Many of you may be thinking of cool international places to travel should you choose to sign up for this program but I must admit to you that while traveling internationally would be an amazing experience, there are many amazing experiences waiting for you here in Canada. This summer I worked for two organizations, one was called the Ottawa Valley Aid for Chernobyl Children which offers a summer respite for children who are living in affected areas from the Chernobyl Nuclear Blast in the 90’s. I also worked for an Organization called “ShoeBOX” that organized the shipment of sports equiptment to be sent to schools in Nicaragua to help promote the education system through sports and physical activity. Helping out with these organizations was a profound and memorable experience. I got to interact with the children from Chernobyl areas, and I was able to see the importance of education in Nicaragua.
After my volunteer positions ended, I was asked to stay on as administrator for OVACC and was offered to accompany the members of the organization to Belarus next summer. This organization is close to my heart because ever since I was a little girl my family and I have been host families to children from the affected areas, so when I go on this trip I would be able to visit these children in their own homes. Even though I am back at school now I am still contributing to these organizations and once I am done school I plan on working full time in hopes of aiding in the alleviation of suffering that goes on in these countries. I will do this by continuing my support to these organizations and I will assist in the fundraising.
Don’t think that you absolutely have to go international for your internship because staying domestic is just as fulfilling. International and Domestic placements help out the greater community and the organization that you work for. Be proud of the position you find yourself.