Name: Ameesha Dugal
Class Year: 2020
Major: International Studies
Hometown: Ridgefield, CT

Internship Organization: Universidad de Autonoma
Job Title: Marketing Intern for the International Relations Office
Location: Santiago, Chile

What’s happening at your internship?

I work at the International Relations office in the Universidad de Autonoma in Santiago, Chile. I work directly under a boss, mostly as her assistant. I assist in translating documents among other things to fluid English, working on marketing strategies to market the university to student internationally, and also work with integrating new students into the university.

Why did you apply for this internship?

I applied for this internship because I desperately wanted to have an abroad experience. I also applied for it because it was fully funded through Bryn Mawr, and I knew opportunities like that are once in a lifetime. I knew that if I got it, I would have the full support of the BMC staff as well as the IES staff to help me be successful.

Was there anything special about how you found this internship?

I was able to gain access to this opportunity through Bryn Mawr’s CPD (Career and Professional Development Program). Bryn Mawr sponsors two students every year for this program for a fully funded experience with IES abroad. I picked Santiago, Chile as my internship location because I have been interested in Latinx culture for about a year now. I listen to reggaeton — Latin hip-hop/rap music — and dabble in some Latin TV on Netflix. On top of that, I took a year of Spanish as a freshman. When I learned I got the opportunity, I had to take it. I was determined to immerse myself in as much as possible, and grow as much as possible in every way.

What has been your favorite part of this internship?

The first week of my program, I was able to participate in an international fair hosted at one of the campuses of my university in a barrio in Chile. It was a nightmare getting there myself. I had just arrived in the country, and I did not know anything. I eventually got there two hours late. My boss was understanding and supportive. I realized the work climate in Chile is more relaxed and sociable compared to the States. It is almost like your work environment is your second home. I interacted with so many Chileans and foreigners that day. By the end of it I felt comfortable and confident. I went out of my comfort zone socially and emotionally. I became so comfortable with trying to speak Spanish to people who knew it perfectly. I remember myself changing from a shy, timid girl, to one who started conversation and laughed freely! Overall, I know that experience was instrumental in my adjustment to Chile and shaping my perspective for interning abroad.

I think this internship complements my International studies major. I am able add the politics, culture, and language, I immersed myself in, in Chile, to my greater understanding of society, the international political economy, and international interactions. When I go back to class in the fall, I know I can apply my personal experience to concepts I will be reading about. I definitely recommend students to apply for the IES internship through CPD, especially Spanish, political science, sociology, and IS majors — as these are directly paralleled to an abroad experience! Immersing yourself in a foreign country can enhance one’s understanding of these fields on so many levels!