Human Rights Internships Abroad

Don't get me wrong, my first week in Shanghai was really tough. It happened to stand in a supermarket and try to understand something basic. It is precisely this kind of challenges that I have chosen, and GAC provided me with a good support system for that. My placement was in a business consultancy, and my team members were pretty tolerant to me. They did not ignore me; they were taking things slowly in the meetings, tried to explain everything to me, and invited me to lunch even though I hardly knew how to speak Chinese. The tasks I had to complete were real. By week three, I became an active participant of client presentations and conducted market research for European brands entering the Asian market. And here I must say that the GAC took care of all those issues which I would have been worrying about otherwise – my visa, accommodation, transportation from the airport, etc. Those three months changed my understanding of my capabilities entirely. Not only I have gained some experience, but also have changed the way I look at life now. So, if you have any doubts, just go for it!

I had such a wonderful time studying abroad and grew immensely through the experience. Living with a host family and pursuing an internship allowed me fully immerse myself in a new community and the intercultural citizenship education I did throughout the experience helped me understand and appreciate both a new culture and my own back home through a new perspective.

I will always remember my internship in Lisbon as the best two months of my life. It was about much more than gaining professional experience abroad: it was about exploring a new city with international friends and creating lifelong memories! Absolute Internship supported us throughout the whole process, from finding us a position in our industry of choice to helping us onsite. Day trips, weekends, group activities... everything was designed for us to connect with other interns and make the most of our time abroad. I completed my internship in marketing and communication at a coworking space, where I worked on a variety of projects, including benchmarking analysis and developing creative ideas for community events. Working in such a dynamic and innovative environment was really inspiring! One of my favorite parts was spending my first month with Sarah, the other intern in my company, having lunch together and making TikToks about interning abroad. After work, I loved watching the sunset from a miradouro and hanging out with young people from all over the world. We had so much fun together and exchanged ideas and insights about our traditions and different backgrounds. It was hard for me to actually talk to people at first because I was still insecure about my English and didn’t feel comfortable speaking it. However, with time, I opened up and realized that speaking perfect English isn’t what matters most; what’s important is putting yourself out there and doing your best to express yourself. Living abroad was a mix of emotions and feelings: it was challenging and exciting, confusing and eye-opening, overwhelming and carefree. This experience taught me to dare more, to be more confident and to look at the world from different perspectives. It was a turning point for me; it changed me and strengthened my desire to travel, learn new languages and build connections across cultures. Lisbon will always have a special place in my heart. It was impossible not to fall in love with the iconic blue tiles, the picturesque neighborhoods and the relaxed atmosphere. I also had the chance to immerse myself in the Portuguese lifestyle, tasting traditional codfish prepared in different ways and trying new sports such as surfing and paddle boarding. I would definitely recommend this program to adventurous students who are ready to step out of their comfort zone to discover themselves and grow both personally and professionally. Stop worrying about being ready and take a chance on your future!

This past summer I interned abroad in Cape Town, South Africa at the Legal Resource Centre as a Legal Intern. What made my experience so great was the people and my program advisor Carla. Upon arriving in Cape Town me and my fellow interns were able to meet up with Carla and get more information about Cape Town. We then got to know each other better and proceed to have the best 8 weeks!

I had the most amazing time ever in Europe in general. I was able to explore most of the Malaga region in Spain. Met new people got to travel and shop. I was able to scratch of 3 countries that I wanted to go to Spain, Portugal and France

I had the pleasure of attending Molise Italian Studies in the fall of 2023. I was placed with a local family who owned a truffle business, Di Iorio Tartufi. I had the opportunity to lead tours for international visitors to the farm, go truffle hunting with some adorable puppies, and prepare and eat 4-course meals made with freshly hunted truffles. What stands out about MIS, compared to other abroad opportunities, is that it is supported by cultural awareness and sensitivity. The classes I took during the semester centered around global citizenship and cultural awareness. As I currently study to become a mental health therapist, I often draw from the cultural competency MIS taught me in order to become a culturally competent mental health professional. Although studying abroad in Molise sometimes felt isolating due to its more rural setting, it taught me to find comfort in uncomfortable situations; a lesson that has stayed with me long after my study abroad ended. Through the weekly or biweekly excursions provided by MIS, I explored a side of Italy I would have likely never seen as a tourist. I gained a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Italian countryside, its unique cultural heritage, and the serendipitous encounters you have while traveling off the beaten path. I also had lots of opportunities to explore major cities in Italy, including Rome, Florence, and Naples. MIS helped to reshape my notions of what school could look like when curiosity and exploration are the learning objectives rather than rigid performance metrics. It empowered me to be a lifelong learner and global citizen.

I had the pleasure of attending Molise Italian Studies in Fall of 2023. I was placed with a local family who owned a truffle business, Di Iorio Tartufi. I had the opportunity of leading tours for international visitors to the farm, truffle hunting with some adorable puppies and preparing and eating 4 course meals made with freshly hunted truffles. What stands out about MIS as opposed to other abroad opportunities is that it provided a fully culturally immersive experience, that was supported by cultural awareness and sensitivity. The classes I took during the semester centered around global citizenship and cultural awareness. As I currently study to become a mental health therapist I often draw from the cultural competency MIS taught me in order to become a culturally competent mental health professional. Although study abroad in Molise sometimes felt isolating due to its more rural setting it provided me the confidence to seek discomfort long as as a form of growth long after my semester abroad ended. Through the weekly or biweekly excursions provided by MIS i was able to explore a side of Italy I would have likely never seen as a tourist. I gained a deep appreciation for the beauty of the italian countryside, it’s unique cultural heritage and the serendipitous encounters you have while traveling off the beaten path. I also had lots of opportunities to explore major cities in Italy including Rome, Florence and Naples. MIS helped to reshape my prior notions of what school could look like when curiosity and exploration are the learning objectives rather than rigid performance metrics. It empowered me to be a life-long learner and global citizen.

Studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland, and participating in the internship program was truly one of the best experiences of my life. I had the incredible opportunity to work at a medical negligence and personal injury law firm, where I gained valuable professional experience and developed a better understanding of the legal field. The placement exceeded my expectations, and I could not have asked for a better internship experience. Everyone was welcoming, supportive, and willing to help me learn, which made me feel comfortable and included from the very beginning. One of the aspects I appreciated most was how structured and organized the entire program was. From the initial preparation to the internship placement and support throughout the experience, everything was thoughtfully planned. The program provided clear expectations, consistent communication, and guidance whenever needed, which made the transition to living and working in another country so much easier. I always felt supported and knew there were resources available if I needed assistance. Beyond the professional opportunities, living in Dublin allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, meet amazing people, explore Ireland, and step outside of my comfort zone. This experience helped me grow both personally and professionally, while giving me memories and connections that I will carry with me for years to come. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend this program to anyone considering studying abroad or completing an international internship. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!

Over the summer, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Ireland and intern at Hidden Howth Experiences through Bucknell University's College of Management program. I cannot say how much this experience has impacted my life, and as moments pass and the world keeps moving, I will always remember the people I met, the family I found across the sea, and how to live life to the fullest. Mark Mchale was an amazing boss, friend, and mentor. He taught me valuable lessons that not only helped me in my job as a marketer, but also gave me lessons I can use throughout life. Going into the internship, I honestly had no idea what the job would mean. After traveling an hour and a half to get there on my first day, I showed up in slacks, a button-up, and a purse, ready to be a business professional. I thought I'd sit behind a desk and curate videos and media. I quickly learned that was not the agenda. Instead, four amazing puppies greeted me at the door. Then I met Mark and Paddy—a 6'7" red-haired Irish man who admittedly scared me a little at first but quickly became one of the funniest people I will always remember. Their kind faces and welcoming community made me feel like I could create my own home here. That first day, we went on a five-mile hike. I was completely underdressed and hadn't worn the right clothes, but I was so excited to start working. Looking at the Irish land and atmosphere made me fully take in nature and the history behind it. After 8 weeks, I never got bored of the view and now fully understand all the Irish jokes along the way. Between balancing my classes and job, sometimes were stressful, but the people I met that I will never forget made it that much worth it. I hope to find myself back in Ireland, where my second home belongs. If you are ever nervous about going somewhere you have never been or starting a new job, take that step, because it might help you build the kind of feeling you've always been searching for. From the memories of fun class excursions through different parts of Ireland to the small fishing port I love so much, I will always carry this experience with me. If you are in Ireland, I would highly, highly recommend visiting Hidden Howth Experience Tours, where you will experience more than just an amazing tour; you might just leave with a memory you will never forget. I came to Ireland feeling like I was missing something from my life and came back finding myself and more, so if you want a professional or personal change, I would highly, highly recommend joining Connect-123 for memories that will change your life.

My experience so far has been absolutely eye-opening. I have built up the motivation to want to improve my Japanese skills and eventually move to Tokyo in the future. As of the experience, I am currently learning the process of supply chain as I am pursuing this internship. This is allowing me to identify my mistakes, then instantly correct them to improve the business model. The process has been very much a trial and error. It's pushing me to stay motivated and learn more and ultimately gain as much out of this working environment in Japan. Q: What is your advice to future travelers on this program? A: Have an open mind when coming to Tokyo. It's an extreme urban city; with that being said, there're endless things to do on a daily basis after work. Be open to learning some sort of language during your stay in Japan. Pros - Living in Japan for 1-2 months - Amazing work experience; infinite skills to learn - Experiencing new cultures and work environments What other participants should know - Metropolitan area may be very overwhelming - Extrememly crowded - Wishing for more Japanese speaking opportunities

I told Connect-123 I wanted something in finance, and I knew that could be hard to find. They ended up finding me an internship at Asabys Partners, a venture capital firm in Barcelona. An opportunity like that is so hard to get back home in the U.S., and I got to do it through them. It was exactly what I was looking for. I loved where we lived, too. The neighborhood was great, and they made sure we were close to the metro, which made it easy to get around. The events were honestly one of my favorite parts. They were really well organized, and there was always something going on with the other students. Big shoutout to the coordinators. They were super nice and would message me just to see how things were going. Any time I texted them, they got back to me quickly. I had a couple of things come up while I was there, and they helped me sort them out. It meant a lot knowing I had people I could count on in Barcelona.

This internship was the best experience i’ve ever had. i’ve never been outside the country before and the intern group made me feel welcomed and safe for being so far away from home. they were amazing at connecting with other students and made everyone feel included.

I was connected to Isla through my Graduate program to fulfill a requirement for my program and I’m so glad I chose Isa. From the in-country support to the scheduled activities everything was taken care of. You do pay a fee, but that fee covers housing, in-country support, and scheduled activities. I didn’t have to worry about finding a place to stay, navigating the city, or what to do in an emergency because Isla helps you with all of that. As someone who had never traveled alone before it gave me peace of mind knowing there was someone I could call. The internship I got exposed me to a new field I didn’t even know existed, and I completely changed my career path because of Isla. I couldn’t have ever imagined traveling across the world on my own, and with Isla, I didn’t have to.

When I first started looking into programs abroad, I had no idea just how much this experience would change my life. I never had the opportunity to study abroad during college, and it was something I had always wished I could experience. I wanted more than just a vacation. I wanted to actually live somewhere new, immerse myself in another culture, improve my Spanish, meet new people, and gain professional experience that would help me grow in my career. I remember sitting down with my mom and comparing a few different programs when we came across Adelante Abroad. After looking into everything they offered, we both agreed that it seemed like exactly what I was looking for. I scheduled my first interview, and from that very first phone call, I just had a feeling I had found the right program. What stood out to me immediately was how genuine everyone was. I never felt like someone was trying to sell me an experience. They took the time to get to know me, understand what I was hoping to gain, and make sure the program was actually a good fit for me and not just them. I got off that call feeling even more excited and confident about taking such a big step. Throughout the entire process leading up to my departure, the Adelante team was incredibly helpful and responsive. Moving to another country can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure everything out on your own, but they made sure I had all the information I needed and knew what to expect. For my internship, I was placed with a small business in Barcelona, where I worked closely with the couple who ran it. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better placement. They were some of the sweetest, most welcoming people, and from the beginning, they made me feel like part of their team. I got to work on marketing projects, create content, help with workshops, and experience what it was like to work in a completely different environment and culture. It was such a unique opportunity to build my resume while learning things I never would have experienced in a traditional job back home. But beyond the professional experience, I genuinely loved the people I worked with, and that made it even more special. My housing experience was wonderful too. I stayed with a lovely woman who was incredibly kind and welcoming. She helped me practice my Spanish, and having someone local to talk to made adjusting to life in Spain feel so much more natural. I lived near the Sagrada Família, which still feels surreal to say! I felt safe and comfortable in my home and neighborhood, and I loved being able to walk outside and explore such an incredible city. One of my favorite parts of the program was having Spanish classes included. Not only did they help me improve my language skills, but they were also one of the first places I started meeting people. I also used friendship apps to connect with other people living in Barcelona, and something I quickly realized was that so many people were in the exact same position as me. Everyone was looking to make friends, explore, and create new experiences. And those friendships became one of the most meaningful parts of my entire time abroad! I met people from all over the world who started as complete strangers and became friends I know I’ll have for the rest of my life. We explored the city, tried new restaurants, made spontaneous plans, traveled, and created memories that I will always look back on! Barcelona itself is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. There’s something for everyone here. You can spend the morning at the beach, wander through beautiful historic streets, discover amazing food, enjoy the nightlife, or simply sit outside at a café and take in the atmosphere. I loved having the opportunity to travel and explore places I had never been before, but some of my absolute favorite days were the ordinary ones spent just living in Barcelona. And I think that’s what made this experience so different from traveling as a tourist. I wasn’t just visiting another country. I was building a little life here. I learned how to navigate a new city, communicate in another language, make friends from scratch, adapt to a different culture, and become so much more independent. I discovered how capable I was of creating a life somewhere completely unfamiliar. And somewhere along the way, I even fell in love, which was certainly not something I expected when I signed up for an internship abroad! But here’s the part that really says everything about my experience: I loved my time in Barcelona so much that after my program ended, I decided to come back. I’m now living in Barcelona again, continuing my Spanish studies, and building a life in a city that I originally came to know through Adelante Abroad. When I think about how it all started, it’s crazy to realize that one decision, one interview, and one internship could lead to so much. I signed up because I wanted international work experience and an opportunity to do something I had missed out on during college. I ended up gaining professional skills, confidence, independence, lifelong friendships, a deeper appreciation for another culture, and a place in the world that now feels like a second home. If you’re considering going abroad but you’re nervous about taking that step, I genuinely cannot recommend Adelante enough. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you go. I certainly didn’t. Sometimes you just have to give yourself the opportunity to experience something new and see where it takes you. I went to Barcelona hoping to have an unforgettable few months. I never imagined those few months would change the direction of my life. And it all started with Adelante Abroad.

Working in Kosovo was such an amazing experience that set me up for success in so many ways. I got to meet so many other passionate change makers from across the world and interact directly with new culture. With Kosovo being such a new nation and so many arising issues, my work actually felt meaningful. It felt like I was helping shape Kosovo despite the short time I was there. It was also so cheap and easy to travel to other Balkan countries, so it was a great opportunity to travel to other parts of the world I've never experienced and might not easily experience again. Isla was such a great support the whole time. They found us housing, they helped us take advantage of opportunities, they supported our mental health, they connected us with community-centered groups, and they helped us get groceries.

I loved everything about this experience. The program coordinators took such good care of us and the program made major efforts to set us up for success in our placements. I loved that our first week we got to immerse ourselves in the new environment and just soak it all in. My internship taught me so much and broadened my horizons both in a personal, cultural, and professional level.

My time at The Intern Group has been a genuinely life changing experience that I would recommend to anyone. Not only have I gained amazing experience at a great company, but have met people that will be friends for life.

The most rewarding part of my summer in Kosovo has been the work I’ve done through my internship. This study abroad program stands out at USC as one of the few that offers students in Global Studies and related fields the opportunity to gain real-world experience through an internship. That aspect was a major reason why I was drawn to the program. In this blog, I’ll share about Isla, how I got my internship, what my responsibilities have been this summer, and highlight a few experiences from other Isla interns as well! Isla, USC’s partner organization in Kosovo, helps students from around the world find internships aligned with their academic and professional interests. Through its network of local partner organizations, Isla connects students with organizations that have openings in sectors such as Global Health, Business, Education and more. With the amount of partnerships they have, they truly can find internship positions for students in any field of interest. In my case, I reached out to Isla’s Executive Director, Leila Ali, to express my interest in an internship after securing my place in the Peacebuilding in Kosovo study-abroad program with a USC professor. She provided me with a list of available positions in my field of interest: Democracy and Governance. From there, I scheduled interviews with the organizations that most interested me and began the internship placement process. After receiving a few offers, I was able to choose the position that best suited my goals and Isla then facilitated the next steps by sending me the necessary work contracts. Isla handled all of the daunting logistics for me, like securing housing, arranging airport pickup, and organizing weekend trips. This aspect of studying abroad was what I found most stressful, as navigating these details in a new country with a language barrier seemed very overwhelming. Leila and our Program Coordinator, Dijana, made the entire process so great. They were there for us at any time of day, even checking in with us at 5AM during a weekend trip to make sure we made our bus. Their assistance was so reassuring, both for me and for my family, who appreciated knowing I had such a reliable support system abroad. With their help, I didn’t need to worry about all these details and could just enjoy my time living and working in Kosovo! This summer, I am an intern at an NGO focused on transitional justice and human rights. My work has involved conducting research on strategies to bridge community-based initiatives with formal policy enactment through methods like policy hackathons and the development of grassroots networks. I have also supported the organization’s information management systems by helping create logical frameworks and compile data sets to facilitate reporting to the European Union. As a result, I’ve learned a lot about EU-related processes and documentation. My favorite part of this internship is how much I’ve grown personally and professionally. Technology has always been outside of my comfort zone (my friends call me a grandma when it comes to anything with computers), but I’ve worked hard to overcome my ineptitude. As a result, I’ve gained valuable skills and greater confidence in my ability to adapt to new situations.

What started off as a desire for change turned out to be the most unforgettable time of my life. I sent in an application expecting the usual response delays I had experienced through the many intern abroad programs I had combed through but was happily surprised when Nicole was patient and kind, communicating often how available she was be it through video calls or email to sooth my anxieties. She helped me sort through my options and even when I had settled on an internship in Scotland, she kept searching and found me one most suitable for me: London. I sound like a broken record but it was truly life-changing. I had support throughout; Nicole with her check-ins to make sure I was settling in, my manager Ammu who was my rock and the best boss I have had the pleasure of working with and interns from another program who made my experience what it was. Walking to my train every morning felt purposeful and fun: I felt like a mini adult carving out a life for myself in this big city. I was excited to pop into my local Tesco and learn more about my roommates who invited me out every weekend; from window-shopping in the streets of Westminster to intimate dinners in a Fitzrovia neighborhood. At work, I was challenged! I learned how to interview, I was given responsibility over the intern team (again, the best people) and there wasn't a moment I felt afraid to be inquisitive or express my insecurities about the job. Every week was a new adventure and a new way to grow. I remember our manager had an idea for a viral tiktok and all 8 interns stood outside the work building searching for incoming buses, lingering close to where they'd park with a straight face, then burst into fits of laughter because of how unpredictable our work was! The train rides were honestly one of my highlights. The place I moved into after a month in London was 5 minutes from Canary Wharf so a quick 9 minute walk from my apartment to the train station looked like putting my headphones on while I admired the scenic waters of Canning Town before starting the day. London has an awesome transportation system so if you missed one train, best believe another one was coming a minute or two later (5 at most!). I travelled to Nottingham on the weekend and had a blast, and was surrounded by a great group of people. My landlord was the nicest and so was my housemate from both of my living situations, I had a wonderful time getting to know full-time staff through a get-together my manager organized and to this day, most of those people I am still in contact with. Shoutout Tina, Alicia, Stuart, Kate, Krystal, Nicholas, Catherine, Gayathri, Kamini, Shelby, Claire and Nate! Another to Nicole, Ammu, Ben, John and Georgeena for their continued support. I was lucky in that the issues I faced weren't program related, but I'll admit a travel kit of sites to see would have been nice! I was given housing recommendations as well though a person of support to regularly communicate with on residence issues I faced would be of great help as well. If the thought of study/intern abroad even occurs, run with it. The job experience was invaluable, the beautiful cultures I interacted with - from India to USA - have stayed with me and the memories linger in the "I miss you" messages shared amongst the intern group. Living away from home can be daunting, but you won't regret it for a second. I miss it and appreciate the opportunity beyond comprehension.

This Internship was an amazing opportunity it allowed me to collaborate with different individuals and teams from all over the world whilst learning exceptional skills that will help me in my future career. This internship also allowed me to explore the different parts of Japan and understand the culture, environment, cuisine and society through multiple immersive opportunities . This programme was an exceptional experience that will stay with me for the future years to come and has allowed personal growth.