2026 CAPI Interns


Background

Since 2003, CAPI's Internship Program has funded over 200 Canadian students to complete international internship placements with partners across the Asia-Pacific region. Some of them have gone on to complete graduate work, or have returned to the region to work, and many of our former interns remain engaged with the Centre through our alumni and peer mentorship initiatives, research opportunities, and CAPI events and projects.


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Claire Baycroft

 
  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Sociology
  • Internship host organization:
    Center for Indonesian Policy Studies
  • Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Claire is in the final year of her Sociology degree at the University of Victoria. She will be travelling to Jakarta, Indonesia, to work with the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS), a think tank that produces policy research and recommendations to support social and economic development in Indonesia. Passionate about social justice, she is excited to expand her knowledge and contribute to the community through her work with CIPS. Claire is looking forward to exploring Indonesia and learning about its history and culture. She is incredibly grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to share her experiences along the way. 

Rex Gong

 
  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Computer Science
  • Internship host organization:
    Ehime University
  • Location: Matsuyama, Japan
  • Internship duration: September to December 2026
  • Sponsor: CAPI Jarislowsky Japan Chair
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Rex Gong is in his fourth and final year of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at UVic. Born in China, he moved to Canada at a young age and has since grown up in a multicultural environment that shaped both his personal and academic interests. Professionally, Rex is passionate about programming and game development. Outside of his studies, he enjoys art, comics, and Asian culture. 
Rex will be travelling to Matsuyama, Japan, to collaborate with Ehime University on disaster preparedness and relief initiatives. He looks forward to gaining valuable international work experience, improving his Japanese language skills, experiencing Japanese culture firsthand, and building meaningful professional and personal connections during his time at Ehime University. 

Anna Sanders

 

  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Political Science 
  • Internship host organization:
    Center for Indonesian Policy Studies
  • Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Anna is a fourth-year Political Science student at the University of Victoria, with interests in global politics, environmental advocacy, and social and economic justice. She will soon be living in Jakarta to work with the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies, which will enhance her education and provide her with practical experience. She is looking forward to gaining an understanding of the political and cultural dynamics of Jakarta.  
Outside of school, her time is usually spent drawing, painting, cooking, and participating in community events. She is eager to explore Jakarta, and hopes to become immersed in the city’s communities and culture.

Zack Fletch 

 

  • UVic field of study:
    Political Science, Global Development Studies and Gender Studies
  • Internship host organization:
    The Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women
  • Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Zack is going into their third year of political science, global development studies, and gender studies. They are passionate about activism and hope to work with queer rights and migration in the future. They are thrilled and honored for the opportunity to intern with the Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women. They are looking forward to learning more about migration and women’s rights and see how this will lend to their own interests and knowledge. Outside of academia and work, Zack enjoys music, cooking, and spending time with their loved ones.

Lindsay Smith

 
  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Geography and Environmental Studies
  • Internship host organization:
    Foundation for Education and Development
  • Location: Khao Lak, Thailand
  • Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Lindsay is entering her third year at UVic, pursuing a BSc in Geography with a minor in Environmental Studies. She is passionate about environmental education and conservation. Outside of her studies, she enjoys exploring nature, spending time with friends and family, and trying out a wide array of hobbies, like surfing, kayaking, photography, and knitting. 
Lindsay is thrilled to be heading to Khao Lak, Thailand, to join the Foundation for Education and Development. FED works with and empowers Burmese refugees by providing access to education, healthcare, and migration support. Lindsay is looking forward to calling a new place home for the next six months and to making a meaningful impact in her work. 

Dinah Hagos

 
  • UVic field(s) of study:
    English
  • Internship host organization:
    Malaysia Social Research Institute
  • Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Internship duration: May to October 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Bio to follow


Maddie Grout 

 
  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Sociology and Global Development
  • Internship host organization:
    Malaysia Social Research Institute
  • Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Madeleine Grout is in her third year of studying sociology and global development studies with a focus on community engagement. Her passions include, women's rights and safety, collective action, and community wellbeing. This spring, she will travel to Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia where she willbe working as a program assistant with the Malaysia Social Research Institute (MSRI). Outside of her studies, Maddie enjoys reading, yoga, crocheting and being outdoors and values her friends and family dearly. She is incredibly grateful to be a part of the CAPI internship program and gain valuable experiences that she will take with her throughout her life. She is especially excited to build meaningful relationships and enjoy all the amazing food and culture that Kuala Lumpur has to offer! 


Mia Wieler

  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Political Science and Environmental Studies
  • Internship host organization:
    PACOS Trust
  • Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
  • Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Mia is in her final year of her Political Science and Environmental Studies degree at the University of Victoria. She cares deeply about social and environmental justice, and her academic interests include land and resource-based issues, Indigenous sovereignty, and conflicting legal orders in settler colonial contexts. Mia will be heading to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia to intern as a Program Assistant with PACOS trust, an organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities in Sabah.  

Outside of her studies, Mia loves sharing meals with her friends, making functional pottery, crocheting hats, and spending time in forests and at the ocean. She is very grateful and excited for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, create meaningful relationships with the PACOS team, and experience life in Kota Kinabalu.  

 

Callum Braun

 
  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Political Science
  • Internship host organization:
    Karenni Social Development Centre
  • Location: Nai Soi, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
  • Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Callum is a third-year Political Science student at the University of Victoria. In June 2026, he will be traveling to Northern Thailand to work with the Karenni Social Development Centre (KSDC). He is passionate about community engagement, learning from different cultures, and building meaningful connections with people from around the world. Through his time with KSDC, Callum is excited to support English language learning while also gaining insight into the experiences, resilience, and culture of the Karenni community. 
Outside the classroom, Callum enjoys spending time outdoors, photography, and playing sports such as soccer. He is especially looking forward to immersing himself in the community, meeting new people, and embracing the unique experiences that come with living and working in Northern Thailand. 

Kana Noguchi 

 
  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Linguistics
  • Internship host organization:
    Ehime University
  • Location: Matsuyama, Japan
  • Internship duration: May to August 2026
  • Sponsor: CAPI Jarislowsky Japan Chair
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Kana is in her 4th year pursuing a Linguistics degree at UVic, along with a minor in Japanese and ASL certificate. She enjoys listening to music, camping, hiking, and figure skating. Growing up in Banff, Alberta, she developed a love and curiosity for nature, leading her to study on the beautiful Vancouver Island at UVic, and now heading to Ehime to learn more about natural disasters. She is looking forward to opening new doors and opportunities through this internship to further develop her linguistic and cultural knowledge in Japan and heighten her cross-cultural communication skills. Kana is extremely grateful to CAPI for opening up such a wonderful opportunity to learn and connect with Ehime University. 

Julia Hockey 

 
  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Psychology
  • Internship host organization:
    Karenni Social Development Centre
  • Location: Nai Soi, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
    Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Julia is in her final year studying Psychology at the University of Victoria. Beginning in June 2026, she will be working alongside the Karenni Social Development Center (KSDC) in Thailand. With a background in teaching and mental health work with the street community in Victoria, she is passionate about giving back and is especially excited to support the Karenni community. 
She is incredibly grateful for this opportunity and eager to begin this meaningful work. Julia looks forward to embracing both the challenges and growth that come with this experience, while also immersing herself in the language, culture, nature, and food of Thailand. 

 

Frances McCleary

 
    • UVic field(s) of study:
      Computer Science and Geography
    • Internship host organization:
      TONIBUNG
    • Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
    • Internship duration: May to November 2026
    • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars

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    Frances McCleary is a fourth-year Geography and Computer Science student with a focus on interactive mapping and the development of digital community tools. They love to run, knit and explore Vancouver Island on their bike. They will be travelling to Kota Kinabalu to join TONIBUNG in developing sustainable alternatives for rural energy production as a means of empowering Indigenous youth to strengthen their communities and preserve their culture. They are thrilled to be part of the TONIBUNG team and excited to immerse themself in the culture, food, language and jungle of Borneo.  

Camille Asturias Marcel

 

  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Geography 
  • Internship host organization:
    Foundation for Education and Development
  • Location: Khao Lak, Thailand
  • Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Camille is a third-year student majoring in Geography with a certificate in Transformative Climate Change. Originally from Guatemala, she considers herself a citizen of the world, and deeply values cross-cultural exchange, lived experience, and developing a sense of place wherever she goes. Camille will embark on a new journey to Khao Lak, Thailand, where she will work with the Foundation for Education Development (FED) in education and environmental projects. 

Outside of academics, Camille is an avid scuba diver, environmentalist, and an activist for marine conservation. She loves all things geology, and is driven to answer, "what happens where, and why?" wherever she goes. During her placement at FED, Camille hopes to learn from and have a positive meaningful impact in the community as well as on the environment around her. 

 

 

 

Brianna Hutton

 

  • UVic field(s) of study:
    Political Science and Environmental Studies
  • Internship host organization:
    Disaster Education Promotion Office (DEPO)
  • Location: Lalitpur, Nepal
  • Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Bri is in her third year at the University of Victoria, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Environmental Studies. She will be interning with the Disaster Education Promotion Office (DEPO) in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal. She is eager to gain hands-on experience in disaster resilience through localized education and community engagement. Bri looks forward to carrying her commitment to environmental advocacy, community-based education initiatives, and cross-cultural learning, abroad. She is deeply grateful to CAPI for the opportunity to learn and work at an organization as impactful as DEPO.  

Emily Waugh

 

  • UVic field(s) of study:
    English and History
  • Internship host organization:
    Malaysia Social Research Institute
  • Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Internship duration: May to November 2026
  • Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
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Emily is a fourth-year student at the University of Victoria, majoring in both English and History. She is passionate about the rights of women and girls, building community, and teaching. Emily loves exploring, learning new things, and making connections. She is excited to work with MSRI in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and is looking forward to all the new experiences and learning to come. Emily is very grateful to CAPI and MSRI for giving her this incredible opportunity. 


Thank you to our sponsors

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The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) program is managed through a unique partnership of Rideau Hall Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, and Universities Canada


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The CAPI Jarislowsky Chair in Japan/ East Asian Studies