My experience interning abroad in France this past summer was one that I will never forget. For the first time, I got to immerse myself in a different culture, in a completely different area the world with a different official national language... During my time here, I formed relationships with people and had the ability to embrace a different culture and way of life that, while usually amazing, also often forced me out of my comfort zone. Paired with the fact that I was able to get first-hand experience in the career of my interest with the support of my supervisor... it all made for an experience that still benefits me and that I believe I will always cherish.

My internship definitely improved my capacity for dealing with uncertainty in several senses of the word. I have gained a stronger awareness of my own independence, and my ability to navigate situations that are completely new. I was forced to think, plan ahead, and constantly stay organized; some of these habits I can happily say I’ve taken back with me. Finally, I gained perspective on my place in the world, as well as in an international political context.

Working as a Global Intern was an extremely rewarding experience. Having the opportunity to work with such a revered organization, and to be directly involved in the process of creating a new student leadership program, was unprecedented. I’m so grateful to have worked for an organization that emphasizes the importance of student voice and empowers its staff to believe changing the education system #esposible. I hope to continue my connection with the work I started and people I met for many years to come.

Interning in Belgium was an awesome experience! I was there as a research intern and was able to gain valuable work experience such as the ability to conduct in-depth interviews, compiling literary sources and presenting my findings in one thorough report. Outside of work, I was able to travel to London, Lille and Paris as well as many other Belgian cities like Bruges, Ostende and Brussels. Getting the opportunity to intern abroad was valuable because I got to combine work and play which was great. I would totally recommend an abroad internship to everyone, especially those who find it difficult to spend an entire semester abroad.

If I could recommend one thing to every UVA student, it would be to do an internship abroad. Having traveled and studied abroad before, the experience of living and working abroad was vastly different. The adventure of immersing myself in the culture and lifestyle of Bangalore, India through my internship was unparalleled. From working in a global workspace to experiencing the city through my walks to work, I constantly found myself learning while in Bangalore. Each day brought a new opportunity to learn and engage with the local community and culture.