Helen Martin, International Development and Globalization
Internship Country: Nepal
Canadian NGO: Mines Action Canada (MAC)
Local NGO: Ban Landmines Campaign Nepal
The experience and lessons I have learned while in another country, I would argue, cannot be taught inside a classroom. The chance to make mistakes and learn not just the material but the environment within which one must navigate to achieve one's goal is invaluable. The opportunity to travel, learn, and work in an engaging and fulfilling setting is only possible due to the enormous amounts of support from the university, and every respective organization and the confidence that can be found in oneself to challenge and explore the multitude of faucets that encompass the global world we live in today.
In Nepal, the Campaign to Ban Landmines is an excellent experience to see solutions, obstacles, collaborations, and legal and cultural frameworks of an ever-changing society. The opportunity to see the tenacity of people strive and thrive to create something new as a community is amazing, especially after years of conflict and uncertainty due to natural disasters, the long-lasting implications and obstacles that they face, yet with tenacity and sheer will, people come together to create something, not brand new, but certainly unique is its composition. The opportunity to not only observe but to some degree participate, has been indescribable. The ability to learn purpose beyond the act of creating reports, and reading hundreds of documents because of a due date, these acts now have significance which provides a learning experience I highly recommend.
Many thanks to all involved for facilitating and ensuring the safety and accessibility of this opportunity that we have the privilege of attempting.