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Eager to step into the footsteps of a college student who is experiencing life in Australia? We caught up with AIFS Abroad internship program participant Nyasia from North Carolina A&T State University, who is spending her spring semester interning abroad in Sydney.
“Picture this: balancing academic studies, professional commitments, and cultural immersion while interning abroad. It’s a whirlwind experience that shapes perspectives and builds invaluable skills. As I reflect on my time interning in Australia, I’m struck by the diverse challenges and enriching opportunities that have come my way.”
nyasia
Read on to learn more about her internship experience in Sydney with AIFS Abroad and what it’s like to work in the non-profit sector overseas.
Academic Credit
Did you know? Here at AIFS Abroad, we offer our internship program participants the opportunity to earn academic credit. They can either do so through their home institution, who may have an internship course they can enroll in, or they can take our credit-bearing courses to compliment their internship which are arranged during the placement process. Nyasia opted for the latter, taking courses while interning such as “Global Workforce and Leadership Development,” and more.
“During my internship abroad, I’ve navigated a unique academic landscape shaped by my circumstances. Bringing in numerous high school credits allowed me to focus on just three offered credit courses (9 credits) [through AIFS Abroad]… This setup has been manageable, especially since all classes are conducted online and professors are accommodating of students’ internship commitments.”
Cultural Immersion
One of the courses Nyasia has taken while interning in Sydney is “Intercultural Communication in a Global Workplace,” a perfect compliment to the cultural immersion and experiential learning opportunities her internship program has presented. She’s even become inspired to dive deep and learn more about the indigenous population in Australia.
“Amidst managing my workload, I’ve also found myself fully immersing in the cultural richness of my host country, Australia, where I’m interning. One of my courses encourages us to explore and experience different cultures firsthand. This has not only deepened my cultural understanding but has also provided a unique perspective on academic learning. While I’ve indulged in some tourist spots, my willingness to delve into the Aboriginal culture has broadened my horizons in unexpected ways.”
Internship Experience
But what about Nyasia’s literal internship abroad? During the placement process, our team worked individually with her — as we do with all of our interns — to learn more about her career goals. She eventually was matched with a non-profit organization with a focus on Marketing and Human Resources, blending her interests perfectly.
“During my intern abroad experience, I had the invaluable opportunity to intern with Habitat for Humanity Australia for three months, delving into the realms of HR and Marketing. This experience was transformative, offering insights into the operational dynamics of the company and introducing me to innovative program tools utilized by organizations globally. Importantly, I learned that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in Marketing; instead, it requires adaptable strategies tailored to diverse contexts. I also can volunteer and see hands-on what the company I’ll be working for actually does.”
Diversity and Inclusion
As an intern abroad, you’ll undoubtedly have to navigate diverse environments. Nyasia’s experience has led her to call for better communication and inclusivity with the hope of bridging cultural gaps.
“As a young, 5’10” Black female from America, I had a unique opportunity to engage with individuals from different backgrounds, even though sometimes it is challenging. Initially, the stark contrast in demographics made me feel like a fish out of water, encountering stares and occasionally facing stereotypes head-on. For instance, inquiries about my ethnicity, while seemingly harmless, often led to misunderstandings and misconceptions, highlighting the need for more inclusive conversations.”
Final Thoughts
And so, as she embraces the journey, Nyasia reflects on how much she’s been impacted by her internship experience abroad in Sydney during spring semester.
“In essence, my internship abroad journey has profoundly transformed me, touching every aspect of my being. Through the blend of academic adaptability, cultural immersion, and professional growth, I’ve gained invaluable insights and skills. Each experience has enriched my understanding of the world and deepened my sense of purpose, guiding me towards a future filled with possibility and promise.”
Are you ready to take the leap and intern abroad in Sydney like Nyasia did through AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students and pre-professionals study and intern abroad. Our programs are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.