“One of my most memorable experiences working abroad in Ireland was working on a national COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Campaign. I had the opportunity to interview doctors, researchers, and public health advocates in Ireland and hear how the pandemic affected their line of work. We launched our campaign in July, and I felt like I was able to make a direct impact in managing social media and assisting with general public relations. In just one month we were able to reach over 100,000 people and the launch event was a huge success! This project was also a great way to talk with many people from Dublin and share non-COVID related stories too. I ended up with great recommendations of places to explore that were off the beaten path. My cohort had a great time wandering around this vibrant city and I can’t wait to return as soon as I can.”

Elizabeth Powderly, Biology

Intern Summer 2021, ESTHER Alliance/The Irish Global Health Network

I am Chryztina Harding-Graham a fourth-year student here at Penn State studying English and Philosophy. On campus I’m involved with the Multicultural Undergraduate Law Association as well as Sovereign, a magazine on campus where I am the Staff Operations Coordinator. This summer I had the opportunity to do an internship in Paris France with a non profit organization called the Pass It On Network. They focused on issues that people tend to deal with as they age, tackling issues of ageism, digital challenges, housing, earning and learning.

As an intern I did research into those topics, wrote articles for the webpage, and some social media work. My goals coming into this was to learn more about another culture, increase my own communication skills by applying what I knew to this new environment, and to make connections/network. This internship allowed me to learn more about problems faced by other countries and the cultural differences between us. As a part of the research aspect of my internship I was connected to people from other organizations in countries like India and Tanzania. Speaking with people from different countries has also helped me become more confident in my communication abilities.

Outside of work I visited different landmarks and learned more about French art through museums like the Lourve and Musee Dorsay. I visited the Eiffel Tower many times, the Arc De Triomph, Notre Dame, Versailles and more. My internship company Absolute Internship provided trips to Versailles and Normandy, France, as well as other cultural activities for the cohort to do together. My most memorable experience had to be my visit to the palace of Versailles as it was remarkably the most beautiful of all that I had seen there, which meant a lot considering almost everything in Paris was artistically crafted. While in Versailles I also was able to learn more about French history and get away from the city to see a different side of Paris. I am grateful for this opportunity as I was able to accomplish the goals, I set for myself and have fun along the way.

Chryztina Harding-Graham, English & Philosophy

Intern Summer 2022, Pass It On Network

“The time that I spent abroad was the most impactful few weeks of my life, both personally and academically. I spent nine weeks doing research on Covid-19’s impact on rates of domestic violence in the British LGBTQ+ community. I also ran social media accounts for MUSE Project Brighton, a research project on men who have experienced unwanted sexual advances. I learned how to go through an ethics approval process, and began my own, self-conducted project on domestic violence in the British disabled community. I got a taste of the work I plan to do for the rest of my life, and I could not have been more thrilled. This experience also forced me on a plane for the first time, out of the United Sates for the first time, into a new country five hours ahead of the life I left behind, all while I was completely alone. During my time with the University of Brighton, I developed the most whole sense of independence and empowerment that I have ever known, and truly left a different person than when I arrived. It was both the hardest, and more incredible thing I have ever done. The tattoo on the back of my shoulder of coordinates to a spot on the shore of the English Channel that I got days before I left is a constant reminder of the woman I am becoming, who is so ready for whatever comes next.”

Jessica Raskauskas, Psychology

Researcher Summer 2021, The University of Brighton

“Living abroad in the Czech Republic was truly a life-changing experience. I was able to meet so many inspiring people and make so many new friends. Within the Czech Mates program, my peers and I were able to travel to many nearby countries on the weekends, including Hungary, Poland, and Austria. One of my favorite memories from my time abroad was when one night my cohort and I went to the Gellért Hill overlooking Budapest. There, we met some other tourists from Poland and Germany, and even though I had only known most of the people around me for a week, there was something about all of us coming together in a foreign environment that made it feel like I had known everyone forever. I really feel like I grew more in that month and a half abroad than I have in years. I was able to step outside my comfort zone and learn so much about my own personal and professional goals, as well as the world around me. It was my first time traveling outside the United States, and while interning abroad was certainly intimidating and challenging at times, it was one of the best choices I’ve made.”

Jordin Mertz, Political Science

Intern Summer 2021, Frank Bold

“The most memorable experience from the internship abroad was offering mental status examinations to new outpatients at the clinic and researching the topic I wanted to learn more about in the clinical psychology field with my colleagues. Observing various cases at the clinic related to mood disorders was another memorable experience. I was able to hear patients’ experiences that portray the symptoms in patients which was the most interesting part of this internship. All these experiences from the internship helped me to plan my career as well as figure out my research interests. It was such an eye-opening experience helping me to broaden my horizon. Outside of the work setting, I traveled around Seoul a few times with my colleagues. We tried Korean foods and visited attractions on weekends. My colleagues and I talked about different work and academic cultures. It helped me to adjust to my life abroad in South Korea for three months. Spending time together with my colleagues during my internship gave me a better understanding of the differences in culture between South Korean and the U.S as well. “

Sarah Kwon, Psychology

Researcher Summer 2021, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital - Mood Disorders Clinic & Affective Neuroscience Laboratory

Waking up in Ireland each morning, there was always something new and exciting planned for the day. When I worked virtually, I would go for a morning walk through Dublin, grab a coffee and sit in one of the many local parks. Working remotely I was able to sit with other students living in the same accommodation. Creating most of my memories came from the interactions between students working remote, our small weekend trips across Ireland, and the many coffee runs and trips for grocery shopping. Working remotely I was able to work in person once a week, and when I was able to go in, usually I went to lunch with my coordinator. Through my internship, I was able to develop skills in campaign management, and social media marketing for a non-profit working. The goals of the campaign focused on highlighting global activists during the pandemic and their work towards combating global challenges of social inclusion, gender equality, climate change, and mental health. The campaign was targeted at third-level students in Ireland focusing on providing them opportunities to make an impact on their campus and communities. One of my favorite engagements throughout the campaign was hearing a social media response from one of the senators of the Oireachtas; the legislature of Ireland.

Living in the “old town” of Dublin I was surrounded by a lot of historic landmarks such as the St. Patricks Cathedral only a five-minute walk away from my accommodation. Having multiple forms of transportation made it easy for traveling in the city and across Ireland. Living in Ireland during the pandemic was different, especially since most of the tourists were not traveling at the time. The locals were more engaged with our group whenever we told them we were interning abroad. One of my favorite memories was visiting the Irish village Howth. I was led on a 10 miles hike around the peninsula on a cliff walk and was able to see the entire city of Dublin from the top of the hill. Visiting the local market and grabbing fish n chips along the way made Howth a great day!

Rebekah Long, Business

Intern Summer 2021, Stand.ie

How has the world become a social hub for so many communities of diverse cultures, languages, and interests? Since I was little, I knew I wanted to be an explorer as I could never contain my excitement or curiosity about the world we live in.  

My attraction towards the Perreault Fellows Program is catalyzed by the potential to explore the world and shape me into a better public servant through an enhanced international internship experience. While I pride myself in being ‘culturally aware’, I’ve recognized that I still have much more to learn and this program will be of indescribable benefit to me because I can experience the world in a new light.  

I interned at Friedrich Neuman Foundation (FNF), a German independent non-profit organization, established in 1958. Associated with the German liberal party, FNF promotes the values of liberty: individual freedom and responsibility, market economy, the rule of law, Industry 4.0, data protection rights, and human rights.  

During my internship I researched and observed media porting on the political situation on the Korean Peninsula, Japan, and Germany; supported preparation and implementation of events that FNF Korea hosts; translated written documents from English to Korean or vice-versa; edited and maintained the website of the foundation’s Korean branch. 

YuNa Choi, International Politics

Intern Fall 2020, Friedrich Neuman Foundation (FNF)

For the internship portion of my Perreault Fellows Experience, I greatly enjoyed working with 360-degree feedback data from a global consulting firm. This allowed me to connect my love of research with real-world business practices. It also helped me improve my analytical skills, which are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s job market.

In my free time, I was able to visit many historic locations and natural landmarks across Scotland. I loved traveling to Blackness Castle, which served as a prison and a military garrison throughout its history. Towards the end of my experience, I ventured to the Scottish Highlands, where I got to view spectacular mountain ranges and beaches. I even cruised Loch Ness on a wet and foggy day, but unfortunately, Nessie did not decide to make an appearance

Nick Banerjee

Researcher Summer 2021, University of Edinburgh Business School

he Perreault Fellowship allowed me to do an internship in Prague, Czech Republic through the Czechmates program. I resided in the city of Brno and traveled to Prague each week for my internship at the non-profit company Loono. I was both a lecturer and an organizer at Loono. As a lecturer, I led workshops on preventative healthcare focusing on breast/testicular self-examinations, STI transmission prevention, and first aid/CPR training. As an organizer, I translated and localized English materials and revised medical information. Outside of my internship, I was able to travel to Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Poland. I made some lifelong friends throughout my experience and we are planning to visit each other in the future. I am very thankful to have had this opportunity and learn about the history and culture of Central Europe.

Ayse Keskin

Intern Summer 2021, Loono