Laury, International Development and Global studies
Field Internship Country : Senegal
Canadian NGO : Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI)
Local NGO : Collège des Jeunes du Cadre de Concertation des Producteurs d’Arachide (CDJ/CCPA)
I've always wanted to get involved in the international field. From September to November 2023, I had the privilege of doing an internship in Senegal. My experience at the Collège des Jeunes du Cadre de Concertation des Producteurs d'Arachide confirmed with certainty that I was really going to work in an international environment. What can you say about your internship at the Collège des Jeunes du Cadre de Concertation des Producteurs d'Arachide? To tell you the truth, I consider myself lucky to have worked with an organization that shares my values and whose mission to improve the agricultural sector commands my admiration. I've learned and discovered so much, and I'm deeply grateful.
This experience enabled me to fully exploit my potential and find the specialization that suits me best. Not only did it give me the opportunity to immerse myself in international development, linking theory to practice, but it also enabled me to gain professional experience that gives me an in-depth understanding of the realities on the ground. As a result, I have a clearer vision of the steps that need to be taken to improve the current situation in Senegal, particularly with regard to climate change. It was such a pleasant and rewarding internship. Thanks to this experience, I can now say that I have a huge amount of knowledge and experience. This has made my transition to the professional world much easier. I'd recommend an international internship or volunteering to anyone!
Although we work five days a week, the weekends are ours, so it's the perfect time to discover more of the country. I was able to visit this resplendent country through its culture and unique landscapes, including a saltwater river, beaches, several tourist spots and beautiful views of nature, flora and fauna. Cultural events also offer a unique opportunity to discover, experience and exchange with the locals, who are happy to welcome and accompany you. I was lucky enough to attend cultural and religious events such as the Gamou and the Kankouran.
Senegal is renowned for its hospitality and warmth. It's called Teranga! This characteristic greatly facilitated my integration, allowing easy exchanges with strangers and helping me to overcome my initial embarrassment. I advise you to talk directly to the locals and immerse yourself in the culture. Open-mindedness is the key to discovery!
I had the opportunity to meet a Senegalese man thanks to a classmate who put us in touch. This meeting was the starting point for many friendships outside work. These friends greatly enriched my experience by introducing me to the local culture, typical dishes, and by showing me around towns and villages, allowing me to admire the beauty of the Senegalese landscape. I feel privileged to have made these encounters and to have had the opportunity to discover Senegal, while learning Wolof. This has enabled me to integrate and learn many unspoken or unwritten aspects, the historical aspect, politics, social dynamics and so on. It's amazing how, in such a short space of time, you can forge meaningful bonds, create unforgettable moments and develop an attachment to the country and its people. One thing's for sure, I'm going to miss them a lot. Those twelve weeks went by so quickly, I wish I could have stayed longer, but as they say: time flies when you're having fun! I'll definitely be coming back to Senegal.