Arianne Brideau, Conflict and Human Rights Studies with an option in African Studies, 4th year
Country of internship: Sri Lanka
Canadian NGO: Alternatives
Local NGO: NAFSO
Position: Digital Research and Development
Before leaving home I had all these big doubts. Will I be capable of doing the work? What if I can’t handle 3 months away from home? What if I end up wasting my time and money?
As I’m getting closer and closer to the end of my internship, here is my reflection on what you learn by working abroad.
I think coming out of your comfort zone to go live in a completely different country and culture around the world is incredibly intimidating, but also incredibly rewarding. We sit in class and learn so many concepts and how they apply to the real world, but there’s nothing like seeing it in person. The experience is everything you want when it comes to trying out working abroad. You get to gain experience with an NGO, you get to meet communities who face issues you will work on, you get to produce reports of your activities, and you of course get to explore a new country.
By surrounding yourself with a new culture and new social expectations, the level of adaptability you develop is extremely important. It allows you to navigate unfamiliar situations with confidence, whether it’s adjusting to different communication styles or embracing new traditions. Over time, this adaptability strengthens problem-solving skills and broadens your perspective, making it easier to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
The work we produced here has also taught us incredibly useful, transferable skills. Research and analytical abilities, cross-cultural communication, and even the ability to tell compelling stories through reports and advocacy efforts—all of these are crucial in any career path related to human rights, development, or international work.
So, was it worth it?
Absolutely. Despite the initial doubts, stepping into the unknown was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The personal and professional growth, the connections formed, and the lessons learned far outweigh any of the fears I had before leaving home. Working abroad isn’t always easy, but that’s exactly why it’s so valuable. If you’re on the fence about taking the leap, my advice is simple: do it. You’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.