Hello!!
Posted by Alexandra Bly on December 1st, 2011
Hello!! My name is Alexandra Bly and I’m a fourth year student at the University of Ottawa. I’m currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor in Conflict Studies and Human Rights, and have a particular interest in gender issues as well as the promotion of socio-economic rights and development.
The Conflict Studies program addresses many important international issues, different political systems, and offers a glimpse into various cultures. But this is all taught in a stuffy classroom. I have been eager to actually apply what I’ve learned to a work environment, in a more localized setting, while also learning about a different culture. This is why for the winter 2012 semester I’ve taken the opportunity to do an internship in Hanoi, Vietnam! I’ve always been interested in beautiful Vietnam, and this placement with WUSC is an exciting opportunity to work with a local organization in a country whose history I have heard so much about and yet still have much to learn from.
My placement will be at the North Thang Long Economic-Technical College in the Dong Anh district as a Student Service Support and Consultant. I’ve chosen this position because it provides the possibility to interact with students from a different part of the world and to get to know their realities, challenges, and aspirations. I’m also particularly interested in the gender issues and consultancy aspect of the mandate, and hope to help build upon what the local organization already has in place as well as provide sustainable input to support service programs.
The language barrier is a bit of a concern, and I am admittedly nervous about going outside my “comfort zone”. However, I am very excited to gain knowledge and values from the local people and culture to bring back to my future work experiences in Canada!
