International Blog

Sofia, International Development and Globalization, World University Service of Canada (WUSC), Sri Lanka Centre for Women’s Research

Naturally, I’m someone who enjoys having a routine and a plan in advance. Prior to my international internship, I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of my schedule and how many hours a week I’d be working, or whether I’d be able to keep my job. During my internship, the plans had changed a few times, and so I wasn’t able to answer these questions throughout the semester. At first, I saw the multiple changes as a negative experience; however, with time, I realized that the modifications to the plan were a positive thing. While flexibility is something that I had to improve during the pandemic, it is a skill that I expanded upon while working at my international internship.

In our pre-departure trainings, we discussed some possible challenges that we may encounter during our internships. The pre-departure trainings were especially helpful in preparing us to do the remote international internships, as we learned skills to cope with these challenges should they arise. Such obstacles included: working remotely, having different time zones, potential language barriers, and having a change of mandate. Most of these difficulties applied to me, but I’m so grateful that I was able to experience them, as they’ve made me a better student and a more flexible worker. I also strongly believe that the positives of doing an international internship heavily outweigh the negatives!

The future of the post-COVID-19 world is online work, whether that be in school, work, diplomacy, or personal life. The skills that I’ve learned over the past few months - adaptability, flexibility, and patience - are competencies that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life!

Katie, Masters in Development and Globalization, Mines Action Canada, Vietnam, Association for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (AEPD)

In the three months of my internship, I have been able to work on a number of interesting projects and may have even found a new path for myself! My undergraduate degree had a small focus on humanitarian assistance which, while interesting, I always associated with high levels of stress and meeting immediate needs on the ground. While this is certainly a component of humanitarian assistance, there are steps that come after the immediate emergency, including the provision of services for survivors as well as return and reintegration into the community. Particularly in conflict, the violence can continue long after the fighting ends. At Mines Action Canada, I have been able to learn about the devastating impacts of explosive remnants of war and the great needs of affected communities.

I have struggled in the past to find a place for myself and my interest in disability in the Global South within the development community – while the rights of persons with disabilities are a pressing issue it is often overlooked and under-examined. Within humanitarian assistance and specifically in post-conflict settings, disability takes up far more space in the conversation. While my interests in disability go beyond physical impairments, the potential to work on programs assisting persons with physical disabilities is more realistic than other forms of disability. I am excited to have found more opportunity for myself within this experience and my newly broadened horizons have me excited for what my future holds!

Tamoghna, Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Anthropology and Sociology, Forum of Federations, Myanmar, and Nepal Project Support

Working at this internship has been a welcome change amidst all the stress of the last semester of university. My idea was that even though I’m only taking three courses, it might be difficult to balance, however, I have found myself immersed in work: eager to be of aid to my coworkers and looking forward to meeting them every week. The internship has proved to be of great help in being an easy transition to work as my colleagues are extremely supportive and involved, despite of the time difference. Working with The Forum of Federations has been rewarding as it acts as a constant reminder, that with the right encouragement, I can unlock my fuller potential. I feel so productive and motivated to perform well in school.

This internship is the perfect challenge for my educational as well as professional career at this particular point in time. Before graduation, I wanted to gain some work experience and The Forum has given me just that. I like to think of this opportunity as a necessary means for my professional life. I have discovered so much more about myself in terms of the kind of work I want to do in the future and my short-term goals. I appreciate this opportunity as my first ever proper job as it has taught me the value of taking time off for myself, learning to strike a balance between work and personal life and organizational skills. I am so thankful for this opportunity and the diverse amount of people that I have met through this internship. At the end of the four years at the university, the internship feels like a perfect conclusion to my journey as an undergrad.

Yasmin, Masters in Public Administration, Alternatives Montréal, Palestine, Teacher Creativity Centre (TCC)

In my first year of my master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Ottawa, I decided to take part in an international internship as opposed to enrolling in a course. I am currently working with the Teacher Creativity Centre (TCC), a Palestinian NGO that works on issues with respect to education, in collaboration with Alternatives, a Montréal-based NGO that aims to maintain and strengthen collective rights. Due to the global pandemic, it was evident that I would complete my internship with unprecedented procedures, in other words, rapid leapfrogging into remote working. In the early stages of my internship, I unfortunately caught COVID-19 and so my internship had been quite slow and was not progressing as instrumentally on my end. Despite this setback, it has helped me gain professional experience, hands-on learning and expand my network in the comfort of my home. I am currently tasked with conducting interviews with educators and other actors in the coming weeks. Even though my work is online, I can utilize my research skills and knowledge from academia and apply it to my internship assignments.

Without question, I would much rather be doing my internship abroad if it weren’t for the wrath of COVID-19. However, remote work has allowed me to experience new challenges that I never expected to face. A significant skill that I have mastered during my internship includes time management and completing heavy workloads, all while completing my graduate degree. This internship is important experience for me, that has some great impacts in the rest of my job and career. Skills such as decision-making, risk management, communication, teamwork, and team building will carry out throughout my life. In other words, this experience will not necessarily stay with me only during my internship contract, but it will stay with me for my entire career moving forward. 

Take heart: the COVID-19 pandemic will end. Its legacy will be long lasting, but not all quite bad; the breakthroughs, social services, and systems we develop can be used to the betterment of everyone. If I take inspiration from the successes and lessons from this international internship at a distance, I can apply what I’ve learned to my career and be ready for what I will be up against in today’s job market.

Sergio, Masters in International Development and Globalization, Mines Action Canada, Colombia, Campaña Colombiana Contra Minas (CCCM), Program Support Officer

My interests concerning academic life have always been closer to the practical side than the research path. As a historian studying the Colombian conflict, its causes, dynamics and consequences, getting an opportunity to approach this issue from a practical perspective has been a life-changing experience. That is why, as soon as I knew that the Faculty of Social Sciences offered the possibility to join an international internship as part of my master's studies, I didn't have to think twice.

As part of the options, working with Mines Action Canada and Campaña Colombiana Contra Minas suited best my MRP goals since my assigned tasks merge both the practical knowledge of war-torn communities with the theoretical frame of Immobilities. Hence, allowing an insightful exploration of a scarcely studied concept among academics in Colombia.

I couldn't think about a better way to understand the kind of things you never learn in a classroom, such as addressing an Ambassador, looking for funding means to guarantee the operation of the NGO in the long term, analysing geographical data before landmine clearing missions. Yes, it has been challenging because of the workload of both my thesis project and a full-time volunteering position but the abilities I have acquired while working with the team are an asset for any future employer in my field.

Of course, Covid-19 has limited the impact one could have in a foreign country and rural communities in Colombia, but it is an advantage when reporting fund allocations to foreign governments due to data centralisation, one of my favourite tasks. So, if feeling like a crucial part in the process of making people's lives improve seems like your kind of thing, I would encourage you to join an International Internship!

Simone, Criminology, Forum of Federations, MENA Project & Ethiopia

Taking part in an internship through this program has worked very well for me. I chose to do the internship in addition to a class, and it has been a painless process. While doing both class and the internship seemed like it might be more work than a typical school term, it has proven to be the opposite. Luckily, the team I have worked with at The Forum of Federations has been understanding and supportive. I have been able to ensure my work is done for both school, and the internship without excess stress. For any students considering this internship but are not convinced because they want to take classes as well, I can say that in my experience, it has not been an issue. I am glad I did not let that challenge stop me. While everyone’s experiences are different, I have certainly been enjoying this term more than ever.

It takes some getting used to completing an internship as a student. Just like any new situation, there is a learning curve involved. Personally, I had to strike the right balance between time I was putting into the internship and class. Prioritizing my work and separating each assignment by school, the internship, and other tasks helped me to clearly see what I had to do for each area I am doing work in and adjusting my schedule accordingly. Once I found that balance, everything has been improved. Doing an internship at the Forum has already taught me a lot, and we still have over a month to go. It is insightful getting to see the work being done behind the scenes, and the process that is involved in implementing initiatives. I have been able to develop connections, and even friendships through this program for which I feel lucky.

Katie, Masters in Development and Globalization, Mines Action Canada, Vietnam, Association for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (AEPD)

In my final semester of my master’s degree in International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa, I decided to take part in an internship as opposed to completing another course. As someone who has completed an entire master’s degree online due to the pandemic, I was feeling very drained and exhausted from the online learning experience – I missed the engagement with professors and my peers! An internship also provides me with valuable experience within my field and the opportunity to see how theory can be put into practice.

On a whim I checked out the internship opportunities for the Winter 2022 semester and saw a posting for a Vietnamese disability empowerment NGO. I have focused the majority of my academic career on disability inclusion within international development, I could not pass up this opportunity. Despite 80% of persons with disabilities living in the Global South, international development as a field often does not engage with this group widely understood to be one of the most vulnerable and marginalized populations. Working with the team at the Association for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, I have been able to see how local NGO operations make significant impacts on the lives of people in their community. From this, I am starting to see a future where disability awareness and inclusion is better integrated into development programming – something that I struggled to see in the classroom and academic articles. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to work in the very specific field that I am so invested in and am looking forward to building off of this experience in my future career

Karen, Political Science, Centre d’étude et de coopération internationale, Nepal, Manushi

Hi! My name is Karen I am currently working as a communication officer with CECI and Manushi (A local NGO). Due to the pandemic, unfortunately, I cannot fly to Nepal for my internship. Luckily, with the support of both organizations, which gave me many introduction sessions, I got the chance to really understand a lot more about Nepal and the culture.

This internship is my first remote internship and my first time working for an NGO. I found the difference between the news and the reality from this work experience. Usually, the news does not detail or really describe what is happening in Nepal. Most of the time, it is only when there is a big event or disaster that the news gives more details. But after working with the local people, I get to know the real problems in their country. For example, chronic water shortages, frequent landslides and flash floods. Last year's rainy season has recorded the biggest landslide in years. Unfortunately, most of the news did not go into detail.

In terms of job content, although this is a remote internship, the organization is keen to involve foreign interns in the operational process, giving them the opportunity to be exposed to the practical side of the work. Therefore, I would encourage applicants to keep their minds open if they find an organization with the right philosophy, regardless of size, and they may be pleasantly surprised.

I am glad that I participate in this internship. Although I have only been working for a month, I have already learned a lot. Even with the 10-hour time difference, there is no problem with communication, and I can work according to my schedule. I feel that I am making progress step by step. This internship has helped me see my shortcomings and ways to learn new things quickly. All in all, it is a great experience, every day is a surprise.

Julia, Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Conflict Studies and Human Rights with a Minor in Law, Alternatives, Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES)

Until participating in the Faculty of Social Science’s international internship program, I had never worked for an NGO. Over the past few years, I instead gained professional experience in the public sector, including as a Junior Desk Officer for the Maghreb region at Global Affairs Canada. Since I had only ever pursued opportunities to learn about international human rights and development priorities from a federal government perspective, this semester, I became eager to understand these matters from a new lens. How does the day-to-day work of an NGO improve human rights situations in practice? Are the priorities of NGOs in the Maghreb generally aligned with those of the Canadian federal government and/or their own governments? To begin to answer these questions, I decided to complete a virtual internship with the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES).

In the first six weeks of my internship, I have learned about the Tunis-based organization’s work in four key areas: the rights of women, labourers, migrants, and the environment. Among my most rewarding experiences, the FTDES provided me with an opportunity to prepare a comprehensive report and recommendations on a human rights topic of my choice, with the aim of advancing the organization’s advocacy initiatives. I have chosen to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marginalized women in Tunisia, including textile manufacturing workers, women from rural areas, migrants, and refugees. This project not only furthers my understanding of current human rights challenges in the country, but is also directly related to my interests in women’s rights and gender equality. From an academic perspective, concepts that I studied in a traditional classroom setting, such as qualitative research methods, also continue to support me as I draft the report.

Despite the online nature of this internship, my work with the FTDES has therefore been enriching thus far. While I initially feared that virtual work would cause me to feel disconnected from my host organization, I feel involved in the FTDES’ initiatives and, as a result, hopeful that I will be able to (at least partially) answer the questions that prompted me to work with an NGO in the first place. Most of all, I look forward to making a contribution that will shed light on the current situation of vulnerable groups of women in Tunisia.

Daesha, Criminology, Mines Action Canada, South Sudan, South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA)

In 2020, the world stopped. A global pandemic took over all our lives. For the past two and a half years, we have had to make adjustments in order to conform to the new health and safety guidelines in order to keep everyone safe.  When it comes to the international internship offered at Ottawa this meant transferring the program to virtual platforms. Due to virtual learning and all my internship being behind a screen I have noticed a change in my motivation and mental health. The most important thing I have learned throughout the past five weeks is understanding when I need to put myself first. Now you may be wondering, what does putting yourself first mean to you? I'm not suggesting that I forget my responsibilities and take a short vacation. However, what this does mean is knowing my limits. If I know that I am being overworked and spreading myself too thin, I know that it is okay to take a break. This usually consists of me taking a day off the computer and participating in the activities that make me happy.  This includes working out, spending time with my family, and cooking. There have been some instances throughout the internship where I've had to do this. For those that make themselves feel guilty of this time, I would like to remind you that you owe these moments to yourself. You are doing amazing!

WORK - LIFE BALANCE

Not only am I a full-time intern and student, I also have four other jobs that I commit to every week. This may seem overwhelming; I have developed a system that keeps me grounded.

• Keep a planner - This ensures I am keeping up with due dates and work schedules.
• Time Allocation - When I know it's going to be a busy week. I give myself a timed scheduled for each task to keep up with my work
• Eat Well and Stay Active - I understand that I need to take care of my body in order to be as busy as I am. Therefore, I try to eat clean and workout three times a week
• Knowing What You Can Handle - Prioritize what is most important and don't take on anything extra that doesn't fulfill your happiness or career
• One Thing You Love - Do one thing a day that makes you feel your best!

Having work life balance does not mean you have it all figured out. However, helpful tips that bring an equilibrium between both sides, will help your overall health.

WEEK 5 REFLECTION

Due to connection issues with my supervisor, I started my internship later than everyone else. Below I have attached a list of my highlights and accomplishments thus. I hope this becomes longer in the weeks ahead!

• Exploring the South Sudan profiles on the Landmine Monitor, Nuclear Ban Monitor, and Explosive Weapons Monitor
• Reviewing the Lethal Autonomous Weapons course for Erin Hunt. This is orchestrated by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs. Throughout the course, I learned what is classified as an autonomous weapon/identifying their risk, the role of the UNODA when addressing these issues, and international efforts that look to regulate the development of lethal autonomous weapons
• Completed the Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Demining courses (GCHD). I am now more knowledgeable on explosive ordnance risk, and understanding gender diversity in Mine Action
• Attended the ATT Working Group Meetings that will discuss Articles 6,7,9, and 11 of the Arms trade Treaty
• Created social media content for SSANSA and their stakeholder dialogues about community safety

TIPS FOR FUTURE INTERNS ...

• Do not be afraid to ask questions to all your supervisors. It is ok to feel lost and not understand what is being asked of you. Take advantage of the resources you have so that you can get the clarification you need to be successful
• Complete all the assigned courses and readings, or you will be behind
• Do not panic! Sometimes the assignments can be content heavy, but do not overwhelm yourself. Organize your time so that you can complete the task at a good pace
• Take time for yourself. Sitting in front of a screen all day has been a major challenge for me. This is not what I expected my university experience to be like. I make sure to take one day of the week to step away from the screen

Tamoghna, Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Anthropology and Sociology, Forum of Federations, Myanmar and Nepal Project Support

The opportunity to take part in this internship came at a very unexpected time. I would keep hearing from my friends how it is important to do an internship before graduation but could never find something on my own. As an international student, it was sort of difficult. Coming across this internship was a great surprise and I knew that I didn’t just need it, I wanted to be a part of the program. Despite of the pandemic, the internship has given me the chance to gain professional skills, work in a team setting, and has so far proved to be a great learning process. I am currently working on the Myanmar and the Nepal projects and occasionally help the Ottawa office in carrying out tasks. At these offices we work together as a team towards a fiscal federal government, inclusive of both men and women. In the course of my study, I have found my research work to be focused on output-oriented styles and Forum of Federations gives me the opportunity to make a contribution on a bigger scale when it comes to working on issues that truly matters.

My expectations from the internship were to be able to gain a professional experience, to be able to translate the knowledge that I have acquired in my program in the past 4 years in a work setting and the structure and colleagues at the Forum allows me to successfully do so. In these past few weeks, I have learned not only in terms of work, but also in terms of my individual self. I have learned that I enjoy working and am definitely looking forward to working full time after the completion of my degree. I knew that I could use my degree to great lengths, but I didn’t realize the volume of the impact that my work with the right organization could make. Working at the Forum in this program is definitely proving to be the perfect end of the four years of university.

Sofia, International Development and Globalization, World University Service of Canada (WUSC), Sri Lanka Centre for Women’s Research,

I chose to study International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa because I have always had a keen interest in learning about the world. Academically, international development is an interdisciplinary degree that covers a wide array of subjects, such as, politics, economics, history, law, and sociology. However, what really drew me to studying global development at the University of Ottawa were the many unique research and hands-on opportunities that the school offers. For instance, I have been able to: participate in the uOGlobal certification, join the co-op program, expand my knowledge of both official languages through French immersion, participate in a field research course, and now, notably, partake in the international internship. While international development history and theories are incredibly important, I believe that this subject cannot be explored solely through textbooks. Therefore, I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work in the field of international development, with the World University Service of Canada, and the Centre for Women’s Research in Sri Lanka.

My international internship experience has been excellent so far, as I have been working with an incredible team of individuals and have been exposed to international development in the field. While I would have had a different experience had I gone to Sri Lanka in person, I believe that doing an online international internship has still familiarized me with international development, relations and affairs, and has enabled me to improve my global communications skills. Such competencies include, teleworking, adapting to different time zones, and applying various cultural business practices to my work. Moreover, I chose to participate in the international internship program to gain experience working in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). While I have worked in the private and public sectors, I wanted to learn about international development from practitioners, professionals, and researchers in the field, through NGOs.

More specifically, the concepts that I have learned about in my international development courses have been utilized in my internship training so far. For example, we have touched upon different tools used in international development, like logic models, and theories, like the theory of change in our training. We also examined how WUSC, as an organization, and Sri Lanka, as a country, positively contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. I look forward to using these concepts further in future project management and research methodology courses. It is quite interesting and fulfilling working in a position that allows you to use your academic background. As well, my international internship has given me the opportunity to network with like-minded students from across the world. I am excited to continue my international internship this semester and am eager to learn more about global development in real life!

Simone, Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Criminology, Forum of Federations, MENA project, Ethiopia, Project Support

Deciding to do this internship has been one of the best decisions I have made throughout my university experience. By participating in an internship, I am developing new skills and knowledge about topics I have not previously studied in depth. I am a criminology student, and the NGO I am working for is the Forum of Federations. I am working on their MENA project with a team in Jordan, and a team in Ottawa. The MENA project aims to empower women to take on positions of leadership and works on increasing inclusivity in governance in the Middle East and Northern Africa regions. This is the first time I am doing work that feels impactful which has been quite fulfilling. Taking part in this internship is also a great experience because it is a shift from the typical school semester that I am accustomed to. Personally, I have been really enjoying this semester doing the internship compared to most terms when I am in classes full time.

At the Forum, there is a focus on federalism and governance. As a criminology student, I have not studied these topics at great length before. Although this may seem like a disadvantage at first glance, I have found it very interesting to learn about new topics and broaden my understanding of international governance and decentralization. I have also been able to research topics including women’s empowerment which has been enlightening. By coming into the experience with a criminology background, I am able to view certain topics from a different perspective than others who might have been studying political science for example.

It has seemed challenging at times to see how what we learn in class will be relevant to real job experiences. By doing this internship, it has opened my eyes to different possibilities that I was previously unaware of. It can be disheartening at times in school when it feels like there are no good options for someone graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social science. However, this internship is a great opportunity for students to see potential opportunities and apply the knowledge we have been learning for years into a real-life experience. Being able to apply knowledge that we have learned throughout our degrees and utilizing research skills aids in gaining confidence that even as an intern, we are valuable assets.

Hayat, International Development and Globalization, Forum of Federations, Ethiopia, MENA and Ethiopia Project Support

Working with an organization that prioritizes federalism to establish equality and democracy has opened my eyes in ways that I could not have anticipated. This experience has redefined my understanding of development.  

Federalism is a concept that is unique but could also serve as a building block for developing countries to achieve democratic principles, expand local government services, personal freedoms, and eliminate tyranny. The Forum of Federations recognizes this and develops projects that expand federalism across the world. Hence, my understanding of the concept has expanded with involvement in ongoing projects of the Ethiopia team.  

In my studies thus far, I have learned about the various mechanisms to achieving prosperity, such as neoliberalist principles and democracy, but federalism brings another aspect to development that is less pronounced. Federalism, if properly implemented by governments in the third world could help prevent poverty by granting state governments the liberties to adopt legislation that impacts more diverse viewpoints enhancing the participation of citizens in politics, the economy, and the rest of society. 

Avery, International Development and Globalization, Alternatives, India, India Civil Watch International

In the last few weeks of my internship with India Civil Watch International (ICWI), I have been able to practice some real tangible skills that really made me feel like a real member of the team and feel that my work has had value for the organization. I have been able to find a new passion for communications and design, something that I have never believed myself to be very capable at, but after creating a few reports for my NGO, I was lucky enough to have received considerable praise and encouragement from my team.

This encouragement from my coworkers and supervisors has been a repeating factor that has allowed me to really want to work better and to really feel like I was actually helping. One of my supervisors also encouraged me to do some social activism of my own, in the form of writing a letter to my MP. This was a sort of final assignment to show to my organization exactly everything I had learned concerning the issues they were focused on, as well as to help promote their organization in Canada.

I really have enjoyed this internship as my experience working with an NGO, after having worked various government jobs I was a little lost and did not know in what direction my career was going. But after this internship, I seem to be a little clearer. It’s so nice to have work experience in a place where I am not only interested in the work they are doing, but also feel like I can actually be an important part of the team someone who is beneficial to the organization. I’m just so happy to have had an experience where going forward, I can see exactly what I want, instead of wondering if I will be able to find a career I enjoy.

Olivia, Psychology, ALTERNATIVES, Democratic Republic of Congo, Solidarité des femmes pour le développement integral (SOFEDI)

My experience as an intern has allowed me to reflect on the notion that big dreams are realized when we take manageable, small steps that eventually contribute to our end goal. As an eager international NGO intern, I was naturally enthralled by the idea of working for an organization with powerful, important mandates like helping to fight for women’s rights, or improving access to education. I wanted to be involved because my personal values and hopes for the world goals align with many of the NGO organizations. When I found out I would be interning for SOFEDI, I was so excited because their mission is to improve gender equality and women’s rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I was even more excited by getting to choose to have my work focus on their efforts towards improving women’s reproductive and sexual rights, a cause I am highly passionate about. This passion and value alignment is something I believe to be one of the most important factors for future interns to keep in mind.

As my internship began, I found myself beginning to feel as though I was not getting the fulfillment of feeling like I was contributing to the causes I am passionate about. I believe the virtual component of these internships has a lot to do with the possibility of feeling disconnected. Completing virtual tasks on my computer at home like translating documents and readings, while my colleagues are across the world, taking action with boots on the ground made me feel as though I was not having an impact and not contributing to improving women’s rights in Congo.

I had to pause and re-evaluate my thoughts and feelings. This involved reflecting on my role as an intern, my expectations of the experience and the reality of what working at an NGO is like. In doing this, I was able to remind myself of important things to keep in mind throughout the rest of the internship, and things that are worth remembering in the future when undertaking any new role. As interns, we are assigned work that may not be directly related with the big-picture goal of the NGO but is so important to remember that those tasks so indeed contribute to the organization. I am reminding myself that although at times my virtual tasks may not seem like they are having a direct impact on the people across the world that the NGO aims to help, every big accomplishment is the cumulation of smaller actions. Our virtual tasks are just as important for the organization to run smoothly, to free up time for our colleagues/directors to focus on other projects which in turn contributes to helping the target communities and reaching the NGO’s goals.

I have found it helpful to remain as up to date as possible with all of my NGO’s activities and news to be able to witness progress in action. The best part is when I look ahead at 6 months, 1 year, 5 years and 10 years from now, I can imagine all the progress and accomplishments towards their goal they will have reached. The big impact in 5-10 years may not be obvious to me now as a remote intern, but that provides a great chance to reflect on work ethic and dedication that are needed in NGO’s. I am learning that it is about remaining committed to one’s goal every day for the greater good of the mission we hold dear to our hearts.

Natalia, International Development and Globalization, Mines Action Canada Columbia Campaña Colombiana Contra Mina(CCCM), Project Support Officer

My internship with Campaña Colombiana Contra Minas (CCCM - or the Colombian Campaign to Ban Landmines) has been the first position I have held directly in the field of development. Given that the nongovernmental sector plays an extensive role in this field, this internship has been a great learning experience for me. I have learned about the challenges Colombia encounters regarding violence and landmines in the rural sectors of the country as well as how CCCM tackles landmines and their impacts. Through my internship, I have gained knowledge not only from a professional perspective, but also a personal perspective.

As a Colombian who moved to the United States at the age of 11, I have found this to be a great opportunity to expand my comprehension of my country, in specific its rural areas, and how violence affects them, as well as learn about Colombia’s past and present situations. Since starting my internship, I have felt more capable of speaking with others about Colombia, its current predicaments, and its development. In turn, my internship has helped me understand my country more deeply, an opportunity of which I am highly appreciative.

Furthermore, in my position, I have learned about CCCM’s role at helping to address the struggles stemming from landmines. It has been an enormous opportunity as I have gained experience with the various tasks that the project team undertakes. More specifically, I have understood how NGOs such as this one cooperate with stakeholders such as other organizations, local communities, and even within their own organization. I feel confident that I am nearing the end of this internship with an expanded skillset, perspective, and awareness.

Avery, International Development and Globalization, Alternatives, India, India Civil Watch International

My internship with India Civil Watch International, is probably the best work experience I have ever been lucky enough to be a part of. India Civil Watch International or ICWI, is a human rights monitoring and advocacy organization with its headquarters in New York, USA. With deep ties to the most important social movements in India, it both alerts international civil society to urgent and evolving priorities, and advocates for rights and protections of vulnerable populations.

I have been lucky enough throughout this internship to be connected to a team who has taken the time to educate me about various topics concerning the history and current events of India, whether it be the Caste System, political prisoners, or the work of human rights activists all over India. I was even invited to attend the memorial service of an amazing human rights activist, which was not only an incredibly honouring and emotional experience, but so educational. This team has worked hard to make sure not only that I have plenty of work to do, but also ensure that I am fully confident in my knowledge. I can honestly say that while there is so much more to learn, as India has a vast history with millions of different stories to tell, I feel confident in my ability to work and produce well-done content. This is something I have never felt working for any other organization.

Mostly, I just feel grateful to work in a team of men that are as caring, and open minded as this one. Being the only female on a team can be quite daunting, and my past experiences haven’t always been very positive, but this team has allowed me to feel confident to speak up and ask questions. I recommend this organization to any student looking for experience pertaining to development or human rights in South Asia.

Sachini, Criminology, Alternatives, Sri Lanka, National Fishery Solidarity Organisation (NAFSO), Human Rights Officer

If you have heard about Sri Lanka, you know how beautiful the country is; especially the beaches. International internships are built to live the experience of the host country while keeping up the work you do. The change in the environment is something that motivates you to keep up with your work. However, no one really expected a pandemic to happen! Of course, virtual learning has been there for a long time but no one knew how useful it was until everyone was quarantined.

My internship is at National Fishery Solidarity Organization (NAFSO) working as a human rights researcher. They primarily focus on land grabbing and sea grabbing of marginalized communities and disadvantaged single mothers. Their main theme is to fight human rights violations post-war. With the chairman’s approval, I was able to relate my research to my degree. I am a fourth-year student doing an honours bachelors in Criminology. The main focus of this internship is on Corruption, Torture and Enforced Disappearances of ethnic minorities in Sri Lanka.

At distance, internships do not require many preparations as to being in the field but let me tell you virtual ones are just as hard. Being on top of your things is very important. For me, that was the hardest. When you have too much time on your hand, you tend to drift away, however, I had two amazing colleagues who kept me motivated and reminded me of our tasks and deadlines. NAFSO’s community is understanding and flexible on what you would like to do. I definitely would love to intern with them again.  

Olivia, Psychology, ALTERNATIVES, Democratic Republic of Congo, Solidarité des femmes pour le développement integral (SOFEDI)

My first month of being an intern at SOFEDI in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been far different from my expectations. Despite the preparations I made such as reading past blogs and pre-departure training that led me to believe I knew what to expect, I think the reality of it being far different from what I expected is a really good experience to lean into my abilities of adaptability and flexibility. Remembering that things can change and that remaining flexible throughout it all is one of the best tools I can suggest to future interns.

So far, I have been asked to translate documents which I feel comfortable with thanks to my bilingualism and to compose some documentation. This particular documentation task left me perplexed because there wasn’t as much instruction and detailed guideline that I would have hoped for. In this case, I realized I had to compose good questions and admit that I needed further help. Future interns should know to expect that sometimes they will be asked things they do not quite understand. Part of the learning experience in this is to learn what we can accomplish on our own and how to efficiently ask for more clarification, help and feedback when needed.

Despite these challenges, I have had the chance to learn so much about the important issues that I hold dear to my heart. For instance, reading over the documents from SOFEDI and hearing from the team has provided me the chance to learn about the reality of women’s reproductive and sexual rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While reading reports they have composed it caused me to pause and reflect on the passion and commitment they must have toward the organization. I am seeing first-hand the dedication and hard work required to bring change to a culture and to government. It has made me even more appreciative of the work of NGO’s all around the world and inspired me to bring my same passion for women’s rights while I am completing tasks for the organization. Being passionate about a topic or issue makes the work I am doing so much more meaningful and important. This is why I recommend that future interns focus on choosing to work for an organization that supports issues they are passionate about. 

I am looking forward to the rest of my internship and hopeful that I contribute however small my part may be, towards the progress and changes this organization is working towards.