University of Wisconsin–Madison students preparing to embark on international internships for the spring 2014 semester were among those who gathered recently to hear words of encouragement and to receive scholarships to help pay their way. These 10 undergraduates were recognized December 4, at the Fall 2013 Study Abroad Scholarship Award Ceremony, sponsored by the Division of International Studies, International Academic Programs (IAP), and International Internship Program (IIP).
In addition to undertaking internship placements overseas, students simultaneously enroll in the university’s Worldwide Internship online seminar course. The course guides students through issues related to globalization and helps them manage the challenges of working across cultures.
The International Internship Fund was established to help students who participate in internships affiliated with UW–Madison’s International Internship Program defray costs. Work-abroad opportunities reinforce students’ academic experiences and advance their professional training, as well as foster global competence and international literacy.
Nine students who received International Internship Program Travel Grants for spring 2014 are:
- Felicia Garland, of Wilmette, IL, senior in Spanish, internship in Madrid, Spain, with One to One Languages (tutoring English-language learners).
- Gail Gustavson, of Green Bay, WI, senior in Spanish, environmental studies and global health, internship in Quito, Ecuador, with Child Family Health International (learning about local health issues).
- Jaclynn Leveille, of Belvidere, IL, senior in art history, internship in Dublin, Ireland, with USIT Work & Travel (providing administrative support for an office assisting students arriving in Ireland)
- Whitney Marshall, of Sun Prairie, WI, senior in Spanish and communication arts, internship in Santiago, Chile, with Brandabout Wine Source (communications and marketing projects).
- Jenna McMiller, of Waukesha, WI, junior in Spanish, internship in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with Connect-123 (in a health-related field).
- Christian Parish, Waupun, WI, senior in Spanish and English, internship in Santiago, Chile, with EducationUSA Chile (outreach and communications to encourage Chilean students to study in the U.S.).
- Alison Port, of Wauwatosa, WI, senior in French, European studies and business, internship in Paris, France, with Telelangue (working as a marketing assistant).
- Samantha Slimmer, of Minnetonka, MN, senior in rehabilitation psychology and gender and women’s studies, internship in Nkokonjeru, Uganda, with CARITAS for Children (teaching at a boarding school and working on an initiative to install water filters in village homes).
- Kysa Stocking, of Minneapolis, MN, junior in international studies and environmental studies, internship in Granada, Nicaragua, with Earth Partnership for Schools (working on environmental education projects with local schools in conjunction with UW Arboretum staff).
The Promega International Scientific Internship Award – sponsored by the Promega Corporation – supports undergraduate students in all fields of science undertaking an unpaid international internship aimed at improving the quality of life in the world – especially internships using molecular biology techniques.
The spring 2014 recipient of the Promega Award is: Jacob Perlson, of Deerfield, WI, senior in biology and global health, internship in Cordoba, Argentina, with Child Family Health International (learning about local health issues).
— Text and photos by Kerry G. Hill
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