Marie-Aimée, Bachelor of Social Sciences,
Specialization in Conflict Studies and Human Rights,
Alternatives, Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral (SOFEDI)
Like many students, I have participated in several internships throughout my university studies. That’s why, when the time came to plan my final internship, I wanted to try something different—something that would truly broaden my horizons and satisfy my curiosity about the world: an international internship. However, the COVID-19 pandemic quickly put my plans on hold, and for a long time, I thought I had lost this unique opportunity.
I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email informing me that the University of Ottawa and its partners had adapted to the new reality and were still offering international internships—remotely, of course. At first, the idea of searching for an internship on the other side of the world was intimidating, and it took me several weeks to find the right position, organization, and country that truly resonated with me. As someone originally from East Africa, I quickly decided to apply for a Program Assistant position in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The history, growth, people, and culture of the Congo immediately caught my attention.
Thanks to pre-internship workshops provided by both the University of Ottawa and Alternatives, a Montreal-based NGO that works directly with SOFEDI (Solidarité des Femmes pour le Développement Intégral) in the DRC, I felt well-supported throughout my learning and preparation process. After nearly four months of preparation, I began my virtual journey to Bukavu, South Kivu, in the DRC.
Like any new experience, an international internship comes with its share of challenges—even in a remote format. As someone who normally thrives under pressure, working alone in my room was the first obstacle I encountered. Combined with the restrictions of the pandemic, this isolation initially felt alienating and impacted my productivity and motivation. However, with time and advice from those around me, I quickly overcame this challenge by establishing clear boundaries between my personal and professional life, organizing my workspace, and improving my time management skills.
A remote internship is far from easy. Beyond learning and completing assigned tasks, you must also learn how to manage virtual meetings and deadlines, navigate different time zones, and adapt to cultural differences—because yes, even online, these differences still exist!
As a Program Assistant at SOFEDI, my responsibilities are diverse, ranging from translating official documents and reports to writing informational content and researching grant opportunities. My work is largely independent, but I was honored to participate in two training sessions organized by SOFEDI, where I had the opportunity to learn from community leaders and healthcare providers in Bukavu. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of SOFEDI’s impact, but also fostered a strong sense of belonging and inclusion within the organization.
Now, five weeks into my internship, I feel much more comfortable and confident in my role. Focusing on different aspects of my work has significantly improved my soft skills, including communication, work ethic, and discipline. This internship has also allowed me to reflect on how much we rely on in-person interactions and traditional learning methods.
I still have much to learn from my supervisors, but I am certain that my remote international internship during a global pandemic will be an invaluable asset as I pursue my post-university goals.