Travel Stories

WorldStrides Internship Spotlight: Working Abroad with a Worldwide Organization

By WorldStrides Interns, Katelyn Catino and Jonathan Lingard.

In the first WorldStrides Professional Internship Program, Katelyn Catino joined a group of new interns beginning their career journey’s with WorldStrides. To fulfill the internship requirement of her Master of Public Policy degree at the University of Michigan, Katelyn was tasked with finding an internship for the summer that could both satisfy her degree interests and explore future career goals.

“I had done a language intensive program in Brazil with International Studies Abroad (ISA) in 2017 and when I learned that my 2-year master’s program required an internship. I remembered how much I learned, grew, and enjoyed my study abroad with ISA, says Katelyn. “I went directly to the WorldStrides website to see if there were any opportunities for the summer that would fulfill the requirement.” After applying and being accepted into the program, Katelyn began her role working in the Academics department under mentor Randi Kessler.

“Meeting Randi and the Academics team was like meeting family members that were likeminded and had the same passions for teaching and cultural exchange as I do. Because we all work remotely, collaboration is easy because everyone is just a TEAMs call away and are very willing to help.”

The Journey: Goals and Aspirations

When asked how this internship is assisting in your future goals and aspirations, Katelyn shared, “It is helping me feel like I am part of something bigger that is truly making a difference in student’s lives.” Reflecting on her experiences, she added, “I have been out in the world, living abroad and trying to do social justice work on my own for so long that it is easy to forget that there are people who want to see the world the same way I do, who want inclusivity and opportunity for all. All communities, all kids, and all adults should have equal access to education and that includes intercultural education. Being a part of this team has helped me remember that other people are working towards a world that looks like that.” Throughout various work and study experiences in her life, Katelyn has seen firsthand the impact and value that intercultural education can have, and she is using that as a motivator for the future.

The Intern Experience: A Perspective from Abroad

“My experience working in an internship abroad is most likely different than someone who has never lived abroad. In the recent past, I lived in Brazil for about 3.5 years, and I have returned to the same place I lived in to work this internship. So, I am used to the customs and what daily life looks like here. It was a transition to get back to Brazil after an extremely fast-paced first year of graduate school at the University of Michigan. Life in general moves a little slower here, and I really enjoy it,” Katelyn shares of her time living in Brazil. “Brazilians are creative, innovative, and brilliant, and it is amazing seeing how a different culture creates different ways of doing daily, common place things.”

Additionally, Katelyn shared a few examples to describe some of the differences in culture that she has witnessed. “Meals (especially lunch) are taken very seriously here. It is a time to sit and connect with your family, friends, or co-workers. There is no eating at your desk and especially no rushing or skipping lunch all together. Brazilians would think it absurd or insulting to do that.” Regarding working with an international business and balancing cultures, Katelyn expressed her gratitude to WorldStrides, as they “have never asked me to [rush or skip lunch] as they also value time for yourself.” She added, “but I have seen co-workers push their lunch back into the day to finish some work, and I cannot help but wonder what other cultures would think of that.”  

In many ways, Katelyn has grown in her perspective and understanding of how a global business works. “It sometimes feels contradictory to be working at a US based company with different work values as the country you live in but, overall, it has been easy to adapt to living and working in two separate cultures simultaneously,” she added. “I think the fact that WorldStrides has team members all over the world really helps you to know that it is possible.”

The Impact

“WorldStrides is making it more possible every day for teens and young adults to expand their minds and get out of their comfort zones to grow into globally minded citizens. There are so many different programs with WorldStrides that do everything from exploring different careers in the US with Envision programs, to domestic trips to Washington D.C. to reflect on our nation’s history, and international programs for all kind of purposes, even theater and performing arts. WorldStrides also offers options for underserved students and professional development for teachers. Furthermore, they offer courses so that students can earn high school or college credit in addition to the knowledge they gain from travelling. WorldStrides’ impact is that they truly believe and work hard to give everyone a chance to better themselves by being learning focused and putting education in everything,” says Katelyn as she concluded her remarks. WorldStrides is continuously striving to improve the internship experience along with their many program offerings to help interns, participants, and team members continue to learn in all that they do. 

The WorldStrides Professional Internship Program is dedicated to the promotion and development of the same skills and objectives of all WorldStrides’ travel education programs and opportunities, “…to enable interns to see beyond the workplace and to see the world–and themselves– in new ways.”

For more information about WorldStrides and all that we offer, visit us as www.worldstrides.com.

Authors: Katelyn Catino and Jonathan Lingard