Internship Program > See What our Interns have to Say

Summer of 2007 Name: Helen-Margaret Nasser University: McGill University Major: Political Science, International Development Team: Program Development and Growth In this internship I felt that every contribution I made was valued and appreciated. This was a great internship experience where we were each given the opportunity to grow as we learned the inner workings of a developing NGO. It is clear that interns are each essential to the day-to-day functioning of the organization and it inspires us give our best. We work hard but the friendly work environment always makes it enjoyable. I believe in this organization- regardless of the challenges that pressing global issues raise, nothing is impossible if we are uniting enthusiastic and bright students from different countries. Name: Erin Hayes University: University of San Francisco Major: Sociology, Environmental and Latin American Studies Team: Global Initiatives and Outreach My time with SWA was not only a challenging learning experience, but it was a really fun internship, too. I loved the weekly staff meetings; everyone is there and we have a great time discussing the past week's progress and the next week's goals. All are genuinely interested in each project and what everyone else is working on. Everybody is willing to help, teach, learn and have fun. At SWA everyone is involved in various projects and is able to have and express opinions about all projects. This was great because I was also exposed to and learned about parts of the organization I wasn?t directly involved in. Interning with SWA I realized how much work really goes into non-profits; action on international issues takes a lot of research, organization, commitment, and most importantly passion, in order to really create change. Name: Kate Sheerin University: Tulane University Major: International Relations Team: Global Initiatives and Outreach SWA is an organization made up of extremely passionate, intelligent and creative people. SWA is based on a peer working environment rather than the typical hierarchical office environment, which makes it very enjoyable to come to work. I gained a lot of new skills that will be helpful to future careers such as learning how to use various web design programs and writing press releases. Working with SWA taught me a lot of new things but one of the best things was a great work ethic that I will definitely keep in mind and try to pass on to whatever my next experience is. However, the thing that makes SWA so special is the people who work for it, from the founder to the volunteers. Name: Peter Harte University: Georgetown University Major: Government Team: Program Development and Growth I enjoyed my time at SWA because it was a great environment within which to develop skills important to the non-profit field, and the people that SWA attracts all have a great attitude and passion for the issues that are focused on. The most valuable thing I got out of SWA was the experience of working with like-minded people on important issues such as the spread of global democracy, human rights and human trafficking. It made me realize the importance of continuing to work for the betterment of others. The experience strengthened my interest in non-profits because it proved to me that the work that is being done is not only incredibly important but exciting and different each day. Name: Kaitlin Love University: Brown University Major: International Relations- Global Security Team: Program Development and Growth During my internship at SWA, I loved the atmosphere because everyone was there for the same reason: to try and change the world. It doesn't really get any better than that! Everyone was really friendly and made me feel comfortable starting at a new organization. I felt I could ask anyone any question without hesitation, which assisted me in quickly understand the work that was to be done. Working on Grant Writing on this level gave me first hand experience in the world of grants and fundraising which I benefited greatly from. SWA taught me that students can really create change- I believe that SWA is capable of changing the world. Name: Amanda McDavid University: Tufts University Major: International Relations Team: Global Initiatives and Outreach Interning with SWA taught me what it's like to work for a non-profit, and exposed me to the challenges non- profits face. It made me realize how much work it takes for non-profits to receive publicity, showing me how issues of democracy get much more attention in nations where they are lacking it. SWA is a great international organization that is new and has a lot of potential as it grows. During my internship, I was exposed to the wide variety of ways to make a difference locally and abroad while learning new advocacy skills . I had a great time with everyone involved! Name: Rachel Chetrit University: Vassar College Major: Political Science, History Team: Global Initiatives and Outreach The best part about working with SWA is that the environment is friendly and it is really easy to get things done enjoyably as a team. Interns with SWA were afforded a ground within which we could influence the direction of the Student World Assembly with the ideas that came up in meetings. I liked the fact that I go to be a part of such an exciting and new approach to global democracy. It was really inspiring to be connected to students in countries such as Nigeria and Pakistan. I learned that it is much easier to connect with people from around the world on the same issues than I previously thought possible. I think that the SWA is an organization progressively moving forward and on its way to worldwide success. Name: Raquel Vazquez University: Bates College Major: English, International Studies Team: Program Development and Growth I enjoyed the experience of working with a non-profit dedicated to achieving global democracy. SWA gives a venue for students to congregate and become involved in an issue that they are passionate about, and I'm proud to say that I am a part of that. It is amazing to see how the founding ideas of SWA are molded into different ideas and projects across the world. I was inspired by the work by SWA's regional representatives and am amazed by how eager they are to participate and become leaders within their own countries and communities. I am also happy to say that I'm more familiar with non-profit terminology in Spanish, after translating many documents for the SWA. I will definitely hold onto that skill and apply it to future experiences. For more information, please contact: internship@studentworldassembly.org 2 West 64th St Suite 408 New York, NY 10023 Phone: 1.212.580.3800 - Fax: 1.212.580.3808