Justine, International Development and Globalization
Internship Country: Haiti
Canadian NGO: Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI)
Local NGO: CECI-Haiti
Since I do not have much work experience in the field, I found that the knowledge I acquired about non-governmental organizations and development aid proved to be very useful during the first few weeks of my internship.
Indeed, during my studies, I mainly learned how crucial communication is for non-governmental organizations and that, in order to understand the real needs of the local population, it is essential to immerse oneself in the culture and engage directly with locals. Before starting my internship, I had some concerns regarding this aspect, as it was going to be conducted entirely online, and I would not be able to be on the ground. Despite this challenge, I was able to adapt and appreciate the efforts of my university and my organization in creating a remote work experience that was just as enriching as an in-person one. A great example of this is the fact that my organization coordinates weekly meetings, allowing me to speak with other interns who are also abroad, as well as those who are on the ground. Through these meetings, I had the opportunity to learn much more about the political situation in Haiti, the needs of the population, and the daily life of the locals.
To conclude, I feel very grateful to be able to participate in an international internship despite the circumstances of the pandemic. I am proud to have had this opportunity and highly recommend this experience to everyone.