CEL E-Newsletter September 12, 2008

"Are you getting nervous for an upcoming internship or job interview? Do you feel like you need some practice before the big one-on-one interview? Try out the CEL's new online InterviewStream program!! It's great practice and easy to use. Choose from a variety of interview question sets including Business, Non-Profit, Graduate & Professional School, and Medical School Interviews. Or customize your own interview by choosing from a wide variety of commonly used interview questions. Here is how to get started: First, find a computer with a webcam - you can reserve one in the World Language Center or in the CEL (x3268). Once in the program, create a username and password and select your questions. Follow the prompts to record your answers and then play it back to see how you did. You have the ability to re-do each interview question over and over until you feel that you have had enough practice. After you have completed a set of questions and would like some helpful suggestions to improve your interviewing skills, call the CEL (x3268) to set up an appointment with a career counselor. They will watch your online interview and share any suggestions they have with you. Have fun with the program and Good Luck!"

-Betsy Volkman '09, Peer Advisor

SOLVEIG HAGEN

What did your academic program in Chile entail and how did you supplement it with further experiential learning?
I enrolled in university courses at la Pontífica Universidad Católica de Valparaíso. Taking a full course load, I didn’t feasibly have time to hold an internship as well. Instead, I consciously channeled energy into making connections through my host family, university and friends in fields that interested me. For example, I took oil painting lessons from my host mom, and through her studio I met and became friends with a film set designer. Through our conversations I developed the idea for a research proposal on gender issues and art in Chile. I went on to write a paper and give a presentation on my interviews with Claudia and various other Chilean artists.

How can students make connections and find opportunities for experiential learning abroad if they don’t already have contacts in their destination country?
It doesn’t necessarily matter if you have contacts going into your experience. I didn’t. However, if you would like to do so before leaving, a great way to establish connections is to use the online alumni directory (accessible through the CEL’s website) to search for Ole alumni in your region. Also, many exchange programs and universities have previously established relations with NGO’s, community development organizations, schools and hospitals. Come into the CEL before you leave and talk to a peer adviser about securing an internship and volunteer opportunity prior to your departure. Be sure to take responsibility for your experience. Ask! Search! Be creative! And don’t be bashful about seizing opportunities as they arise.