This week, I officially began my journey to France! I met with the EUSA team, which included members of the organization as well as other students from surrounding Universities such as UVA and UMB. Together, we started this week by navigating our way through the different arrondissements of Paris. Something I immediately noticed when arriving in France was the concept of time. Life moves at a slower pace, and there is never a set agenda. The locals tend to go with the flow, and no one is in a rush to go anywhere, which is quite relaxing! However, this is something I am conscious about because I know this will be difficult for me in regards to working here. As someone who always needs to know what they are doing and when, it can be frustrating not having a set schedule. That being said, it is necessary to be able to adapt with this change, especially in my field.
At the Scelles Foundation (or Fondation Scelles as they call it in Paris), I will take part in research on human trafficking, pimping, and prostitution (including prevention campaigns, awareness-raising, promoting accountability, deterrence, and criminalization) on a global scale. With my academic profile, I hope to assist in communicative initiatives, as well as drafting articles for various publications. The Scelles Foundation aims to combat pimping/human trafficking, in addition to providing care and support for victims. It is very much centered around the advocacy for human rights, and I am grateful to be a part of such an important organization. I am prepared to work in an environment that deals with vulnerable populations such as these, and I understand that there are some key skills needed for this position. As I stated earlier, adaptability is absolutely one of these skills. With that, empathy will also be a key part of this role. It is important to understand the perspectives of those who need support and be able to empathize with them. While this work may be challenging emotionally, I will have to remain resilient and professional, as supporting those in need will be my top priority. In addition to this, I am also working in a foreign country with employees of different ages. I must have cultural humility and not make assumptions, as trafficking involves people of all backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, ages, genders, etc. It is crucial that I maintain an ethical state of mind and be conscious of my response.
A competency that I aim to work on while interning abroad is global and intercultural fluency, which will require a lot of observation and listening skills. As I ameliorate my language skills, I must also be aware of body language and the difference in communication. Americans tend to convey their values explicitly in a linear manner, while the French do the complete opposite. I will have to read between the lines when it comes to communication, and it is important that I remain flexible with whatever comes my way.
As I mentioned, Europeans manage their time differently than in America. They pay very close attention to detail, and focus more on the quality of their work rather than the quantity and productivity we are used to in America. In this role, I must be patient with my work and complete my assignments thoroughly. I am motivated to work my hardest and to put my best foot forward for this foundation, as I understand the importance of this cause, not just in France but on an international scale.
Being an International Studies major, I also see this as an opportunity to network and acquire international industry knowledge that I wouldn’t get in America. It is critical that I take time to reflect on my work for the foundation, and to build on my competences. I will be resourceful in my research, and take in all the feedback I receive. However, I realize that feedback will be another obstacle for me given this cultural setting. In France, it is common to receive negative feedback, as they want to help you learn from your mistakes. Americans are very big on positivity and productivity, but the French will not necessarily give positive feedback unless it is truly earned. Negative feedback should not be seen as a sign of poor performance, but more-so about how one can improve. I will use all feedback as motivation for growth in my development within this industry, and I know not to take anything to heart. I am more than ready to expand my skill set and emerge from this internship with a deeper understanding of the industry!
