Charity and Youth Development Internship in Singapore, My Story

Singapore, July - November 2012

I went to Singapore to make an internship at a social organization for 5 months. The organization is helping youth to succeed. They have different school youth workers and counselors to support the students. The team lessons are integrated into the time schedule of the students. During these lessons, they learn soft skills like teamwork, confidence and strength and in addition to it, to respect each other. Furthermore, the youth worker team works with the whole class from January till December. If there is a bullying issue they also work with the whole class. The team doesn’t pick out the bullied person; they discuss the problem with the whole class so they don’t label the involved person.

Actually I wanted to work in an organization that works in the cultural area (music-arts) to learn how to work in the cultural management. But I think this way, to work in a local, social organization was a better way to learn all the basics of management, office work, organization and how to handle different cultures. This was a big challenge during my first days/weeks - the difference between Europe and Asia. The biggest problem was the language, because the Asian people don’t speak the “real” English language. They mix English, Chinese and Malay, that was the reason why we had at the beginning a few understanding problems. Indeed after getting used to the language I’m now able to speak fluently – with some breaks sure but I’m not scared to speak English.

My tasks at the organization were all very different. I helped with the daily administrative staff in the office. But I was also allowed to organize my own workshop for the students. Furthermore, I learned how to prepare a social learning project for the students. I prepared to conduct and rework the project. In addition I joined - and in the end, I also lead - a volunteer interview, volunteer briefings and I was present at different volunteer workshops. Besides I was integrated into the evaluation of our staff. I was responsible for the video recording of their lessons. By the way, I had the possibility to be creative. I made posters, prepared slideshows, created new form papers and was the photographer of the showcases. At the end of my internship there was a big conference, organized by my company.

Another project was the preparation of a coastal cleanup. It’s a service-learning project for the students. They should learn that they have to do something for the society. I had to prepare them for that day on the beach, inform them what they have to do and enlighten them in security measures. My college and I prepared a PowerPoint presentation with all the information, went to school and make the students ready for their day. On the day itself, we just had to look after the students and joined them after the reflection. One very good reflection was that one girl said she knows now what the job of a cleaner is like. That’s the result we want to receive.

Summarizing during all my tasks and experience I made, I also learned a lot about myself. I always thought I’m not so good in organization- I am. Due to all the different experiences and tasks, I was allowed to go through, I am more open-minded. My character is now stronger, I know how to handle difficult situations better and have more confidence in what I’m doing. Sometimes I’m not sure if I can handle something or if I’m good at something. But the time at Singapore taught me I am. I can do and learn different things and I implement all my tasks fast and tidy. I also recognized that I am a very positive girl. Even if I have a problem or other people have trouble, I try to give them a piece of good advice to think positive and try to get the best out of the situation. I also grew in a bad situation and that I can always learn of bad experiences. In addition, I have to say, that I learned not only how an organization is working but also, the Asian culture. It was a good experience to join a local organization, not an international company. Even they gave me the possibility to travel a lot, to see more of Southeast Asia. They supported me in every situation if good or bad. I had a really good time and enjoyed my internship. BECOME AN INTERN IN SINGAPORE!