"This experience is something that I will always carry with me"
Juliette's story
Overview
Programme and major: Global Studies, Social Work major
Cohort: 2017-2019
Name of the organization: Nyanga Community Development Trust (NCDT)
Country: Zimbabwe
Why did you decide to do an internship?
I chose to do an internship because I wanted practical experience and networks for the future.
How did you find your internship?
Via IM Sweden.
What should students think about when they search and apply for internships?
I would recommend students to reflect on what type of internship they want to do before applying, for example focusing on NGOs. This is because writing application letters takes more time and energy than one might expect and my experience is that quality is better than quantity. I would also recommend them to start apply on time and go with one's gut feeling.
Which of your responsibilities were the most interesting and challenging? Can you think of some task you did not enjoy doing while on internship?
My favorite task was fieldwork in which we conducted activities together with community members: traditional leaders, parents, children, school students and teachers etc. Meeting people and discussing child marriage, harmful practices, parenting skills, and sexual reproductive health and so on was educational and contributed to a deeper, non-western, understanding of social issues in Zimbabwe.
I also had the opportunity to deepen my own topic of interest and conduct a project for the organization, which also resulted in my master's thesis; females’ experiences, actions, choices and understandings of child marriage in Zimbabwe. This experience is something that I will always carry with me and I am forever grateful for the opportunity. However, working in a different country, i.e. environment and culture, was challenging in terms of routines and planning. I used to have certain work routines in Sweden, which I could not use in Zimbabwe, and I learned a new way of working.
Would you recommend students to do an internship? Why?
I would definitely recommend students to conduct an internship abroad, especially in a country that is the opposite of one's own. It is a great opportunity to learn about a different country and culture from one's own perspective, meet new people and grow as a person.
Is there anything else you would like to add that is not covered in the above questions?
Good luck!
