Intern Testimonial

Sara J.
Nairobi, Kenya
Spring 2009

"While in Kenya, I interned at a radio station called Pamoja FM in one of Africa’s largest slums, Kibera. The slums of Nairobi are largely ignored by mainstream media. Pamoja FM functions as the only prominent media outlet for Kibera, a community of some one million people. Its audience is predominantly the youth, and it serves as a voice for all of the ethnic groups represented in Kibera. Its staff is comprised of about 20 volunteers and a board of directors that includes current and former journalists coming from agencies such as the BBC. About half of the staff works in production while the other half works in the newsroom.

My role at Pamoja FM was to report on Kibera and other parts of Nairobi, as well as to work on features. Daily I went into the field to attend various events, press conferences, conduct interviews and to search for stories. From this I would write news scripts that would be translated into Swahili. During my time at Pamoja FM, I worked on two features, one on homosexuality in Kenya, the other on a group of thugs who were illegally taxing bus drivers along Kibera Road. I was also the liaison between the US embassy and Pamoja FM, reporting on embassy events and issues of Kenyan-American relations.

I covered stories ranging from the resignation of the Minister of Justice due to corruption in the judicial system to events held by women’s groups in the slums to promote peace between ethnic groups. Seeing these different spheres of Kenya allowed me to formulate a well-rounded view of the lives of Nairobi residents as well as members of the East African community.

At Pamoja FM I gained a better understanding of the importance of the media and the damaging effects of the media when it is not responsible. Additionally, I got a deeper look into the lack of transparency in allocation of funds and inefficiency that is often associated with organizations in the developing world.

Working with reporters with such few resources was refreshing because it revealed to me ways to be creative with what is available and not be so dependent on technology and funding.

Interning in Kibera revived my passion for my studies and made me ecstatic about returning to the region to find a career related to this kind of work. My internship in Kenya was the most interesting, unusual experience of my life. I was excited to go to work every day and still can’t believe many of things I was a part of and was able to experience."

Intern Testimonial

LeeAnn A.
Nairobi, Kenya
Fall 2007

“Studying in Meru, Kenya I took initiative while interning with AIDS mobilization. In my past experiences in the United States, I received a lot of direction and guidance in my projects. In Kenya, however, my internship was what I made of it; taking the time and effort independently led to one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Intern Testimonial

Jamie H.
Tropical Conservation
Quito, Ecuador
Spring 2009

"During my semester on the Tropical Conservation program, I worked with Equilibrio Azul, a marine conservation organization located in Puerto Lopez on the coast of Ecuador. My experience there was eye-opening, and unforgettable. We spent most of our time participating in research projects involving shark and sea turtle conservation. It was a hands-on experience that provided me with a deep appreciation for the ocean and marine life. This has been my grandest adventure yet; it was truly a unique experience."

Intern Testimonial

Claire M.
Arcadia Internship
Sydney, Australia
Summer 2008

"My internship was with Minister Verity Firth, an Australian politician. She served as the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment for the Labor Government of New South Wales.

During my internship, I worked with the Climate Change and Environment division of her office as well as a general help to the entire office. My main duties were to write white papers (research) on current environmental and climate change topics relevant to New South Wales policy. These projects included ecotourism, transport, bicycle-friendly cities, green cities, website efficiency, and user-friendliness. I also compiled a report of non-governmental environmental organizations’ one, five and fifteen year priorities.

I also interned at the Edmund Rice Centre, which is a non-governmental organization that works on social justice issues in a variety of fields. I worked on the Pacific Calling Partnership which helps low lying island states in the South Pacific affected by climate change and sea level rise. The organization provides information, awareness and advocacy to the citizens of New South Wales and the world to change current conditions in these vulnerable places (especially in Kiribati, an island nation located in the central tropical Pacific Ocean). My main duties were primarily researching current conditions in the Pacific and Kiribati to find factual information about effects of climate change to the region. My research was for informational materials and speaking points for presentations the centre gives.

Through my experience, I found a focus and inner passion that I will take with me far beyond my time in Sydney, Australia. It is my passion and goal to help positively change human impact on the globe. I want to ensure a secure planet for future generations of people. My study abroad internships gave me a better understanding on how I can be part of the solution to curb climate change. I have started to understand the challenges of making changes in governmental policy and in peoples’ attitudes. I now have a better idea of what I want to do after I graduate and the kind of graduate school work to go into."

Intern Testimonial

Sara J.
Brussels, Belgium
Fall 2008

“The Vesalius internship program was one of the highlights of my study abroad experience in Brussels, and one of the most interesting experiences of my life. I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to spend the Fall 2008 semester interning at the Associated Press (AP) Brussels bureau. The bureau primarily covers the European Union, with a lesser focus on NATO and other news events. I was treated like one of the reporters; given stories and let loose to find background information and make contacts.

I was assigned a wide variety of stories; everything from PETA protests to EU food policies. It was an exciting working environment; I worked with incredibly talented journalists and each day provided me with new stories. I attended many high profile summits, press briefings, conferences and meetings, a unique opportunity for an undergraduate student. With a press pass, I had unbelievable access to the EU.

The AP staff was immensely helpful to me. After I wrote a story, they would sit me down and explain which aspects of my writing needed improvement, which has undoubtedly enhanced my writing skills. I was excited to see some of my stories reach the wire and then distributed on the internet.

The lessons I learned during my time at Associated Press are not the kind found in a classroom setting. I now have a more realistic view of journalism which will help me in deciding exactly what to do with my degree. I am so pleased that I decided to apply for an internship; it not only improved my resume, but was so interesting.”