How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Although I’ve grown professionally since working for this company, I think that the personal growth I experienced abroad before entering this position was the most invaluable. International work and volunteer experience helped me to come out of my shell (I was quite shy and naïve!).
I was also able to get a better grasp on my passions and talents, which helped me to develop confidence and figure out the direction I ultimately wanted to take my career. Time abroad also presented unique educational opportunities, which made my resume stand out at home - for example, learning another language in an immersive environment.
Working alongside people from all over the world has been a lot of fun, while enhancing my understanding of different cultures. These experiences not only helped me to secure a job that I love, but they also shaped my professional maturity overall.
What is the best story you’ve heard from a return student?
The stories that I often hear from returned students relates to how much broader their horizons have become. Even though every individual has a unique experience, with different highs and lows, their journeys have usually been impacted by some degree of self-actualization.
It sounds a bit cliché, but there’s really nothing like travel to open your mind and make you appreciate the opportunities and possibilities that are out there. It’s extremely rewarding to hear how returning students feel more empowered, inspired, focused and confident.
Not only do they feel renewed appreciation for their own homes, families, abilities and opportunities but they also feel more capable of independently challenging themselves in new ways, striving toward their goals, and supporting others to do the same.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would personally choose a Microfinance / Women’s Empowerment or NGO Support internship because placement within these fields would complement my current skill-set, interests and career path. However, when choosing an internship program with Intern Abroad HQ, there is also scope to select an entry-level opportunity, if you’re interested in exploring a potential career role or focus area to determine if it’s right for you.
Due to work commitments, I don’t have the ability to commit to a long internship, which is a requirement of most providers; so, one of the shorter internships offered by Intern Abroad HQ would appeal to me. Participants can choose from as little as 2 or 4 weeks, which allows flexibility for short-term, affordable, introductory experiences.
The reflective learning component of shorter-term participation focuses on cross-cultural competency and global citizenship development.
Longer-term interns will become more immersed and independent within their placement and critical reflections, gaining greater experience and career insight. There really is something for everyone!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Our company has been made by young professionals, for young professionals. We’re deeply reflective about our processes and how we can constantly improve - whether addressing safety and sustainability responsibilities, or providing the most valuable outcomes for interns abroad.
We take pride in being “hands on”, as this helps us to experience programs from an intern’s point of view. We personally familiarize ourselves with the organizations that host interns – our staff have stayed in the accommodation, shared meals with program participants and host families; we’ve visited the tourist sites in the regions and we’ve seen first-hand the placements where interns participate.
This means we have a thorough understanding of the programs and can relate to the motivations, aspirations and experiences of participants.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I think it’s important to care about what you do, stick to your values, and to treat others the way you’d like to be treated. We express this at work by being dedicated to transparency and affordability. We know that students work hard and shouldn’t have to pay through the nose for quality programs and support, so we offer reputable and trusted opportunities that are as accessible as possible.
As travelers ourselves, we build the types of support systems and processes that we would expect to see, so comprehensive support, safety, risk management, and community sustainability are all top priorities. This approach reduces stress for participants and allows the greatest possible learning to take place.
At the end of the day, our aim is for interns, their families, and our team to all be proud to be a part of Intern Abroad HQ.
