Bitisho, Bachelor in Conflict Studies and Human Rights with a minor in the Social Sciences of Health
Internship Country: Vietnam
Canadian NGO: Mines Action Canada
Local NGO: Association for Empowerment for People with Disabilities (AEPD)
The Association for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (AEPD) in the Quang Binh province may be small in number, but impactful in their work. They ensure that those with disabilities remain the focus of their interventions, followed by poor households within rural areas of the province.
Through my internship, I had the chance to have the right balance between being in the office and the field. Within the office, my tasks have varied from researching calls for proposals to secure funding that the NGO is eligible for to proofreading documents—having been in the field and seeing the intervention in real-time within three communes allowed for what I wrote in the proposals to come to life. One thing that can be said by every single commune, is they were dedicated to the intervention as they came out in great numbers.
NGOs and civil society engage in diplomatic discussions more times than not. I had the opportunity to be part of the hosting of Ambassador Carolyn Dubrovsky from the United States Embassy in Hanoi. Being able to let them know about the impactful work that is being done within the province by AEPD was rewarding and brought attention to the fact that there is a continual need in the Quang Binh province.
Beyond being an intern, I have had the opportunity to explore the beauty of Vietnam. From the well-preserved historical artifacts to the phenomenal food. Also, the hospitality and friendliness of Vietnamese people.
Unfortunately, some things must come to an end and time flies when you are having fun. As my internship comes to an end I am thankful for my past self for taking a chance and applying for the course. This experience has helped me grow as an individual and student.
If you have the G.P.A and the zeal to apply the theory, you have learned in your classes in a real-life setting. In addition, seeing how non-governmental work is done abroad, I advise you to apply for the international internship course. There's nothing to lose. You can step outside of your comfort zone with the support of the uOttawa international office, Faculty of Social Sciences, Canadian NGO and local NGO throughout your internship. In addition, your cohort of other students that have decided to embark on the same adventure as you.
In the famous words of Wayne Gretzky, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
See you in a couple of weeks.