Student Testimonials: Reflections on an international internship
Name: Kristina Sawatzke, ’09
Major: Biology
Hometown: Monticello, MN
Position Title: Comparative Urban/Rural Health in Ecuador
Name of Company or Organization: Child Family Health Int'l.
In two to three sentences, please describe what your internship entailed.
I shadowed doctors in three different hospitals in Quito (from a selection of about 10) and spent two weeks shadowing in different wings of a hospital in Chone. Each student could choose specific interests and shadow a variety of positions. I also took Spanish classes for two weeks, three-four hours a day.
Which country(ies) did your work take you to?
Ecuador
How did you find your internship?
CEL
Why did you choose to intern abroad instead of domestically?
The experience and the chance to travel within an organized environment.
Which parts of your St. Olaf education best prepared you to work and live internationally?
Spanish speaking skills and time management practice.
What is the most difficult or challenging aspect about interning internationally?
The communication barrier.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working internationally?
Seeing the procedures and surgeries we were able to observe in the hospitals and experiencing the difference in cultural medicine.
What does being a “global citizen” mean to you?
Knowing and respecting the cultures of the countries we live amongst and understanding our part to make our world better, and not just the United States.
What advice would you offer other students interested in interning internationally?
College is the best time to explore and travel down paths that may only present themselves through St. Olaf. You won’t regret deciding to take a chance.
Please include anything else you would like to share about your experiences.
CFHI offers a variety of programs that will fit many realms of interest!