Lyan, Conflict Studies and Human Rights, with minor in feminist & gender studies, 4th year
Country of fieldwork: Jordan
Local NGO: WUSC
Position: Research Officer
As my internship comes to a close, I’ve been taking time to reflect on just how much this experience has shaped me—both professionally and personally. It’s difficult to summarize such a complex journey in a single blog post, but what stands out the most is how much growth happens when you’re pushed outside of your comfort zone.
One of my biggest challenges during the internship was navigating a workplace environment that was completely unfamiliar. I often found myself juggling a range of tasks—many of which I had no prior experience with. At times, it made me feel overwhelmed and unsure of my capabilities. There were moments when I felt small, pressured not to make mistakes, and unsure if I was doing enough. I honestly felt really drained, and even now that the internship is over, I still feel like I’m recovering and trying to get back on track.
What helped me manage the stress and stay grounded was shifting my perspective and trying to embrace the experience with a positive mindset. I kept reminding myself that this was an internship—designed for learning, not perfection. I had to remind myself what a privilege it was to be in a space where I could learn and be surrounded by such intelligent, passionate people who welcomed me and gave me the opportunity to learn from them. Focusing on what I could take away from the experience—rather than what I couldn’t control—was what really motivated and pushed me forward. That mindset shift made a huge difference.
I also developed a few personal habits that helped me manage my mental and emotional energy—working out regularly, calling friends, finding a local coffee shop to escape to, and making the most of opportunities to go out and explore. Those small rituals really helped me feel more grounded and clear-headed.
Throughout the internship, I found that I didn’t necessarily revisit a lot of the academic themes I’d studied in class—but I learned so much beyond the scope of my university program. That said, some concepts I have got to understand more were around power dynamics, organizational structures, and the complexity of change-making in resource-limited settings—definitely came up in real and unexpected ways. I came to see firsthand that theory doesn’t always translate neatly into practice. But even so, I’ve learned that small contributions and everyday persistence matter. Real impact isn’t always loud or dramatic—it’s often slow, intentional, and built over time.
Above all, this internship taught me the importance of adaptability. Working in a cross-cultural environment with different norms, expectations, and communication styles pushed me to be more observant, flexible, and self-aware. I learned how to ask better questions, how to listen more actively, and how to advocate for myself when things weren’t clear.
While I was looking forward to heading home, I know I’ll miss the warmth of the community, the beauty of my host country, and the sense of purpose that came with showing up each day to learn and contribute. I’m leaving this experience with a deeper understanding of my own capacities and so much gratitude—for the challenges, the growth, and the people who supported me along the way.
To anyone considering an international internship: it won’t always be easy, but it will absolutely be worth it.