Xumeng, 4th year. International Development and Globalization
Host country: Ghana
Canadian NGO: AFS Interculture Canada
Local NGO: Center for Sustainable Transformation (CeST)
Since the moment I chose to study international relationships and globalization, I always knew that there would be a chance for me to see the world in a larger scope and take part in global development. This international internship is the embodiment of both and gives me valuable knowledge that could only be gained firsthand.
I am currently interning at the Center for Sustainable Transformation (CeST) with ASF Canada using my academic knowledge to help with their projects on sustainable development. I am also able to contribute using my writing skills and take part in managing their social media page with my familiarity with technology. Although I signed up for the international internship program to get out of my comfort zone, the experience wasn’t as challenging as I expected. In fact, I received immense support from both NGOs, with compulsory arrival orientation training that equipped me with basic knowledge, and kind-hearted colleagues who voluntarily guides me through the local transportation system. Even if it is still a big step for me to live on my own in a foreign country, the excitement and anticipation overshadow the nervousness and fear.
One important aspect of this experience is how it allows me to reflect on biases and assumptions. While these themes have been underscored in various courses, I am only now beginning to see how seamlessly they fit into our everyday life. I have conducted research regarding the region I’m staying in before departure, but when I think back on what the guides said after staying in Accra for some weeks, I have a better understanding of their accuracy and truthfulness. Upon my first search, the web introduced me to Ghana’s good scenery, wildlife, and passionate people----basically what the mass media paint African countries to tourists, but further research shows that Ghana is a deeply religious nation, with over half of the populations being Christians, and the rest part takes in Islamism or traditional faiths, with only 6% of Ghanaians being atheists. The host family that I’m living with provides me with a more in-depth understanding of the reality of the statement, where they are devoted Catholics, and the neighborhood that I’m living in is religious as well. It is true that smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited in Ghanian households, but aside from the common sense that it’s impolite to do so, there’s also the aspect of the family’s religious belief, where the church deemed smoking a spiritual sin, and that it’s frowned upon to drink to the point of intoxication.
I also assumed before arriving that the gender roles in Ghana are extremely traditional, which is not exactly the case. For instance, even though women are expected to take care of the household chores, the dad from my host family also helps a lot with cleaning and cooking. Furthermore, since my workplace and residency are close to the police station and police academy, I have encountered many female police officers, who make up 30% of the workforce.
In sum, I am not only able to exercise my academic ability in a work setting but am also able to challenge my assumption to better navigate the stereotypes in people’s daily lives. I am grateful for how the program broadened my view on understanding how to achieve global sustainable development but am also glad to reevaluate my viewpoints to create a more complex and comprehensive worldview.