Judy, bacc. Specialized in psychology
Canadian NGO: Alternatives
Local NGO: Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES)
Country: Tunisia
I was delighted to do my internship with the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES). This non-governmental organization in Tunisia defends economic and social rights, as well as the rights of women, marginalized groups and immigrants. My job is to write a research report on a specific topic: immigration.
My experience through this international internship enabled me to learn more about a culture different from my own. Although my internship was remote because I couldn't be in the country, I was able to familiarize myself with the environment. The literature research and weekly meetings with my supervisor enabled me to deepen my knowledge of my host country. Alternatives, my Canadian host organization, made my internship an extremely enriching experience. The conferences organized by Alternatives on different developing countries contributed enormously to my learning about the situations experienced by other people around the world.
At times, I've found it difficult to refrain from passing judgment on difficult situations, such as social rights not being respected. It can be difficult to put oneself in another person's shoes and to step outside oneself in order to understand what is really going on in our host country. I think the most important thing to take away from my experience is that my contribution as a student and volunteer has enabled me to learn about a given culture and contribute to improving respect for human rights. This experience is a great opportunity to broaden our horizons and learn outside the classroom, and that's what encouraged me most to join this internship.