It is hard to believe that just last week I was interning at a non-profit in Paris. Spending over two months abroad has profoundly shaped my global perspective, and I have gained far more insight and growth than I ever could have imagined before arriving in France. This has been one of the most transformative…
Tag: Zoé MacKenzie
Global Competency and Expectations
This summer, I have had the privilege of interning at Fondation Scelles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combatting sexual exploitation. Over the past several weeks, I have been conducting a comparative analysis of the policies surrounding the criminalization of sex buyers within countries that utilize the Equality Model. This experience has given me the opportunity…
Understanding High-Context Communication in France
As Americans, we often don’t realize how explicit and direct our communication style is until we step outside of the country. This distinct contrast has become very real to me in the last few months since coming to France, and it has been one of the most unexpected, yet formative experiences of my internship. I…
A Shift in Leadership Style
Before this internship, I would have described my leadership style as efficient and goal-oriented. I viewed leadership as setting clear expectations and being able to maintain a strong work ethic. Most importantly, I find that it is crucial to create an environment where people feel motivated in what they do and how they contribute. I…
Developing Intercultural Skills Through Non-Profit Work
Throughout my time at Fondation Scelles, I have been working with the sensitive issues of prostitution and sex buying, which often involve various forms of exploitation and violations of human rights. Given this topic of research and my role in the organization, it is important to have a sense of empathy and attentiveness, especially when…
Adapting to French Customs
Before traveling abroad, I went to numerous orientations for this International Internship Program that prepared me for the different customs I would encounter during my time in France. During these sessions, we discussed the work-life boundaries that would be expected in the workplace, as well as the formal administrative differences compared to my experiences in…
Navigating Uncertainty in the Workplace
The concept of uncertainty is something that has always scared me, as it does for many people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Ambiguity can often feel threatening, and it is uncomfortable to walk through life not knowing what will happen next. However, that is an inevitable part of the journey, and you just have to accept that…
The Importance of a Work-Life Balance
As a young college student tasked with independently navigating an exciting new country while simultaneously having the responsibilities of a full-time working adult, time management skills are essential. Being in a (somewhat) foreign country, there are infinite things to explore. It is thrilling and beyond liberating to have these two months to venture through as…
Assessing the Industry Environment of the Scelles Foundation
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…
You must be logged in to post a comment.