Global Internships 2021: Shannon Courtney, Colombia (Virtual)

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What did you learn during your UCLA Global Internship program?
My participation in the UCLA Global Internship program not only taught me the critical peacebuilding initiatives to combat armed conflict and violence in Colombia but also develop profound intercultural communication skills through class and peer discussions.

What was your favorite part of the program?
The opportunity to gain work experience in the global workplace, which will help me be a more competitive applicant in future career endeavors.

How do you think this internship program will help your future career?

My career aspiration is to work in foreign diplomacy, particularly in Latin America, so this internship experience with Somos CaPAZes via Intern Colombia has allowed me to develop better professional skills and cross-cultural participation with international peacebuilders.

How did interning abroad compare to other internships or jobs you’ve had? What made your internship unique or memorable?

This first-time experience interning abroad was incredibly memorable because I was able to help international actors in geopolitics and creating substantial change in Colombian communities while developing my Spanish skills and Latin American historical and socioeconomic knowledge.

What advice would you give future students who want to participate in the Global Internship Program? 

Be a self-starter during your internship. Ask what is needed and be proactive. It will make your experience worthwhile, help you gain connections with supervisors and teammates, and develop strong intercultural work skills.

Global Internships 2021: Olivia Nelli, Colombia (Virtual)

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What did you learn during your UCLA Global Internship program?
I learned a lot about the intricacies of international fundraising during my internship, which included researching fiscal sponsorships, fundraising platforms, and best practices to expand an organization’s reach through social media.

What was your favorite part of the program?
My favorite part of the program was being exposed to another culture. Even though I was not there in person, my interactions with my supervisor exposed me to Colombian culture and how the workplace varies across countries. I am excited to one day visit Colombia and see the work of the organization in person!

How do you think this internship program will help your future career?

Gaining a better understanding of international fundraising will be so beneficial for me going forward because it is a relatively new opportunity for non-profits. I am eager to use the skills I have acquired through this internship in my future career to help further the projects and initiatives of other internationally-based non-profits through increasing their funding through new sources. Additionally, I learned so much more about food insecurity and its consequences, so I am now very passionate about the issue and look forward to continue working in the field.

How did interning abroad compare to other internships or jobs you’ve had? What made your internship unique or memorable?

Because my internship was based in Colombia, there was a small language barrier, as I am not fluent in Spanish. It definitely made it more challenging to understand my projects, but I was able to develop my Spanish speaking, writing and reading skills. I was also doing work that genuinely made an impact in the organization, which made me feel so much more proud of my work.

What advice would you give future students who want to participate in the Global Internship Program? 

This internship program is a great way to gain international work experience if that is something that interests you! It also provides you with a different and unique viewpoint on what international organizations value and need to be successful. Additionally, this experience definitely enhanced my understanding of non-profits and fighting for vulnerable communities. Overall, I have strengthened and gained skills that I will carry with my throughout the rest of my career.

New York | Reflection

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By Kyra Baffo

There is something about studying abroad in your own country. Although we only switched coasts, New York felt like a new world. At the conclusion of the program, I honestly felt like I hadn’t even scratched the surface of all the city had to offer, nonetheless, traveled to neighboring Boston, Philly, or D.C. If you are planning on embarking on your Travel Study experience, I urge you not to rule out domestic locations. I must say, it was nice to know we did not need to deal with new international rules and customs, passports, or language barriers. The familiarity made it our experience more seamless and flexible. New York is a great city to dissect, and I can assure you that you will have just as much (if not MORE) more fun than your peers studying abroad in other locations. Plus, if you are participating in the Global Studies Travel Study program, you will be in the best location to learn about primary international institutions that govern our world.

All in all, my experience in New York was unforgettable. Our cohort of 25, whom many I did not know upon starting the program, became some of my closest friends. The lack of a “campus” at NYU meant that as soon as we left the comfort of our dorms, we were fully immersed in the hustle and bustle of Greenwich Village. Washington Square Park was a city in itself, and was the study spot of choice for those of us looking to get some fresh air and people watch. The sheer accessibility of everything in the city due to the incredibly efficient transportation system made exploring new areas a breeze, and stumbling upon hidden gems happened constantly. I will leave you with my biggest words of advice for prospective NYC Travel Study Participants:

  1. Don’t overpack. Yes, you will be here for a month. But most of the items you’ll need for your dorms can be purchased at CVS/Target/Kmart upon arrival and it will help you avoid having an overweight suitcase.
  2. Stay ahead on the readings and make sure you familiarize yourself with the speakers beforehand.
  3. Try something new in the city everyday. And don’t be afraid to explore on your own. It’s not the scary, dangerous city that is often depicted on television. It really is quite safe, especially since you will be based in Greenwich Village. So, don’t be afraid to do a little solo traveling.

4. Eat lots and lots of food. If you are a ramen fan and/or if you are ready to try the greatest ramen of your life, check out Tabetomo. Deli fan? Katz Deli is your spot. In the mood for delicious falafel, lentil soup, and baklava? Check out Mamouns (Right around the corner from the dorms!)

5. Enjoy the city’s nightlife. Rooftop venues never get old.

6. Bring a camera. Time flies when you are on this program and before you know it, you’ll be flying back to LA. You will want to cherish every memory because when else will you be having the time of your life in NYC with your peers.

7.Don’t take the shuttle to the airport. Slight chance you might miss your flight.

Kyra studied abroad in New York in Summer 2019. https://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/GlobalStudies-NewYork

New York | Closing Thoughts & Preparation for the Final

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By Kyra Baffo

Our last few weeks were focused on preparation for the final exam. None of us were
sure what to expect and the fact that it was worth 10 units did not ease our worries.
Now that I’ve successfully completed the program, I can assure you that you have
nothing to fear. Below I’ll share major takeaways I gathered from the course material
and preparation strategies that worked well for me.

As stressful as it may be to study for the final, try to give yourself time to reflect on
your experience in the program. Do you have new career aspirations or interests you’d
like to explore? Did you make new connections that you didn’t have before? My own
experience in the program helped me realize that I don’t have an interest in pursuing a
career at the UN. I discovered that most U.S.-based opportunities would require me to
live in Washington D.C. or New York City, which I’m not certain I’d like to do. However, I
have renewed respect for the organization and its role in promoting global cooperation,
facilitating international agreements, and driving peacekeeping initiatives. Thanks to
this program, I got to deepen my understanding of the UN and visualize what it would
be like to pursue a career at the organization. Do not be intimidated if you are not
familiar with the UN or how similar international organizations work – after all, that’s
exactly why you might choose this program!

Discovering how organizations like Human Rights Watch operate within the international
affairs ecosystem and influence policy is another significant highlight of this program.
Civil society organizations play a critical role in policy research and advocacy and they
often play a significant role in shaping public discussion and perspectives on important
human rights issues. In addition to learning about how these organizations work, you
will learn about the variety of human-rights-based approaches to international
intervention and how structural reform in the UN could be achieved. These topics each
speak to modern challenges affecting the current state of the global order, and how
institutions are both navigating this and calling for structural reform.

Drawing the connections between these core themes is a major component of the final.
There is plenty to learn in just a few short weeks. You will likely need to read segments
from two different books in addition to journalistic and academic articles each week.
Adequate preparation will require you to review the main arguments and takeaways
outlined by the assigned readings, guest speakers, and weekly excursions. You should
use these experiences to support your analysis when responding to prompts in the
exam. The exam is open book so don’t forget to use that to your advantage – but
prepare for the exam as if it is not. In my experience, I’ve found my mileage varies
when referencing textbooks during open exams. Use it to supplement your responses,
but do not assume it will replace adequate preparation. In short, The tl;dr for exam
preparation is to remember major themes and connect those ideas to make your
arguments. Don’t worry, you’ve got this!

Kyra studied abroad in New York in Summer 2019. https://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/GlobalStudies-NewYork

New York | 4th of July

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By Kyra Baffo

There is no better time to be in New York than for the 4th of July! Well, except maybe New Years. Some of us had initially planned to spend the 4th in Boston or D.C. but instead decided to explore what activities were going on in the city that day. As expect, Washington Square Park was vibrant with red, white, and blue throughout the day.Ourmission for the day was clear and simple. Find a great spot to watch the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. We took the train down to Battery Park, a super cool park right on the southern tip of Manhattan. We were welcomed with scenic views of the Statue of Liberty, Governor’s Island, Jersey, and Brooklyn. The park itself has a number of fun activities, ferries, carousels, oyster bar, memorials and monuments, and it happens to be a great spot for biking.

We arrived with about an hour left before the fireworks started, and due to our mediocre navigating skills, weren’t entirely sure we were in the right place. We eventually ran into hoards of people camped out at the end of the park, facing the water and statue of liberty. We decided to try our look and get an even closer spot. We dove passed herds of crowds heading in every direction imaginable. Every seemed to think they knew the best angle to catch the fireworks. The NYPD had blocked off significant portions of the city surrounding the park, making it difficult to locate a better spot. We quickly grew anxious. We had about 10 minutes until the fireworks show was about to begin, with no consensus on the best angle to watch. We were holding hands and we tried to stick together while maneuvering through crowds.

Finally, we found what appeared to be enormous storage containers right behind the South Ferry Station. We proceeded to climb on top of them (you know, for the best view) and thus, found our perfect 4th July viewing spot. For future Global Studies cohorts, I do not advice you to try this method. It’s probably a better idea to just arrive on time! Turns out, our determination inspired others desperately seeking a great view, and by the start of the show, we were joined by a few other groups.

It did end up being worth it in the end. The views were priceless and we were able to avoid huge crowds for the majority of it. After the works ended, we headed towards the Oyster bar. On our way, we decided the only way to celebrate our favorite holiday was to proceed in patriotic song and dance, and a few 8 claps. We literally skipped through the streets of New York City singing Party in the USA and My Country tis of Thee. And believe it or not, we got TONS of people to join in our singing. People cheered us on from the sidelines, and a group of kids even joined our group for awhile. Shocking, I know.

Kyra studied abroad in New York in Summer 2019. https://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/GlobalStudies-NewYork

New York | Meeting with Ambassadors

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By Kyra Baffo

After completing the NYC Global Governance Program, I finally get to say that I have met a diplomat. We met with the Finnish Ambassador to the UN, Ambassador Salovaara, and Ambassador Ham who represented South Korea. Both Ambassadors offered unique and sometimes overly diplomatic, perspectives on their country’s role in the foreign diplomacy. We first met with Ambassador Salavaara at the Finnish Mission which was conveniently located directly across from UN Headquarters. Upon entering the conference room, we were greeted by state of the art views of NYC skyscrapers.

Ambassador Salavaara discussed topics ranging from Angry Birds and Nokia (which originated in Finland) to Brexit and immigration. He highlighted aspects of Finland that many of us don’t know; turns out, Finland is not geographically gifted (it borders Russia and had to continuously defend itself from Russian invasion), nor is it abundant in natural resources. As a result, Salavaara argued that the county has resorted to widespread investment in their own human capital. Finland’s education system is one of the best in the world, and they have created a comparative advantage in the tech industry. Salovaara highlighted that a teaching profession in Finland is incredibly lucrative, and competitive.

One can’t help but wonder what such an investment in the U.S would look like! Food for thought. Salovaara also touched the important of the EU, and stated that it is a “comprehensive cooperation machine”, one that once represented stability, prosperity, and security. He really seemed to believe that the EU is critical, and the integration of Europe is the only way true economic prosperity is achievable. It was definitely interesting to hear this perspective during a time when Brexit is looming and resurgent nationalism has dispersed throughout Europe. He positioned Finland as a country that sees cooperation as very fundamental to Europe’s prosperity and identity.

Our visit with Ambassador Ham at the Republic of Korea mission was hugely anticipated and exciting for our cohort. President Trump had just made history as the first U.S president to step on North Korean soil, and we were eager to ask the ambassador about his position on U.S-Korean relations- and of course, China. First, pro-tip when visiting the the Korean mission: get there early! The mission is beautifully designed and has amazing artwork and decor that you we definitely want to take a look at.

The biggest takeaway from Ambassador Ham was that South Korea’s main role on the peninsula is to act as a facilitator, supporter, and initiator. He highlighted that Korea is the only nation surrounded by 4 great powers (the U.S, China, Russia, and Japan) and therefore, foreign diplomacy is hugely important for their economic and national security. Ham argued that Korea could act as somewhat of mediator between the Global North and Global South; this is largely because South Korea itself went from a poor agrarian economy to a globalized and prosperous democracy in a single generation- something Ambassador Ham said he was very proud of. Ultimately, the greatest takeaway was that both ambassadors represent countries that are more or less restricted in their scope and power, but use the tools they have to promote cooperation and balance.

Kyra studied abroad in New York in Summer 2019. https://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/GlobalStudies-NewYork

New York | Little Italy, Chinatown, & Governor’s Island

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By Kyra Baffo

Little Italy and Chinatown are conveniently located right next to each other, and offer incredible options if you are in the mood for Italian or Asian cuisine. We got here via the subway (just hopped on the D line from Washington Square Station and go off at Grand Street Station). We kicked off our evening in Chinatown, we feasted on sushi and chicken teriyaki before making our way up north to Little Italy. There are literally endless places to eat, so it might be helpful to come with a few ideas in mind on what you want to try. Or you can take the spontaneous route and find something along the way that looks tasty. A little warning about Little Italy, you will be approached by tons of restaurant owners offering you delicious pasta, pizza, and appetizers. And perhaps discounted wine in order to convince you and your friends to eat at their restaurant. Don’t be fooled! Maybe I am a little pessimistic, considering a group of friends walked into one of the restaurants only to find that the menu they were shown outside of the restaurant had double the prices once they sat down! As you can see, you definitely want to watch out for petty scams like that- as this is a very touristy area of the city. There a dozens of dessert stations, that serve world class cannolis and cakes. If you’re looking to find a few discounted gifts to bring back home to your family then this is the place to shop. There are tons of gift stores around this area that sell NYC paraphernalia and clothing. All in all, Little Italy and Chinatown are must dos on your NYC itinerary. Come on an empty stomach and maybe a few restaurant ideas in mind beforehand and you will have a great experience.

Little Italy and Chinatown are conveniently located right next to each other, and offer incredible options if you are in the mood for Italian or Asian cuisine. We got here via the subway (just hopped on the D line from Washington Square Station and go off at Grand Street Station). We kicked off our evening in Chinatown, we feasted on sushi and chicken teriyaki before making our way up north to Little Italy. There are literally endless places to eat, so it might be helpful to come with a few ideas in mind on what you want to try. Or you can take the spontaneous route and find something along the way that looks tasty. A little warning about Little Italy, you will be approached by tons of restaurant owners offering you delicious pasta, pizza, and appetizers. And perhaps discounted wine in order to convince you and your friends to eat at their restaurant.

Don’t be fooled! Maybe I am a little pessimistic, considering a group of friends walked into one of the restaurants only to find that the menu they were shown outside of the restaurant had double the prices once they sat down! As you can see, you definitely want to watch out for petty scams like that- as this is a very touristy area of the city. There a dozens of dessert stations, that serve world class cannolis and cakes. If you’re looking to find a few discounted gifts to bring back home to your family then this is the place to shop. There are tons of gift stores around this area that sell NYC paraphernalia and clothing. All in all, Little Italy and Chinatown are must dos on your NYC itinerary. Come on an empty stomach and maybe a few restaurant ideas in mind beforehand and you will have a great experience.

Govna’s Island (Governor’s Island)- truly a land of dreams. Just for a little background, the island is just south of Manhattan, accessible via a $2 ferry, and its existence dates all the way back to the American Revolution. Today, the island mostly serves as a day-trip destination and offers visitors a number of interesting recreational activities. The catch, however, is that you need to make sure you check what activities you are interested in doing before you make the trek. My group and I were interested in ziplining, kayaking, and riding bikes on the island, only to find out that nearly every outdoor activity was reserved for the weekend (we were there on Wednesday). We ended up renting Surreys, which are basically group bicycles, while some others rented their own personal bikes. If you are going with a large group then I would definitely recommend renting Surreys, as they make it cost efficient for everyone and allow you up to 45 minutes to ride around the island. If you end up going on a weekend, you will find plenty more activities to try out. This island is pretty small, but manages to host a number of events. Just to name a few- they have gardening, museums, parks and hammocking areas, a really interest junkyard playground, and festivals. There is not many shady areas around the island, so please do not forget sunscreen and/or a parasol when you visit. Have fun! ?

Kyra studied abroad in New York in Summer 2019. https://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/GlobalStudies-NewYork

New York | World Pride in NYC

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By Kyra Baffo

Our NYU dorms were in a prime location for the World Pride Parade (Also happens to be our very first weekend in the city.) World Pride experience began earlier in the week with a trans rights protest that passed right in front of Lipton Hall, though festivities were coordinated for the entire month of June. Performers held live events in the preceding nights that brought out hundreds of locals and students excited to celebrate Pride and the 50th anniversary of the Stone Wall Riots. This was my first Pride event, and considering it was World Pride, I had high expectations. And let me tell you- it did not disappoint.

Millions of people traveled to the city in light of the celebration. Pride Flags decorated the city, and Greenwich Village felt like the central hub for Pride parades, performances, and festivities. The Pride March originated in Madison Square Park and followed a U shape through the city; it brushed just north of our dorms at Lipton, passed the historical Stone Wall Inn and culminated at 23rd street. There were food trucks offering decadent foods (I enjoyed a delicious lobster quesadilla and homemade whoopie pie), drag queens, auctions, and a variety of vendors.

Unfortunately, participating in the march itself was closed off to most people. We spent most of our time spectating from the sidelines and navigating through massive crowds. We stopped for 99 cent pizza, a must do if you find yourself in the village. The pizza was seriously the best pizza I had in New York City, and it was only 99 cents! It was interesting to see all of the corporate sponsors making their debut on Pride Floats, from T-mobile to JP Morgan, I couldn’t help but notice how commercialized the Pride had seem to become or maybe- how global the movement has become.

Is this a good thing? Or does it take away from fundamental message of Pride? As Global Studies majors, maybe it is inevitable that we would question this. We spoke with activists celebrating at the Stonewall Inn who emphasized their discomforts and/or appreciations with the police force at Pride, which draws from a long and violent history between law enforcement and members of the lgbtq community. For some people I spoke with, the police did not have a place at the parades at all. For others, it represented the progress and accomplishments that the movement has achieved.

Attending the Parade was an amazing opportunity to learn about the varying perspectives and ideas about the movement today. Despite the official conclusion of the Parade, the streets were full of people, confetti, and flags well into the night. I spent the latter part of the evening in Christopher Park, a lively hub located directly in front of the Stonewall Inn and home of the Gay Liberation Monument; performers and activists stayed well into the night and were a great source of fun and entertainment. Spending Pride in NYC was an unforgettable experience and one I am glad I got to experience with my fellow Global Studies peers.

Kyra studied abroad in New York in Summer 2019. https://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/GlobalStudies-NewYork

New York | Council on Foreign Relations

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By Kyra Baffo

What do you envision when you dream of your ideal workplace? A cool office space? Vending machines? Or bean bag chairs? What about a majestic 20th century townhouse? Well for those lucky enough to obtain employment at the Council on Foreign Relations, their workplace resembles an elegant ballroom with beautiful marble floors and historic furnishings. The Council on Foreign Relations is nestled on East 68th Street, just blocks away from Central Park and appears rather inconspicuous from the outside.

If you are unfamiliar with the organization’s history, CFR is a nonpartisan membership based foreign affairs think tank founded after the failings of any substantial peace dealings falling World War I. The founders wanted to create a platform for the discussion and inquiry in global relations. You are immediately greeted by security upon entrance and swept away into Peterson Hall, a spacious conference room featuring copies of the latest Foreign Affairs magazine, and water glasses. We felt like royalty. We met with Adam Segal, the Ira. A Lipman Chair in Emerging Technologies and National Security and Director of the Digital and Cyberspace Program at the Council. Segal also happens to be a renowned expert on China, and spent most of his discussion with us highlighting the increased tensions and growing interdependence of China and the U.S. He covered everything from ‘good’ hacking vs. ‘bad’ hacking, trade, and cyber security issues.

My greatest takeaways from Segal were in the realm of the evolving relationship between the U.S and China. As China becomes an increasingly dominant economic player in the world, the U.S will be in the best position to combat this by investing in our own growth- As opposed to slapping tariffs on China and being skeptical towards Chinese students studying in America. His argument speaks volumes within the current political climate we live in, and honestly makes a lot of sense. Segal underscored an important talking point for a number of law makers and advocates who believe that America’s best defense resides in our own human capital and continued innovation.

Following Segal’s presentation, we were given additional information on internship opportunities at CFR. For those of you who are interested in potential internships with the organization, here are the biggest takeaways: Internships are based in either New York City or Washington D.C (Unfortunately for us UCLA students, these internships are offered on a semester basis), they are unpaid, and require (16-20 hours) per week of commitment. For those from diverse backgrounds CFR offers the Robina Franklin Williams internship program which pays at an hourly rate.

The perks of interning with them are hard to overstate; professional development and networking opportunities, experience working on critical policy issues at one of the most prestigious foreign affairs think tanks in the world! It was clear by the end of our excursion most students in our program had decided that they could imagine a future career at this premier organization. CFR was definitely one of my favorite excursions on the program.

Kyra studied abroad in New York in Summer 2019. https://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/GlobalStudies-NewYork

New York | Exploring the City: NYC’s Highline

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By Kyra Baffo

What happens when you revive an abandoned railroad line spanning across the city into a beautifully crafted urban park? I’m sure you can guess. New York City’s highline park showcases the unique designs of modern urban architecture and ecological revival. The highline spans 1.45 miles, beginning in the Lower West side and extending through 34th street, with a number of entrances you can choose from (we walked from campus to Washington st.). The route is designed to make visitors feel immersed in the city, offering 360 views of iconic NYC buildings and the Hudson river. The park is covered in beautiful plants and greenery, features art work from local vendors and food (which includes homemade papaya popsicles (yum!), asian buns, hotdogs, and ice cream), performances, and benches if you just want to sit and embrace the city.

My friends and I enjoyed the stroll, often stopping to enjoy the creative art on display or take a guess at what part of the city we were in.  The Highline, in manys ways, is so much more than a city park. It is a community center, public space, ecological haven, and revived industrial good. The Railroad was originally built in the early 1900s in response to the high death rates of pedestrians getting hit by trains on street level tracks. However, by the 1970s the rise in trucking led to a decline in usage. There were immediate calls for the railroads demolition, but thanks to advocates and conversancy groups, the high line was preserved and transformed into one of the largest attractions in the city.

In a highly condensed place like New York, finding lively, yet calming public spaces is a rarity. But the city does a great job of utilizing the space it does have to foster community engagement and creativity. The same could be said for Washington Square Park, the “quad” for NYU students who lack a centralized campus. The park, like the Highline, has a life of its own and offers visitors a unique space within the hustle and bustle of the city to relax or explore the creative artistic scenery. Musicians regularly perform; vendors sell food and anti Trump merchandise; others take a dive in the fountain in the center of the park.

Somehow students manage to get studying done there. Through its chaos and open platform, the park turns into a city of its own, and somehow transforms into a ‘safe space’ where you can literally do anything and no one would look twice. Both parks are must-dos for anyone who finds themselves in this sprawling city. And luckily enough, we had Washington Square Park right at a door steps. The Highline radiates NYC history and don’t worry, if you find yourself there on an extremely hot summer day, you will enjoy the abundance of mistifiers and sprinklers that strategically dispersed through the railway. Although New York City’s hyper urbanized landscape can make virtually anyone feel overwhelmed, hidden (or mile-wide) gems in the city surely make up for it.

Kyra studied abroad in New York in Summer 2019. https://ieo.ucla.edu/travelstudy/GlobalStudies-NewYork