Marcha, B.Sc.Soc. in International Development and Globalization
Mines Action Canada,
Women’s Institute for Alternative Development (WINAD)
Disarmament Program Officer
I experienced a mix of anxiety and excitement, as one often does when stepping into the unknown. However, as a student without real field experience, I questioned my skill level and my ability to complete the tasks assigned to me during the internship. Was I truly ready for this experience?
Now, a month into my internship, I can say that this feeling of anxiety is completely normal. In fact, I still feel it to some extent. It’s simply human nature to want to perfect every task and project we take on. However, one important thing to remember is that an international internship is, above all, a learning experience. It bridges the gap between the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom and those acquired through hands-on experience. It’s also about adaptability, attitude, and determination. That’s why I believe that the anxiety many interns experience is completely natural—it’s even what drives us to fully immerse ourselves in the internship.
That said, doing an international internship is one thing, but doing it remotely is another. The opportunities are not quite the same, especially when it comes to cultural immersion. Like interns from previous semesters, we don’t have the chance to be on-site, explore new places, meet new people, and truly build relationships. As an adventurous and outgoing person, I must admit that this aspect was a bit disappointing for me. However, a remote internship is not all that bad. Even in just one month, I’ve managed to form some connections. I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to numerous projects, allowing me to gain deeper insight into the country’s conditions, the challenges faced by women, and the organization’s core objectives.
Ultimately, a remote international internship is an opportunity to experience the "wow" factor in a different way. Personally, I truly believe that this experience will benefit me in the long run.