National Park Internships Abroad

Spending 10 weeks in Kosovo was an amazing experience. From learning bits of the language and the deep history and culture, exploring the city, its cafes and restaurants, to hiking and travelling to nearby countries on weekends ( Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Turkey and Greece), my time spent there gave me a summer to remember. Isla Internships Abroad made me feel incredibly safe and supported while interning abroad. I enjoyed my placement working in women’s rights, empowerment and policy advancement. I enjoyed meeting many other Isla interns and spending time with them while in Kosovo. I’m so grateful to Isla Internships Abroad for helping me experience such an amazing summer!

I came into this internship hoping to gain experience that would help me in my career, to travel and learn about a new culture, and to make valuable friendships and memories. My summer in Kosovo with Isla and The Ideas Partnership checked all of these boxes as well as opening up opportunities, relationships and experiences I couldn't have imagined myself having. Through the university course Isla hooked me up with, I met an ethnographer who invited me on a trip across the countryside to film for her tv show. Isla's Albanian language classes allowed me to connect with the staff and children at my work despite a language barrier. I gained knowledge of how an NGO runs and the important methodologies behind ethically serving and working with a community. I enjoyed my work and my time abroad so much that I continue to work as an international remote intern at my org The Ideas Partnership where I'm now creating a pen pal project to connect American kids and Kosovan kids. I got everything I wanted and so much more!

Had a great time with Beyond Academy in Tokyo. Every week they'd have events were you could meet the coordinators and other interns. I got set up with my own room in share house with a very good location. Definitely met a lot of nice people and had a bunch of cool experiences. I would recommended Beyond if you're looking to go to Tokyo!

I am so grateful to have gone to Spain with Isla last summer. Malaga is a beautiful and fun city where I made many international friends and got to experience the amazing Spanish culture. My internship wasn’t exactly what I was expecting, but Isla worked with me to set up new opportunities to ensure I was getting a lot out of my experience. I met so many wonderful people on my trip and had so much fun.

I enjoyed working in collaboration with ISLA this past summer and my subsequent internship with PROAMB in Malaga. The ISLA staff is very supportive and attentive to your needs, and Malaga is a vibrant young city with lots to offer! PROAMB was a small sustainability consultancy, whose campaugn this summer requirede the work of myself and a team to travel to towns all over the province of Malaga and work with local communities (stakeholders, businesses, local governements, etc.) to improve their circular economies. The team was truly accommodating, and my housing was in the university neighborhood filled with bars and restaurants. Overall, a very positive experience.

In Seoul, I learned that making beef bulgogi is even more fun when the people cooking beside you are clearly doing a better job. Between the busy shops of Insadong, the beautiful Cheonggyecheon Stream, and a bakery visit trying croissants that had so many different flavors like lemon, chocolate, blueberry, and matcha, my time abroad gave me plenty to smile about. It also helped me see engineering and my future differently. At the Center for Quantum Nanoscience, I saw how even tiny sounds and vibrations could affect research data. They had to design the building itself to help protect their research. Meeting researchers from different countries showed me how international engineering can be. At Hyundai’s UX studio, we explored vehicles and offered suggestions for improving the user experience. These visits connected technical problem-solving with the people who depend on the results. My experience challenges the myth that education abroad is only sightseeing. The cultural activities prompted reflection on history, while company visits gave me examples I can carry into my studies and career. Future participants can find both serious academic learning and everyday joy abroad, even when parts of the experience feel unfamiliar.

Years later, when I visit Korea again, I believe I will walk the streets of Seoul, filled with nostalgia, my eyes brimming with tears as I reminisce about the compassion and kindness you have shown me these past 2 months. From exploring Namsan Tower to eating 약돌삼겹살, every single cherished memory will flood back when I return someday. Hopefully, I can visit with my older brother’s son and pass on some of the lessons that I have learned from you. My whole life, I never knew of any family other than my mom, dad, and brother. They were all I knew, and they were my whole world, and that was that. Whenever I heard of our relatives outside of my life, I was somewhat curious, but they were all outsiders to me nonetheless. And then 8 weeks ago you entered my life. From the moment I stepped off the plane to the last day as you accompanied me back to the airport, I am forever indebted to you and so grateful for your presence. The man I met that first day was virtually a stranger to me, and my only connection to him was the supposed fact that he’s my mom’s brother. Of course I was excited, but I wondered how deep a relationship could even develop after 19 years of not knowing him. I look back and laugh about how silly a thought that was. I had no idea that I would have met my newest role model. You have shown me the world in immeasurable ways that I won’t fully be able to describe, and you have made me a different person with beautifully new perspectives about my culture, history, and my definition of family. So many lessons of necessary pain and growth, thanks to you. The joy of reconnecting with family in Korea has been amazing, but it also comes with pain. Seeing my grandma in her ill condition broke me into tears. Still, at the same time, her fragile state reminded me that life is finite and to be grateful that I get to spend even a portion of this limited lifetime with an awesome uncle I’ve gotten to know. First off, thank you for making time for me. I know that may seem simple, but I am thankful that you spent hours driving me to places, talking and dining with me, taking your days off work to spend them with me. You could have easily used your free time for yourself, but you spent it to show me Korea. You spent it to introduce me to family members I never met before and to teach me about the beautiful history of my homeland. I felt your genuine attention to detail in every conversation we had. You never got tired of my endless string of questions about Korea, and you gave me thoughtful answers every time. I hope this is translated correctly, but you are very book-smart and street-smart. My Korean may not have been perfect in our conversations, but I appreciate that you overlooked that fact and still respected me and my American culture. I am so grateful that you showed my two friends Atticus and Jacob so much love and care. I have expressed to you before that they are basically my brothers, the only other family I know of in America outside of my household. Seeing my actual uncle treating my brothers with familial affection made me so happy. They are also so thankful that you showed us around and treated us to meals. They say you’re a great guy, and I agree to the fullest extent. Also, your daughter is amazing, and I am so proud to be her cousin. Thank you so much for introducing me to her because even the short time I’ve gotten to know her has made me realize that traits really do run in the blood. I see so much of myself in her, and I am beyond ecstatic that I get along with her well. I have a good feeling that this is just the beginning of my relationship with my awesome cousin, and it feels like I discovered a long-lost sister. My conversations and chemistry with her have really hit me with the fact: “Wow, I really do have family members.” I know that may sound silly, but I am still shocked that I connected with her so instantly, and again, I’m grateful you provided the time and space for me to learn about her. She is such a thoughtful and kind person, and you’ve done a great job raising her. Speaking of traits running in the blood, I really appreciate the lecture you gave me about that topic on the car ride back when my mom yelled at me over the phone. I’ve cried in front of you twice now, and you can guess how much I lead my life with an emotional heart haha. I remember your words about how we are similar and stubbornly loving. You mentioned that our family members have high emotional intelligence, and I have come to realize that even throughout our stubbornness, we all share that genetic bond of fiery compassion and the unwilling dedication for those we love. My mom and I always mean the best for our loved ones, but our hearts can get bigger than our minds at times. So even as I was tearing up from her phone call, I took solace in your speech about how we are all so similar. I took comfort in the fact that for the first time, I felt like I really did have more family members. I suddenly felt a lot less lonely. I’ve thought long and hard about how I could ever repay you for all these amazing experiences. From the time that I’ve gotten to know you, I can boldly assume that material gifts or money aren’t your cup of tea (but I still got you gifts haha). That is why I have written you this letter. Knowledge and reflection are the best way I can express to you my gratitude, and more importantly, I need to translate these new thoughts into action. I envision a day when my future family in America is huge. My dream is to give my kids a family I never got to grow up with. Gatherings and parties are lively; nieces and nephews running around the yard playing football. We gather around multiple times a year to eat Korean food and share stories and laugh loudly. But most importantly, they have learned from my brother and me where we come from. Our homeland’s culture, language, and history. I promise to you that they will understand my parents’ sacrifices and the stories of our extended family. They will easily know what family means to them because their relatives will always be present. But as I watch them from the balcony with a beer in my hand, I will always be thinking about the summer of ‘26, the time I spent with my uncle in Korea. Thank you for everything; the moments we were lucky enough to share mean the world to me. I love you very much. See you again very soon! (P.S. I created a short film during my time in Korea; a lot of the themes that you've taught me are instilled within the movie! You always told me to go pursue what makes me happy, and as you know, filmmaking is my dream. Give it a watch, and let me know what you think.) Sincerely, Noah

Originally, I had a placement that wasn’t a great fit and Isla was so quick to place me somewhere better for my needs! I was able to help out in a Michelin-star restaurant to make a sustainability plan for them to receive a Michelin green star!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Some experiences stay with you long after they come to an end, and my time in Bali was definitely one of them. I had the opportunity to spend five weeks in Bali, completing my internship at Made Tea in Ubud, and honestly, it turned out to be so much more than I expected. From the beginning, I felt welcomed and appreciated. Working with Made Tea gave me the opportunity to discover a different professional environment, develop my communication and digital marketing skills, work on creative projects, and gain valuable hands-on experience. I had the chance to create content, work on social media, communicate with potential business partners and contribute to real projects. It was rewarding to see that my ideas and work were genuinely valued. One of the highlights was definitely the people. I am especially grateful to my supervisor, Roni, for her kindness, trust, guidance and patience throughout my internship. Being surrounded by such welcoming people made the experience even more special. And then there was Bali itself! 🌺 Living and working in Ubud allowed me to discover a completely different culture, meet people from different backgrounds, experience the local lifestyle and create memories I will always cherish. Every day brought something new, whether it was discovering beautiful places, trying new food, learning about local traditions or simply enjoying the atmosphere. What I appreciated most was the balance between professional development and personal discovery. I didn’t just gain experience to add to my CV; I also became more independent, confident, adaptable and open-minded. If you are considering an internship abroad, I would genuinely encourage you to take the opportunity. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You might arrive expecting to gain professional experience, but leave with new skills, wonderful connections and memories that will stay with you forever. Thank you, Made Tea, and Bali, for five unforgettable weeks. A little piece of my heart will always remain in Indonesia. ❤️ Sometimes the best experiences are the ones you never fully expect.

Isla really provided everything you could ever need while living and working abroad. They answered all my questions and helped me feel safe. Homesickness was an issue I struggled with, but Isla helped me get through it!

My eight weeks in Prishtina, Kosovo, through ISLA were an experience I will never forget. I arrived excited to gain professional experience and learn about a new culture, but I left with so much more than I expected. During my internship at the Kosovo Women's Network, I had the opportunity to contribute to research and archival projects focused on women's rights, climate policy, and gender equality. I developed valuable skills in research, writing, and archival organization while learning from an organization doing meaningful work to support women across Kosovo. Beyond my internship, what made my experience so special was the opportunity to actually live in Prishtina and become part of everyday life there. From spending afternoons at cafés and exploring the city to cooking with my landlord, Dije, and making llokuma, some of my favorite memories came from the simplest everyday moments. My housemates, friendships, and the people I met along the way made Kosovo feel increasingly like home. ISLA gave me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while immersing myself in a culture and community I might never otherwise have experienced. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking for more than a traditional study abroad experience. Eight weeks went by far too quickly, and Kosovo will always hold a special place in my heart. It truly became a second home.