Student Testimonials: Reflections on an international internship
Name: Hannah Clark , ’09
Major: Biology
Hometown: River Forest IL
Position Title: Intern
Name of Company or Organization: School for Social Entrepreneurs
In two to three sentences, please describe what your internship entailed.
I conducted an internship at The School for Social Entrepreneurship (SSE) in London, England. The SSE is a school that provides courses and resources to individuals who have identified and are working to solve social problems on a large scale. The SSE runs practical learning programs aimed at helping develop the individual entrepreneur and their organization simultaneously.
Which country did your work take you to?
London, England
How did you find your internship?
This internship was highlighted in the Center for Experiential Learning Newsletter. I was able to find out more details and apply on Olerecruiting.com. I also was able to speak Thor Steinhovden, a St. Olaf student, who completed the internship last January. He was able to share with me some great information about living and working in London.
Why did you choose to intern abroad instead of domestically?
I chose to intern abroad because of the new lens it provided to study and think critically about worldwide issues. I applied to the internship because I was interested in pursuing an experience that would allow me to exercise my values and skill sets that I have acquired as a St. Olaf student. Becoming a team member and contributing to projects in a new and unique learning environment highlighted some of my strengths and provided ample opportunity to improve on them.
Which parts of your St. Olaf education best prepared you to work and live internationally?
I feel as though St. Olaf continuously pushes students to engage in open dialogue. My classes have taught me how to frame relevant questions and produce meaningful answers. I have confidence in my skills as a student and as a compassionate coworker that allowed me easily contribute to the SSE team in London. St. Olaf has also reflected and cultivated my core beliefs in social justice, honest work, and passionate living. These values laid the foundation to extend my work and life internationally.
What is the most difficult or challenging aspect about interning internationally?
The most challenging aspect of interning internationally was; finding a place to stay for the month and finding the means to finance the trip. Kris Estenson was instrumental in helping me organize all the logistical details. I used the Ole Alumni directory to get in touch with a number of Alumni who are currently living and working in the London area. I got a hold of a few of them, and one was able to set me up with co-worker to sublet from for the month. I applied the Kloeck-Jenson scholarship for social peace and justice and that cover the major costs of financing the trip.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working internationally?
The most rewarding aspect of working internationally was the awakening deep sense of self, continuous curiosity and questioning, and surprising perspective. I felt so privileged to contribute to the effort of a renowned group of committed and passionate activists working to improve their homes and communities. I was stuck by this sense of awe and amazing one evening, standing among a diverse group of Great Britain’s outspoken community organizers, listening to President Obama’s inauguration speech.
President Obama spoke of our collective failure to make difficult decisions. These words rang so true to me in light of the hurdles that I am facing in my own life and spheres of influence. I was so fortunate to be in an environment this January where I could witness individuals successfully seek out solutions to challenging and deeply rooted issues. This experience has taught me the value of making calculated risks and taking action in order to bring about your goals and change the world.
What does being a “global citizen” mean to you?
I believe that to live as a “global citizen”, you must engage your neighbors and act with intention. Our world is dynamic and unpredictable, however we have the tools and resources to direct that change. Being a global citizen requires a change in perspective which allows one to act in deliberate and incremental ways as part of a fluid continuum. The more we listen to those whose experiences and perspectives are unfamiliar, the more we realize what draws us together.
What advice would you offer other students interested in interning internationally?
Interning internationally was one of the most rewarding experiences I had as a St. Olaf student. The experience provides a unique window of opportunity to learn experientially about a new area as well as learn deeply about yourself. Have confidence in your abilities and use the opportunity to challenge yourself. Reflect on who you are before you go and try to set some goals for yourself academically and personally, but enter the experience with an open mind. You’ll be surprised what you find!