1) When did you decide to co-op/intern abroad?

The opportunity to do co-op terms abroad was one of the main reasons I decided to apply for co-op in the first place! Not only did I get valuable work experience, I experienced a new culture in a more fulfilling way than I would have just as a tourist.

2) Where did you co-op or intern and what did you do?

I did an internship with Participatory Research in Asia ("PRIA"), in India. The internship was based in Delhi, at PRIA's headquarters, and from there, I had the opportunity to spend time in three different "field locations" for two and three weeks each. The first two-thirds of the internship were focused on learning about issues in "development" specific to India, and how non-governmental organizations ("NGOs")  in the country work.

During the first two field placements, I spent time in PRIA's field offices and experienced their day-to-day work (and the work of some of their partner organizations).  The last third of the internship I  worked on my own research project (with PRIA's support).  I chose to explore the topic of "political devolution" - how political responsibilities are theoretically (and in reality) separated between the five levels of government in the country. This topic became of interest to me during the first few months there, and I was able to travel to an eastern state of India to do interviews and collect data for my project.

3) What do you think you got out of this experience, besides the job?

Through working with PRIA, I got to see many sides of India that no tourist would ever see, not only by working with many disadvantaged people in society as PRIA does, but also by working with the employees of the organization. In general, working and living in India in this was the ultimate way to get a taste of true Indian culture.

4) Describe some of the most significant cultural differences you experienced?

It was a challenge getting used to eating so many delicious Indian sweets and drinking chai (tea) with great amounts of sugar, and then bringing my sugar intake back down when I came home!

5) What did you do to prepare?

To prepare I tried to learn as much as possible about what to expect: I did the co-op program's "international co-op term preparedness course", I read lots of books about India, I was in contact with the organization I was going to work for, and most importantly, I got in contact with a student from my university who had done the same internship the year before.  It was really helpful to be able to ask questions and to hear about the experience of someone who had already been in the position.

Saying all of that, like with any internship abroad (and especially in India!),  I set out to "expect the unexpected", and I could never have known exactly what I would experience, or assume that I would face it in the same way as someone else.

Also, because this internship was not paid, I had to work (not in co-op) for a term, so that I could afford to go on the internship.  This was not a big setback however, because I wanted to do the internship primarily for the experience, and not to make money.

6) Do you feel you were well prepared? Why or why not?

I think I was prepared as well as I could have been.  Doing some research before I went certainly helped me have a positive experience; however, like I said, you can never be "100% prepared".

7) What, if anything, do you wish you knew before going overseas?

I wish I knew not to bring all of the clothes that I packed!  The clothes that I brought to wear to work I realized were not appropriate once I got there, so I picked-up better options once I arrived.

8) What suggestions do you have for students, universities and companies that could assist students in the preparation process?

Having personal or work contacts meet new students soon after they arrive can help them gain their bearings. If co-op programs or employers are able to help with this, I think it would be valuable.

9) How has your international experience impacted your future life, career or study plans?

My experience in India made me even more motivated to work in the area of international development in the future, but it also reaffirmed for me the complications and inherent difficulties in that area of work as well. Furthermore, the internship made me realize how much I enjoy working with people in the field, and I intend to pursue more opportunities like this one in the future.