Christina Frederico, Conflict Studies and Human Rights
Location: Cotonou, Benin
Canadian NGO: Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI)
Local NGO: Believe in Women Entrepreneurship (BeWE)
As is commonly referred to in these blogs, experiential learning and “field” opportunities are beyond enriching. It is always easier to remember things that are meaningful to you, and through this internship I have been able to attach so many “classroom” theories to real scenarios. This has given depth to academic experience, and my experience as a person in general. The credited program and financial aid available to students participating in the internship open doors for incredible experiences that would otherwise not be accessible to most students. Through this, it was both financially and academically feasible to travel during my studies in an incredibly productive
and enjoyable manner.
When it was time to apply to positions, I was so overwhelmed by the internship destinations offered by FSS that I wrote down all the positions that interested me and removed the destinations. I chose Benin not for the sake of it being Benin, but entirely based on interest in the organisation and passion for their work. My discovery of an incredible country was a very happy accident! Way before this though, I chose the University of Ottawa, specifically the Faculty of Social Sciences, for its academic opportunities. Amongst great professors, my dream program, and a strong student union, was the opportunities for travel. The international internship is one of many experiences abroad I’ve experienced through the University because I see immense value in stepping outside of the classroom while remaining in an academic context. I find this to be especially important for the social sciences, since we’re never far from our areas of study. I could listen to one hundred lectures about gender inequality in Western Africa, but to observe it myself and discuss it with those living the experience is more impactful than the best lecturer could be. I believe strongly in honouring the “learning” period of our lives as students, something I think is left behind as students need to juggle an increasing number of activities to survive as students. Most of us no longer have the luxury of just being students, our time and energy is pulled in many different directions as we try to navigate our degrees. This is especially why I value this experience so much, because it allows me to feel like I’m making the most of my younger years while still being a student.
In the field, my day is quite dull, frankly. I wake up early to wash off the groggy sweatiness of the night. I take a zem (local moto-taxi) and try to arrive at work around 8:30, well before anyone else. I enjoy having time to gather my bearings and feel like I have my feet under me before the social interactions of the day begin. Between 9 and 11, other people trickle in, and everyone stops by to say hello. Admittedly, sometimes those “hellos” have taken up the majority of our day while we share stories and questions of each other's cultures. I try to strike a balance between the “Canadian” work ethic I came with and the sense of community I stepped into in Benin. Most of my real work consists of creating resources for information dissemination and efficient administration. It can sometimes be mundane, but I truly enjoy the feeling of accomplishment I get from completing these tasks. Not only that, but my coworkers are eager to learn about these resources, which then allows me to fine-tune them to the organisations’ needs and the Beninese professional norms. At the end of the day, I take a zem home. Sometimes stopping by the market or a friend’s house. My evenings are quiet as I read books, call my friends and family, or complete work for online classes I am taking while in Benin. I try to save my adventures for the weekends so I don’t get overwhelmed during the week. When I do look for some fun, I have loved the salons throughout Cotonou. I have treated myself to a few manicures during my time here, not only for its therapeutic properties, but also because it gives me an opportunity to meet someone new and chat for a longer period of time. The people who have given me manicures have, so far, always been eager to tell me about their experiences growing up in Benin or neighbouring countries, their experiences with other foreigners, their thoughts regarding children, education, tourism, etc. I’ll take anything they give me, conversation wise, and have been able to discover Benin through other people’s eyes this way. When I discovered the popularity of seamstresses here, I became very excited. I have had many pieces of clothing made, for myself and for my loved ones, which gives me a chance to create more connections in my neighbourhood and to feel better integrated in the culture. I often receive compliments or delighted laughs when I wear my Western-African style fabrics and have found them to be great conversation starters. I also have tried to pick up basic Fon, the local language, with little success. Taking walks, eating at restaurants nearby, and playing soccer with local children have all been little efforts I’ve made to immerse myself in the culture.
Overall, my overwhelming advice is to do it. It is not an easy experience, per se, but it is very much worth it. I would urge any incoming students to make the most of the pre-departure workshops and all the other resources made available to you by the university. Know that there is a community, larger than you think, rooting for you and working very hard to support you. Even if you’re the only one getting on that plane, you are not alone. This experience can feel very isolating, but it allows you to confront your own biases and beliefs in an exceptional way. As I prepare for my return home, I feel significantly more confident in myself as an individual, a student, and a global citizen