Valentina Gaytan-Melendez, Honours Bachelors of Science in Psychology, 4th year
Internship country: Guatemala
Canadian NGO: CECI
Local NGO: Ministerio de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
Now in the second half of my internship in Guatemala City, I find myself reflecting on how much my role and understanding have evolved over the past two months. What began as a period of observation has gradually developed into active participation in ongoing projects, allowing me to engage more directly with both the work and the community. Through this process, my understanding of the social context I am immersed in - and the potential impact of my contributions - has deepened significantly.
One of the most notable shifts in my perspective has been a greater awareness of the complexities surrounding financial instability and gender-based violence. These are not challenges that exist in isolation, nor are they easily addressed through linear solutions. Instead, they are shaped by an interconnected set of social, economic, and cultural factors that require continuous adaptation. At this stage of my internship, I am not only observing these dynamics but also learning how to apply research strategies grounded in my academic training to better understand them.
Over time, I have developed a deeper appreciation for how long-term community work unfolds in practice. Social programming is not static; it relies on a constant process of receiving information, evaluating needs, and adapting accordingly. This involves close coordination between teams to ensure continuity in participants’ experiences across programs, as well as flexibility in response to changing circumstances. The pace of work reflects the realities faced by the community - where unpredictability is common and rigid structures are often impractical. As a result, adaptability becomes essential, both to maintain program continuity and to support the well-being of all those involved. Programs are therefore shaped through an ongoing feedback loop, where community realities and service provision continuously inform one another.
A central part of my experience has been my involvement in a qualitative interview project, which is now approaching its final stages. As data collection comes to a close, I am preparing to transition into analysis and reporting. This process has highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of conducting research in a real-world context. Participant attendance, for example, is often affected by factors beyond anyone’s control, which can limit the size and consistency of the data collected. At the same time, analyzing this data has been an engaging process, requiring careful consideration of how to organize and present findings in a way that is both accurate and accessible. Knowing that this information may be shared within the organization has encouraged me to prioritize clarity and relevance in my work.
Through this experience, I have also come to better understand the importance of impact monitoring. Rather than serving solely as a technical process, it functions as a form of organizational reflection. It provides an opportunity to listen to the needs of the community and to adapt programming accordingly, ensuring that initiatives remain responsive rather than prescriptive. In this sense, research becomes a tool not only for understanding but also for guiding meaningful action.
Connecting this work to my academic background has been both affirming and challenging. Concepts such as psychometric methods and qualitative research design, which are often
presented in structured and controlled ways in the classroom, take on new dimensions in practice. Tasks that appear straightforward in theory - such as identifying participants or scheduling interviews - become significantly more complex when shaped by real-life circumstances. Factors such as changing availability, communication barriers, and broader social conditions all influence the research process. These experiences have underscored the importance of context in social research and highlighted the need for flexibility in applying methodological frameworks.
At the same time, this environment has raised important questions about ethics in research. Gaining informed consent extends beyond formal procedures; it involves building trust, fostering transparency, and ensuring that participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences. As a researcher, I have learned that openness and respect are essential in establishing this trust. The field experience has therefore not only complicated academic models but also enriched them, adding depth and nuance to concepts that might otherwise remain abstract.
Professionally and personally, this stage of my internship has been marked by growth in both confidence and capability. Taking on a qualitative research project in a real-world setting initially brought moments of uncertainty, but over time, this has evolved into a sense of assurance in my abilities. As I approach the final stages of the project, I feel a growing sense of pride in the work I have contributed to and look forward to sharing the findings with my team.
Collaboration has also been a central aspect of this experience. Working across teams has demonstrated the importance of shared understanding and collective purpose in achieving long-term goals. When individuals are aligned in their objectives, collaboration becomes more fluid, and contributions are made with a sense of mutual commitment. This environment has reinforced the value of teamwork in addressing complex social challenges.
Additionally, this internship has strengthened my intercultural communication skills and my ability to adapt within dynamic environments. Navigating the balance between academic frameworks and lived realities has required both critical reflection and humility. It has emphasized the importance of listening, of remaining open to learning, and of engaging respectfully across cultural contexts without imposing external perspectives.
As I look ahead to the remainder of my internship, I am preparing to present the findings of my research project to my team. This will serve as an opportunity to reflect on which aspects of social support are being effectively addressed and where further attention may be needed. Beyond this project, I carry forward a renewed sense of direction in my academic and professional path. While I may choose to specialize in a different area, such as child psychotherapy, this experience has provided valuable insight into where my skills and interests can contribute meaningfully.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a team that has been welcoming, supportive, and inspiring from the very beginning. Their dedication has reinforced my own commitment to pursuing work that addresses social inequalities with both professionalism and compassion. More broadly, this internship has highlighted the value of experiential learning in
the social sciences. It has demonstrated that meaningful understanding emerges not only from theory, but from the continuous interaction between knowledge and lived experience.
This experience has expanded not only my academic perspective, but also my approach to learning itself - one that is grounded in curiosity, shaped by context, and guided by a commitment to ongoing growth.