Holly, Honours in Conflict Studies and Human Rights
Virtual Internship Country: Nepal
Canadian NGO: CECI
Local NGO: Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs’ Associations of Nepal
Entering my 10th week as an Academic E-Volunteer with the Centre d'étude et de coopération Internationale, I have become acutely aware that in just a few short weeks, my International Internship wil come to a close.
As I reflect on the last few months, I feel a mix of emotions: I feel immense joy that I was able to participate in such an incredible opportunity, and I feel regret as well as I know that the experience must soon come to an end. I truly wish I could communicate the full extent of the impact that this internship has had on me both professionally and personally. Being an Academic E-Volunteer during a global pandemic has meant constantly adapting to new information, new people, new environments, and new tasks. Doing so has been an incredibly valuable learning opportunity - one that deviates remarkably from the classroom. In an International Internship, not only are you acquiring theoretical knowledge but you are also expected to put this knowledge into practice, something you seldom do in university lecture halls. Throughout this experience, I have acquired invaluable know-how in a work setting which includes but is not limited to: how to effectively use online working platforms, how to prepare for and conduct workshops, and cross-cultural communication, which is something unique to the international experience. In addition to professional experience, I feel as though this internship has helped me develop personally, particularly when it comes to confidence and stress management.
Being an Academic E-Volunteer through the University of Ottawa has been a completely satisfying and fulfilling opportunity, one which I would highly recommend to anyone considering participating. I know that what I have learned and what I have experienced through this opportunity will support me in all of my future endeavours, and for that I am incredibly grateful.