In two weeks I will be finishing up my internship with GCN. Officially, I was the Programs Intern (but that’s just a title). In between thoughts of “what am I going to do with my life,” I spent time thinking “how did I end up with this spectacular opportunity?”
I have been encouraged to share this intriguing journey that I have been on. It all started on Super Bowl Sunday in January 1990…I’ll just skip to the more relevant stuff. On my first day as one of the two new interns, I settled into my small but roomy beige and gray cubicle and took a second to look around. Before me was an 8.5 x 11 “Welcome to GCN Christie & Justin” sign signed by the GCN team members with welcome messages in their specialty language. At that moment I thought “
how international.” At one point when overhearing Spanish, French, and English conversations occurring at the same time, I pretended I was working at the UN (yes you are allowed to laugh).
One of my first tasks was to prepare and send out a mass mailing to hundreds of returned and future trip participants in the San Francisco and Portland areas. Fortunately for me I did not get a paper cut spanning the two days of “print, fold, stuff, label, seal, stamp, repeat”…just a hand cramp. Don’t worry, I managed to recover.
After that week of imitating an assembly line robot doing tedious and repetitive work and jumping every time someone approached me from behind (I had my iPod and tuned out the rest of the office those days) I also had new and exciting responsibilities on the horizon.
Luckily I was given a slightly (this is an understatement) more challenging and appealing project that I had full reign over. Coming into this internship I knew I was going to be working alongside Laura to research the emerging trend across universities all around the country, Alternative Breaks. I am not going to go in depth of what Alternative Breaks are exactly, but if you would like more info click here.
I spent hours researching Alternative Break programs across the country analyzing their site locations, partnerships, program themes, costs, etc. I stared at Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoints until I my eyes would hurt. I did this work (along with attending meetings, listening to a Tanzanian choir perform, eating the occasional free food in the kitchen, and taking notes on a rather droll conference call), for months. I then prepared an intimate presentation to both GCN and ISE in May summarizing my findings and the actions that GCN was initiating to become an Alternative Breaks provider.
I applaud GCN’s internship model where they give a significant amount of responsibility and trust to their interns. I am not simply producing mailings, making copies, or organizing a cupboard over the course of the semester, I am doing legitimate work that entails a significant amount of critical and creative thinking, open communication and teamwork.
There are several main things that I will take away from the experience I have had at GCN. One thing that I always knew about and expected but never really observed first had was the demands of an NGO that works internationally, more specifically the physical, mental and organizational toll that comes with working abroad. Additionally, the importance of networking, specifically referring to my Alternative Breaks project, my supervisor knew many people in the academic field that could help the GCN Alternative Breaks project. Her connections have the potential to open many doors for GCN. The last lesson (and my personal favorite), the ability to simply “love the madness.”
Simply put...GCN, thank you for this amazing opportunity and I will miss you an awful much.
Justin Cagaoan
Programs Intern Spring/Summer 2011
If you want to expose your children to other cultures in a way that is more real, in-depth, personable and memorable – by working in community with them rather than just traveling – this is the way to really learn about another culture.
We were exposed to something few of us get to experience. Most often we simply drive through communities. This time we got to meet and really get to know people, and they were so generous. We got far more out of the experience than we gave.
Kathy P., Rock Point, AZ (family of 4)
This was our best family vacation and a phenomenal experience. I feel extremely fortunate that I was able to do this with my children. My children realized that although the people in the community we visited didn't have a lot of material possessions, they had some things we didn't. The community members were funny, loving and generous.
The group experience was what made it so great. The team leaders were remarkable. They never passed judgment and treated my children like full members of the group, so they acted that way. The experience made them more confident and more excited about taking other travel adventures.
Marcy G., Xiloxochico, Mexico (family of 6)
Volunteering in Tanzania was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes not only to the needs of our fellow global citizens, but also to the lovable and exhilarating culture of Bukoba.
Megan age 19, Bukoba, Tanzania
GCN wasn't just a volunteer trip but instead a life altering two weeks that helped me discover myself.
Shannon age 15, Bukoba, Tanzania
Our GCN sponsored program in Tanzania wasn't a vacation but rather a deeply moving experience our family will cherish for a lifetime.
Sean, Dad, Bukoba, Tanzania
Working side by side with my husband and children, helping, reaching out, and learning from people in a culture vastly different from our own together as a family was one of the most valuable experiences of my life. We are already planning our next volunteer vacation.
Karen, Mom, Bukoba, Tanzania
This experience changed all of us. Nothing can compare with it. It's made my kids into global citizens. Before we left for Kenya, I was concerned that my kids were getting spoiled, but the trip showed them how happy people were, even though they had so little by comparison. They also discovered how much more important it is to have experiences instead of things.
My kids are so mature now as a result of the trip. They have a new and broader world view.
Nancy F., Maili Tatu, Africa (3 time repeat participant with 2 kids)
I took each of my two granddaughters on a trip when they turned 13, as a rite of passage. It was tremendously bonding for us. It deepened our love and our relationship, but it also sensitized the girls to different cultures and helped them gain an understanding and empathy for others.
One of my granddaughters was extremely wary. She said, "I don't know how to do this and I don't want to be there." But by the end, she was begging to stay. She had formed some amazing friendships. It was quite a transition.
My advice to families considering this kind of trip is this: Even if you have some hesitation, trust that the experience will be transforming for your child and for your relationship with your child. My two granddaughters are totally different personalities, but the same positive transformation happened for both.
We had so many one-on-one reflective conversations about what we were experiencing and learning. It's a different and more intimate way of being with children.
The team members were incredibly kind to my teenagers. The leaders were such good role models -- caring and inclusive.
Meg V., Rock Point, AZ 2003; La Push, WA 2007
The truly amazing thing about this community is the pride, character, and sense of respect you feel being with them. They carry themselves with esteem. Being with them, you know they will not only survive, they will succeed, collectively using the resources available to them for the good of the whole.
Joyce, Pennsylvania; Kenya Participant
With the beauty, the simplicity, the strength and comedy of this place, each day becomes an adventure to be anticipated.
Gladys, Ontario; Kenya Participants
I learned much more that GCN is about the process of building long term relationships with communities, not necessarily about the process of "building!" It was truly priceless to be allowed to be on the 'construction site' with a bunch of indigenous people in Mexico. Tourists DO NOT get that opportunity-nor should they. We all believed WE TRULY MADE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.
Diana, Colorado; Two-time Mexico Participant
I have just this last hour arrived back home after what can only be described as an experience of a lifetime, the people at Jampaling were wonderful and I return with a feeling of accomplishment, and everlasting respect for a group of people who work so hard with such limited resources to achieve their goals.
David, Ontario; Nepal Participant
As a GCN volunteer you expect to fill the role of giver, giving of your time, efforts, money and heart. During a recent trip to Nepal, I felt more like a wide receiver for a pro football team, with countless blessings being passed my way! It started before I even left with support from a bunch of people, some of whom I don't even know, my sponsors through fundraising.
Cherril, New York; Nepal Participant
A positive growing experience that will unfold as time moves on. I do appreciate the warm hospitality of the local Navajo people and thank them for all they did to open our eyes and heart to their life, culture and values.
Jerry, Minnesota; New Mexico volunteer
It has become the most meaningful thing I've experienced in my life. It was more than a casual cultural exchange. I never felt like a tourist - I felt like I was coming home.
Ted, New York; New Mexico volunteer
The trip to Rock Point was a wonderful experience for me. Our team really "connected" and are talking among ourselves of doing other trips together! We all agreed we haven't laughed and sung songs like we did there for a long time. The Navajo people are wonderful, and we were able to share songs, dinner with them and they with us. We were able to complete the projects they had for us and still have lots of time for culture exchange.
Lynne, California; Arizona volunteer
My goal was to get lifted out of my personal and professional rut, to have my head and heart spun around and to land more solid and grounded. For the most part this happened.
Nancy, Vermont; Guatemala volunteer
Because of a scholarship provided by Global Citizens Network, I was able to spend two weeks volunteering in Guatemala, in a rural village called Llanos de Morales. This was my second trip volunteering in a developing nation (I went to Nicaragua two years ago), but my first time working with GCN. My experience was unforgettable and I would recommend it to anyone!
The best thing about the trip was getting really close-up pictures of horses. The hardest part of the trip was leaving Chirapa
Tana-Isabel, Washington; Peru youth volunteer
I wanted to be "in the middle of nowhere" and enjoy it as well as learn about the Quechua culture. My comfort zone has expanded and I enjoyed getting to know the people!
The most inspiring moment for me was receiving a genuine Quechuan percussion instrument as a gift from the community. It showed me that the community valued my presence and it is something that I will never forget.
David, University of Minnesota Participant; Peru volunteer
As I zipped into my sleeping bag, I reflected on this totally crazy, awesome experience, and in many ways wondered how (why) we are having so much fun. This is -- by far -- the best trip we have ever taken as a family and perhaps even my best trip ever. Everything is an adventure. We are living it rather than observing it. Amy S., Chicago, Guatemala volunteer
© Copyright 2010. Global Citizens Network, all rights reserved.
Site Map | Disclaimer
