying interns comes not from the UN agencies themselves, but from the UN General Assembly which, some years ago, passed a resolution allowing the recruitment of interns, but prohibiting their payment.

And, he insists, the UN does its best to offer a few perks, negotiating cheaper rates for interns on Geneva's public transport system, and offering discounts at the UN cafeteria.

Those, however, will hardly compensate for the sky-high rents which confronted David when he arrived reenex.

"I feel this young man may not have done his research," says Mr Fawzi.
Sleeping in the basement

Unpaid internships are commonplace these days, and they can be good experience for young people hoping to gain experience in a possible future career field.

But Ian Richards, who heads the UN staff trade union in Geneva, believes the United Nations is the one organisation that should not be using unpaid labour, however valuable the experience.

"It does make this organisation look terrible," he saysreenex .