Internships > The Impact of International Internships on Young Canadians

	Shannon Hayes (2007-2008 JPC) Shannon was placed with the World Food Program (WFP) in Bamako, Mali

The experience of each intern is unique and often goes beyond the new skills gained in the workplace. Many UNA-Canada interns have also had the opportunity during their internships to learn a new language, interact with local communities and broaden their cross-cultural awareness. These experiences last a lifetime and contribute to both personal and professional development. To capture some of their most memorable learning experiences, here are some anecdotes from our interns on their personal, cultural and work experiences abroad. Presented in the original language as written by the intern.

Personal Accounts from the Interns

"I know that I would not be here or have these future opportunities if it were not for the JPC program, and all of the Canadians (under the age of 40 anyway) I have met within the UN System all got in through the same program."

Blythe Fraser UNDP Albania JPC 2003-2004 still at UNDP Albania

I just wanted to make a note that the CIDA internship had a huge impact on my professional and personal development. I am once again truly thankful for the opportunity."

Kadia Petricca UNDP Ethiopia JPC 2004-2005

"I honestly can't speak highly enough of the experience I've had here. I was offered two positions at Foreign Affairs - I have no doubt that the UNAC placement was a major factor in getting these offers."

Christopher Sidler UNRCO Tanzania JPC 2007-2008

"Thank you for offering me a JPC position in 2005-2006 in Washington D.C. Without this valuable experience I would never have made my way to Nepal, working for the World Food Program!" -

Annie Dumont JPC 2005-2006 Brookings Institution

"What an amazing experience it was, I don't even know where to begin when describing how profound the YIIP program was for me, how much it helped the office I worked in (UNHCR-New Delhi) and how much of what I learned I am carrying on in my work as a lawyer."

Nancy Bains UNHCR Delhi 2003-2004

"I joined UNAC and the DFAIT program in 2000 at UNHCR Geneva, and then I found work at UNAIDS, WHO, OCHA, ICRC in Geneva and now ICTY in the Hague. That's 7 years of UN and humanitarian work from my JPC springboard!"

Ritu Prasad UNHCR Geneva JPC 2000-2001

"I was a DFAIT funded JPC in 2000-2001 sent to UN Volunteers headquarters in Bonn, Germany. That six month opportunity has been a launching pad to an interesting career in development and local governance with UNDP for almost six years. The UN has greatly benefited from this programme."

Natasha Mistry UNV Bonn JPC 2000-2001