Student Testimonials: Reflections on an international internship
Name: Thor Steinhovden, '09
Majors: Political Science and History
Hometown: Floro, Norway
Position Title: Network Team Intern
Name of Company or Organization: The School for Social Entrepreneurs
In two to three sentences, please describe what your internship entailed.
Research, drafting of policy documents, site visits, sitting in on classes with social entrepreneurs-in-training, going to speaker sessions, being part of a planning committee for a one-day training session for a national ambassadorial program aimed at spreading knowledge about social entrepreneurship throughout the country.
Which country(ies) did your work take you to?
England (London)
How did you find your internship?
The intern selection process was run by the CEL – I first found out about the opening through a mass e-mail to the CEL alias.
Why did you choose to intern abroad instead of domestically?
I thought an international internship would look better on a resume, plus I was looking for a challenge, which I knew I would find in London.
Which parts of your St. Olaf education best prepared you to work and live internationally?
As a I am already living abroad here at St. Olaf, my entire college experience!
What is the most difficult or challenging aspect about interning internationally?
In most cases, I would argue that culture-shock is the biggest challenge to any international intern. In my case though, London is an international city where it is easy to be American/Norwegian. For me, the most challenging aspect was getting accustomed to living in a large city.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working internationally?
Being able to explore an exciting and new atmosphere on your own, allows you to quickly mature and gain some perspective on privilege and purpose. It forces you to get to know yourself, while at the same time grow in the face of challenges that moves you outside your own comfort zone.
What does being a “global citizen” mean to you?
I prefer Global Nomad – but to me, the echo boomers represent the first generation that can actually refer to itself as global citizens. We are anxious to discover the world, we welcome the many technological advances that promote global communication, and we are restless. By restless, I mean, that we are not satisfied with the status quo, but rather seek to break from old, traditional identities shaped by adherence to certain nationalities, ethnic groups, religious institutions or cultural movements. A global citizen is first and foremost a member of humanity.
What advice would you offer other students interested in interning internationally?
Approach any internship with a mixed attitude of humility, curiosity and positivity. Don't underestimate your own abilities, but at the same time, know that you must be open to learning a lot in a short amount of time. Working hard is the only way you will succeed as an international intern.
Back to student bio page>>