“I chose to study International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa because I have always had a keen interest in learning about the world.”
Sofia, International Development and Globalization, World University Service of Canada (WUSC), Sri Lanka Centre for Women’s Research,
Academically, international development is an interdisciplinary degree that covers a wide array of subjects, such as, politics, economics, history, law, and sociology. However, what really drew me to studying global development at the University of Ottawa were the many unique research and hands-on opportunities that the school offers. For instance, I have been able to: participate in the uOGlobal certification, join the co-op program, expand my knowledge of both official languages through French immersion, participate in a field research course, and now, notably, partake in the international internship. While international development history and theories are incredibly important, I believe that this subject cannot be explored solely through textbooks. Therefore, I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work in the field of international development, with the World University Service of Canada, and the Centre for Women’s Research in Sri Lanka.
My international internship experience has been excellent so far, as I have been working with an incredible team of individuals and have been exposed to international development in the field. While I would have had a different experience had I gone to Sri Lanka in person, I believe that doing an online international internship has still familiarized me with international development, relations and affairs, and has enabled me to improve my global communications skills. Such competencies include, teleworking, adapting to different time zones, and applying various cultural business practices to my work. Moreover, I chose to participate in the international internship program to gain experience working in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). While I have worked in the private and public sectors, I wanted to learn about international development from practitioners, professionals, and researchers in the field, through NGOs.
More specifically, the concepts that I have learned about in my international development courses have been utilized in my internship training so far. For example, we have touched upon different tools used in international development, like logic models, and theories, like the theory of change in our training. We also examined how WUSC, as an organization, and Sri Lanka, as a country, positively contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. I look forward to using these concepts further in future project management and research methodology courses. It is quite interesting and fulfilling working in a position that allows you to use your academic background. As well, my international internship has given me the opportunity to network with like-minded students from across the world. I am excited to continue my international internship this semester and am eager to learn more about global development in real life!