Stories from the international interns

Last September 15, 4 university graduates aged 22 to 24 took off for a 6-month internship working in developing countries. Michèle Archambault went to Mexico, Dominic Asselin and François Grondin went to Tanzania, and Patricia Riopel to Rwanda.

Their internships were organized by Développement international Desjardins (DID), a Desjardins Group component that supports financial institutions in around twenty developing countries on 4 different continents. DID works with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) to offer internships as part of the International Youth Internship Program.

Read the following interview to get to know the interns and hear about their impressions after their first few weeks on the field, working to support local credit unions.

What motivated you to apply for an international internship with DID?

François: I had already done some humanitarian work in Bolivia and studied in Australia, so I knew that I loved discovering new cultures. I wasn't yet ready to enter the job market in Quebec. I wanted to step out into the unknown and experience something new.

Patricia: I've always had a desire to get involved in international development and I've also wanted to learn more about microcredit while working with a professional team.

You've been in Rwanda, Tanzania and Mexico for a few weeks now. What are your first impressions on both the personal and professional level?

François: On a personal level, the fact that I made some friends quickly has helped me adapt to African culture. On a professional level, the people I'm working with have shown a lot of confidence in me and often consult me when making decisions.

Michèle: I was very warmly welcomed by the DID team members and I'm learning to carry out my tasks effectively as I become more at ease here. My initiatives are valued and that encourages me a lot in my work.

Dominic: On a personal level, this internship has given me the chance to meet some incredible people, to discover a new culture and to develop myself. On a professional level, I'm getting practical experience.

How are you putting into practice what you learned in university on this internship?

Michèle: I'm continually putting my academic knowledge into practice during this internship. For example, my training helps me understand the characteristics and advantages of each of the financial products offered by the credit unions in the Noreste Federation.

Patricia: I often have to prepare and interpret financial statements. I also make financial results forecasts for the year-end and I have to read accounting entries. I'm also putting into practice my knowledge about cash management.

Michèle: In general, the work methods I learned at university are also useful when it comes to planning my time and organization projects.

What differences and similarities do you see between the financial services offered by Desjardins here in Quebec and the ones in the countries where you're staying?

François: One thing that struck me is that interest rates are much higher in Tanzania than in Canada, since the level of risk is also much higher (a little more than 20% of loans are paid back late).

Michèle: The microcredit market is huge in Mexico and small-scale loans can make a big difference in developing this society.

Dominic: Here in Tanzania, we also need to educate people about savings, since they haven't necessarily developed this habit. We also inform them about how to get a loan to start up a business and earn their financial independence, rather than simply purchasing a car, for example, which will not contribute to their financial autonomy. And just like in Quebec, everyone here seems to want to get access to credit as quickly as possible.

Are you learning new things about yourselves from this experience abroad?

François: Yes, this experience has confirmed my intention of having an international career, since I've discovered and developed a passion.

Michèle: This experience is challenging every part of my personality. I've learned that I'm able to stay positive, to welcome change and to take advantage of every opportunity I get to maximize my learning from this stay in Mexico.

The DID team helped me find a place to live, where I made friends with the girl living in the room next door. Thanks to her, I've been able to make several friends. One thing led to another and they invited me to join an official women's fútbol team. I now play with them 2 times a week, during the evenings. I'm very happy about this new commitment, since it gives me the chance to get to know Mexican culture in an original but really interesting way.

Patricia: Yes, I've been learning that I'm more resourceful than I thought. I'm also learning that I can be impatient, especially in stressful situations.

What's your favourite thing about your adopted country?

François: My favourite part is the fact that despite all the different religions (Islam and Catholicism) and different tribes (including the Masaï) in Tanzania, there is no conflict and people help each other without discriminating. I'm also really impressed with how hard the Tanzanians work and with the amazing scenery.

Michèle: My favourite thing? I've got several! The beautiful scenery, the delicious food, the different styles of music (cumbias, norteño, bandas), the Mexican mentality (people are very festive, but they also work very hard).

Dominic: My favourite part is the Tanzanians themselves. They are so friendly and sociable. Even though their circumstances are sometimes difficult, the people here seem very happy and are always smiling.

Patricia: Maracujas! It's a delicious fruit that I've been eating morning, noon and night.

Any final words?

François: I think the best way to open the door to an international career is to learn a second language, or even a third, while also working hard at school.

Michèle: This kind of international internship opens up a lot of possibilities. It's a chance to learn about yourself, about your skills and interests. You also learn a lot from others since you are supervised by a business and a group with experience, Desjardins, which knows how to integrate youth. It's an excellent introduction to the working world and the world of internationals transactions for people who are interested in a career in this field. For me, everything suddenly clicked: I loved the challenge in this mix of cultures.

Patricia: I think that we need to always keep in mind our main goal and reason for working abroad. It can help keep our work in perspective and guide our daily decisions.

Visit DID's website to find out more about the International Youth Internship Program.