Biography
Posted by Tara Templin on August 26th, 2010
Hi! My name is Tara Templin and I am a 2nd year Masters student at the University of Ottawa. I am studying to obtain my graduate degree in International Development and Global Studies and I’m eager to continue on a path of personal and professional development by doing an internship with WUSC in Vietnam as a Funding and Proposal Writing Advisor. Personally, I am very interested in the social policy, grassroots initiatives and development of Vietnam.
Professionally, I have been involved in development work for several years. I have worked in Latin America for four years supporting grassroots development initiatives, as well as in North America, lobbying for more transparency and constructive foreign policy alternatives. This internship opportunity offered by WUSC in the area of proposal development at Tra Vinh University will allow me to both utilize and build on these skills.
I hope to complete my Masters in International Development and Globalization at the University of Ottawa in spring 2011. I have chosen to focus my research on South-East Asia, in particular the dynamics between donors, NGOs – large and small – and the state. However, I think it is essential for a sound academic understanding of the region, to first have lived and experienced development in that region. At least, that is what I have understood thus far. My grasp of the development challenges facing Latin America is infinitely more complete having lived in various Latin American countries and worked, lived and shared experiences with the citizens of those countries. I am anxious to have a similar opportunity in an entirely new region of the world. I am particularly excited to experience the culture of the ethnic Khmer people, a large minority group in the Tra Vinh region.
I am anxiously awaiting my departure to Vietnam in September and can’t wait to experience the richness of living and working there. And, I can’t wait for my first bowl of (in-country) Pho (a wonderful bowl of soup for those of you unfamiliar with the cuisine).
Take advantage of you who were lucky enough to receive scholarships for studies abroad because in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is difficult to see a student studying without problems or without financial difficulties!
but also to receive a scholarship, this whole problem here, there is nothing for nothing!
Patchell
pnsuadi@yahoo.fr