Leorah, International Development and Globalization, Alternatives, National Fisheries Solidarity Organization, Sri Lanka, Human Rights Research Officer.
This is the most talked-about conversation piece at the moment. It seems appropriate to do so one more time. Working from home requires discipline, but you can be productive once you create a routine. But finding that balance takes time.
I am working for the National Fisheries Solidarity Organization (NAFSO) as a human rights office. NAFSO in Sri Lanka is a local organization that works with marginalized sections in society. It promotes human rights and sustainable development. What does that look like as an internship? Aiding in the research to strengthen the capacity of the organization. I am being tasked to research various human rights violations to add it to the organization's material and educate others. At the moment, the task is to look at how the 20th Amendment, created from the new Sri Lankan government, affects civil society. Researching the local sentiment and providing an action plan is hard when I am not involved in society. But, a task that I am grateful to have. Being able to add value to the literature is important, especially as to how the next few weeks will unfold in Sri Lanka.
Being able to work my own time has made this online internship freeing. I am thankful that the hosting organization works with our schedules, knowing that we have other commitments such as jobs or classes. But- it's hard working on something you are passionate about when you can't go there and be apart of it.
There are no words I can write to persuade you that I would instead do an online internship rather than an in-person. But other factors do come at play, such as finances and taking time off from life. I have had the privilege of doing a couple of internships (not affiliated with the school) in the past couple of years. Immersing yourself into a culture is scary, but it changes you. Changes not only how you think of another culture, but how you think and feel about yourself. It sounds cliche, I know. But it helps you understand; what's important to you, what sort of things you want to get better at, what things mean to you.
Going on in-person internships changed me. Because of it, I found my passion- International Development. And now, finishing off my 5th year- I wouldn't have done anything else. It's that DUH moment I was looking for in my life.
Go one an internship (or abroad)- Change your life! It will be worth it. Take that risk!