International program provides real-world experience

by Lynda Hills

Promoting human rights and democracy in Thailand, improving the quality of life of people living with AIDS in the Pacific region, and protecting forest and marine resources in Micronesia—these are some of the eye-opening experiences gained by graduates as part of a distinctive UVic cross-cultural program.

Under the university’s centre for Asia-Pacific initiatives (CAPI) umbrella, the international internship program provides young people in Canada with overseas work experience and supports the work of UVic partners in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Through these kinds of placements young people have the opportunity to apply what they’ve taken in university, and learn in a very practical and grounded way about complex issues,” says program officer Heidi Tyedmers.

Placements are for eight months, and usually start in June and end in February. The recruitment process is Canada-wide. Over the last two years, seven UVic students have been sent overseas.

Recently, four of last year’s interns took part in a joint panel presentation with CAPI and the Canadian-based international development organization, CUSO. They talked about their experiences in Thailand, Micronesia and the Cook Islands.

UVic education graduate Nathan Elliot worked in Bangkok, Thailand, with the Foundation for Child Development (FCD). Founded in 1982, FCD was one of the first organizations in Thailand to explore the issue of child labour. The foundation’s vision has since expanded to include a variety of initiatives to foster child development.

As child labour project officer, Elliot helped organize campaigns to raise awareness of child labour issues, and provided support to FCD’s community-based activities, and their communications and media relations initiatives. “The experience gave me a look at a new career landscape,” says Elliot.

The recent panel presentation brought together the separate programs of CAPI and CUSO in an effort to showcase both international programs and create more opportunities for interns after they return to Canada.

“Participants learn a lot about themselves through these experiences,” says Tyedmers. “They develop a depth of confidence about their own abilities, and their ability to contribute in a meaningful way in diverse work environments.”

The CAPI international internship program is funded by Foreign Affairs Canada through the Young Professionals International program. For more information visit www.capi.uvic.ca or call 721-7020.