Internships
For information on internship opportunities with the Canadian Embassy in Washington D.C., go to:
Students in the undergraduate program in International Relations are eager to apply what they have learned in their classes to real world situations. Hands-on experience in turn enriches their program of study. Below are the accounts of some of the internship experiences of students in the program.
Falling Whistles - Shikha Dilawri
During the summer of 2009,
following my second year at UWO, I had the opportunity to pursue an
internship with the non-profit organization Falling Whistles. Based in
California, this organization campaigns for peace in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) through developing advocacy initiatives as
well as partnering with local Congolese leaders to rehabilitate those
affected by war, particularly former child soldiers. For three months,
I worked in close quarters with nine other interns from all over North
America at the Falling Whistles headquarters in Venice, California –
at the time, simply a garage-turned-office. As a member of the first
intern class, I was entrusted with a great degree of responsibility, a
fact that I very much welcomed. The tasks I completed were vast and
varied, the most daunting of which was to research and attempt to
describe, in elementary terms, the complex history of the DRC. Apart
from this, I contributed to efforts such as organizing fundraising
initiatives, seeking out local Congolese organizations, as well as
reaching out to students, government officials, and others around the
world.
Both my decision to seek an internship at Falling Whistles as well as
my ability to obtain a position at the organization were directly
impacted by my studies in the field of international relations. As I
delved further into my degree, I learned more about the grave human
rights violations that occur around the world each day and became
familiar with crises that are often underreported in mainstream media,
such as the events in the DRC. Without a background in international
relations, even the task of beginning to understand the complexities
of the conflict in the DRC would be near impossible – a fact I believe
the entire International Relations Class of 2011, which completed a
group project on the DRC, can attest to. Encouraged by my studies, my
opportunity at Falling Whistles taught me the importance of
transforming convictions into action, a lesson I hope to take along
with me as I plan to pursue further studies at a graduate level.
Community Development Project in Zanzibar - Daphne Edmonds
This past summer I
participated in a community development project with Youth
Challenge International for 8 weeks in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Working alongside both Canadian and American volunteers, we
addressed a variety of issues that impact youths living in
Zanzibar, such as unemployment, gender inequality, drug
abuse, and environmental decline. With considerable liberty
from YCI, we were able to develop and implement a number of
successful initiatives, including a 3-day workshop on small
enterprise development, youth career development classes,
and professional communications seminars aimed to increase
the organizational capacity of local NGOs. In conjunction
with a local poverty organization, we held a number of
community-wide health and environment days to increase
community knowledge of water-borne infectious diseases, like
cholera, and proper waste management and composting
techniques. With an eye to maintaining the progress made and
continuing education in the community after our departure,
we created a youth environment club and imparted them with
the necessary skills and knowledge to continue these
initiatives.
Aside from a
beautiful part of the world in which to spend the summer,
the project in Zanzibar was an invaluable experience in one
of the many applications of an international relations
degree. It gave me an opportunity to witness and to be
directly impacted by the implications not just of an
underdeveloped society but also a Muslim society.
Mastering the art of
a bucket shower, and learning how to wear a hijab, are just
a few of many lessons that will have a continuing impact on
my global perspective.
Cynthia McGill (class of 2011) was a Queen's park intern in the office of Kevin Flynn, MPP for Oakville. Cynthia wrote:
I primarily work out of my MPP's community office but I make
frequent trips to Queen's Park for meetings. I work closely with
Constituency Assistants, Ministry Liaisons, Legislative Assistants,
and our OLIP Intern. I deal with a lot of case work from constituents,
study Bills and organize information regarding my MPP's position on
certain Bills.
Many interns go on to work for Ministries in more permanent positions
and other government positions.
It is a wonderful experience and I work very hard on some very
difficult issues. I know it will be a beneficial experience and
I plan on using everything I've learned when I (hopefully) pursue my
MA degrees.
For
more information on the Ontario Legislature Internship Program, go to
http://www.olipinterns.ca/index.html
Tiffany Hefferman (class of 2012) was an intern at the Centre for Security Sector Management in Shrivenham England in the summer of 2010. Tiffany wrote:
I was fortunate enough in the summer of 2010 to
complete an internship with the Center for Security Sector Management
(CSSM), in Shrivenham England. I wrote and defended my research
paper on the "Applicability of Human Rights Law in the Field of
Conflict", as well as doing research for an IGO and NGO consultant on
such topics as SSR's and M&E programs. This was one of the best
experiences of my life, not only for the academic and networking
benefits but also for the experience of working in a different country
and understanding the realities of pursuing a career in Stabilization.
Cranfield University, where CSSM is located, is a graduate university
as well as an army base. I attended some lectures and wrote
briefs for my colleagues when we had special quests. I was able to
meet senior military officials from around the world, as well as
discuss my paper and theories with retired army officials, professors,
and international lawyers.
I obtained this position through persistence and my
academic ambitions and accomplishments. My honors degree in
International Relations made me a prime candidate for such a position.
Over-all I consider myself extremely fortunate for having had the
opportunity to complete this internship. I highly recommend
students in the International Relations program to seek out a
volunteer or internship position. It will not only help you find
direction, but will also give you some necessary field experience that
will help to build your future.
Report from the Field: Saima Shah Part of a Volunteer Project in Vanuatu
(2010)This summer I had the opportunity to travel to Vanuatu as part of a 6 week placement with Youth Challenge International (YCI). The project involved working with youths from Canada, Australia, and Vanuatu to support a community- initiated development project. The project involved establishing a running water system in a rural village on one of the remote islands of Vanuatu. We helped to construct a water tank site, digging taps and showers and trenches for the pipes throughout the village and its surroundings. Apart from this main initiative, we also had the opportunity to organize small team workshops on pertinent issues such as gender equality, drug and alcohol awareness, and youth empowerment.
My interest in the field of International Development was awakened by a 3rd year politics class offered in the International Relations module on International Human Rights. Moreover, I wanted to apply the theory I was learning in class with hands on experience. This volunteer opportunity has helped me get a firmer grasp on some of the issues I have studied and identify an area where I can apply my degree in International Relations. For more information on similar opportunities, please visit the website for the Canadian International Development Agency www.acdi-cida.gc.ca or YCI’s official website www.yci.org.
