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Arion Blas, (Summer 2008), from the Philippines
"My most memorable experience with GAA was listening in during the roundtable discussion on long term care with Senator Capri Cafaro of Ohio. In those three hours, I learned how conflicting parties negotiate and lobby for their interest. It was also the day when all the GAA interns enjoyed cookies and brownies over coffee and cola in the office. My seven weeks of internship has been characterized by intense learning. I was exposed to a myriad of ageing issues that affect everyone, not only the elderly. From horrific reports of abuse to heart warming stories of everyday people, each article I read and posted helped me understand the enormity of the challenge we are facing today. Yet amidst all the work, I have found great friends in the other interns and the staff. Our lunch breaks became a time to relax as we enjoyed French fries, brownies and ice cream. Meeting diplomats and people from the UN was truly amazing - their humility was inspiring. Perhaps it was in these little moments that made joining GAA truly worth my while. I am really thankful to Susanne and Magali for giving me this opportunity."
Tina Malguth, (March-July 2008), from Germany
"I still remember my first day with GAA, now 5 months ago. It is crazy how fast the time flew – a good sign that I enjoyed my stay here in New York very much. I met a lot of nice, interesting and lovely people from all over the world. I made a lot of new friends in the City never sleeps and I already miss them. That opportunity to learn many things about different cultures and countries is a gift I will never forget. During my work with GAA, I got different insights into the work of an international non-governmental organization. I did a lot of research; I improved my computer skills a lot; we organized seminars and went to UN conferences. I visited different Country Missions, wrote articles, did statistics and analyses. I got insight into fundraising programs, and I visited nursing homes. I also gained insight into the work of the United Nations. Now I can understand the system of the highest world body much more. I thank all Interns who made this internship unforgettable and, of course Magali and Susanne, who gave me the opportunity to work with GAA and placed high confidence in me!"
Vivian Lau
(Spring 2008), from California, US "As a student, GAA has allowed me to obtain a more in-depth perspective of the UN, the lesser known governing body of the world. The availability of the UN also opens up so many doors. It’s a dream come true for any student to be able to sit next to professors and delegates from different countries to hear about pressing issues such as the crisis on Myanmar and the current food crisis. The UN is a ready source of information. As a person, I have been privileged to meet the most diverse and down-to-earth group of people at GAA and the UN. The people who work here are average citizens who care. It’s refreshing to see that these individuals all want to make a difference in the world, no matter how big or small. It’s good to know that deep down inside, their intentions are pure."
Clara Dufresne (September 2007- May 2008), from France
"Who would think of an internship where you get to fix the printer, water the plants, dig deep into complicated and interesting research about current international issues like pension and organize a diplomatic reception at the same time? GAA, a small and active organization, relies on interns to accomplish all of that. Managed by both the president and the program coordinator, interns have a lot to do to build GAA’s office life. My nine months in Global Action on Aging have been an interesting experience, in a very nice environment. I learned a lot about computer skills and the United Nations system and how the different agencies work together. This internship was also a good opportunity for me to think about my career plans and the possibilities of working for an international organization or a Non Governmental Organization. I thank all my colleagues on site (Eddie-Julie-Elena-Vivian-Newell-Tina and of course both Magali and Susanne) for their patience, smile and hard work. You have made this experience unforgettable!"
Van Anh Nguyen (Winter 2008), from Vietnam
"Even though a three-month period is not a long time, my internship with GAA certainly forms a significant part in my life experience. I’ve long been eager to pursue a career in the field of international health, however this internship is the first time I got involved in research and learned about the real situation. Working for GAA helped me improving my independent research skills considerably. All the knowledge I gained invigorates my determination to work towards a better and healthier life for everyone. It was a pity that I could not work in the GAA office and interact with GAA staff and other interns, as well as attend several events. Nonetheless, I could feel the atmosphere from thousands of kilometers away, thanks to the supportiveness and helpfulness of everyone at GAA, especially Susanne Paul and Magali Girod. So, once again, thank you GAA for giving me this marvelous experience, and thank you Susanne and Magali for being so encouraging and enthusiastic toward me."
Hanna Blyumina (September - December 2004), from Ukraine
"I can honestly admit that the experience at GAA happened to be one of the turning points in my life. The inspiration that I got while working here coursed lot's of great changes in my life and attitude. The fact that after coming back to Ukraine I continued to deal with aging issues is the best manifestation of that. The internship at GAA and great people that I had pleasure to meet in UN during this time gave me the chance to work for UNFPA in Ukraine doing a very important work for my country. The feeling of doing something important is another thing that I will ever be thankful for to GAA. Every one who was lucky to work at GAA enjoyed the special atmosphere of this office. This atmosphere is created and kept through years by our highly respected and beloved president, Susanne Paul. She adores every single intern helping to realize all his or her talents. Along with knowledge about aging issues, people master their English here, gain computer skills, learn to talk to VIPs, make presentations, visit a lot of UN events , and many more exiting things! I highly recommend to good people to join this wonderful team and probably you will not be able to say good bye to them like me who is being over the Ocean still in touch and sending articles to GAA website."
Naomi Osawa (July - November 2004), from Japan
"Interning at GAA has been one of the best experiences in my life. In addition to learning about aging issues, I could familize myself with other crucial international problems by attending a number of international conferences, such as poverty, women's rights, nuclear proliferation, and many more. Once I achieve my Bachelor's degree in Political Science, I am planning to pursue my career as either international lawyer or human rights advocate."
Lisa Moore (Summer 2004),
from
Jamaica
"My internship at GAA proved an unparalleled learning experience! There is much to be done at Global Aging and Susanne does a great job of tailoring the internship to suit everyone's interests. For me the best parts were the conferences I attended, the projects I worked on as a part of the GAA team and the surprises that each day brought. I wish I could do it all over!"
Magali
Girod (October 2003- June 2004), from
France "My nine-month internship at GAA was a wonderful experience from start to finish. I learned a lot about aging issues and computer skills throughout my stay. It helped me a great deal improve my communication skills especially talking in front of a crowd. I had a lot of responsibilities and I was able to take initiatives and implement my ideas to improve the Website. It gave me a good sense of what the UN is, how it collaborates with the NGO community and how useful this collaboration is to help the international community move forward. GAA also helped me with my career plan by showing me many existing opportunities in the US and also in other parts of the world. Thanks to my internship in New York, I met wonderful people from different origins and made friends for life."
Nikoo Nikoomanesh
(2003), from the
United States "My internship experience at GAA not only allowed me the opportunity to become acquainted with some of the most cultured, interesting and dedicated individuals I've ever met, but also gave me practical skills that ended up being invaluable at my subsequent jobs and now in law school. I can't think of another position in which I could have met such great people, learned so much about international and human rights law, and became familiar with the workings of one of the most relevant organizations today, the U.N., all while feeling like I was personally contributing to the improvement of conditions for elderly around the world."
Gunel Sultanova (Summer/fall 2003),
from
Azerbaidjan "If you are interested to learn about global aging population and their concerns, if you care for those caught in conflicts or affected by political regimes, if you have a lot of ideas and seek motivation and support - GAA is the best place for you to make a contribution!
Andriy Bega (Spring 2003),
from
Ukraine I'm Andriy Bega, former GAA intern. I am currently working at the International Centre for Policy Studies in Kyiv, Ukraine. GAA helped me a lot to know more about the social system in the US, as well as around the world. Another great thing about GAA was the chance to look at the work of the UN from the inside and meet various interesting people.
Benedicte Soilly (Fall 2002-Spring 2003),
from
France My Work as an Intern at Global Action on Aging (GAA)
Hiromi Mizota (September-December
2002) from
Japan "After I've completed my Ph D degree, I participated the UN 2nd World Assembly on Ageing in Madrid in 2002 where I met Susanne Paul. I started my internship at GAA in summer of 2002, it was very precious experience to explore the problems of global ageing. Since then, Susanne has been my best mentor, who encourages me and inspires me a lot."
Mylène Barra (September 2001-2002), from France
"I came to New York on September 24, 2001, 13 days after "September 11th", the terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center. For my family, I was crazy. For New-Yorkers, I was brave. That's how my nine-month experience at Global Action on Aging started. I was a twenty-year girl working to help older persons because " I will get old some day" as I told them when they asked me why. This experience showed me the reality of the situation of older persons. They need to be helped like other persons with difficulties such as persons with disabilities. When I got back to France, I graduated and got a diploma of International Action and Solidarity. Today, I know that I want to work to help the one who need it and to defend their rights.
I worked for ten months for the French NGO Handicap International with their advocacy officer on their campaign to ban landmines and their new campaign on cluster munitions. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at barramylene@yahoo.fr"
Coralie Gross (Fall/Winter 2000),
from
France "Interning at GAA for a six-month period really gave me a valuable insight into the NGO community and UN environment. Susanne Paul was of great support and made this internship a thrilling and unforgettable experience! Hope you'll enjoy your experience at GAA as much as I did..." Internships
Allow Experience with UN, Aging Issues (August 12, 2005) For more on the interns as well as GAA's goals and mission as a
Non-Governmental Organization in New York, refer to the article.
Copyright © 2002 Global Action on Aging |
