Sergio, Masters in International Development and Globalization,
Mines Action Canada, Colombia, Campaña Colombiana Contra Minas (CCCM), Program Support Officer
As a historian studying the Colombian conflict, its causes, dynamics and consequences, getting an opportunity to approach this issue from a practical perspective has been a life-changing experience. That is why, as soon as I knew that the Faculty of Social Sciences offered the possibility to join an international internship as part of my master's studies, I didn't have to think twice.
As part of the options, working with Mines Action Canada and Campaña Colombiana Contra Minas suited best my MRP goals since my assigned tasks merge both the practical knowledge of war-torn communities with the theoretical frame of Immobilities. Hence, allowing an insightful exploration of a scarcely studied concept among academics in Colombia.
I couldn't think about a better way to understand the kind of things you never learn in a classroom, such as addressing an Ambassador, looking for funding means to guarantee the operation of the NGO in the long term, analysing geographical data before landmine clearing missions. Yes, it has been challenging because of the workload of both my thesis project and a full-time volunteering position but the abilities I have acquired while working with the team are an asset for any future employer in my field.
Of course, Covid-19 has limited the impact one could have in a foreign country and rural communities in Colombia, but it is an advantage when reporting fund allocations to foreign governments due to data centralisation, one of my favourite tasks. So, if feeling like a crucial part in the process of making people's lives improve seems like your kind of thing, I would encourage you to join an International Internship!