- Meet ION Interns
- CAMFED
- CBC Radio
- IISD
- OECD
- Pathy Foundation Fellowship
- VPERM
- VOSCE
- Perm. Mission of Canada to the UN in Geneva
- Perm. Mission of Canada to the WTO in Geneva
- Synergos
- UNHCR Ecuador
- UNHCR Guatemala
- UNWFP Panama
Meet ION Interns
Meet ION past interns and read about their internship experience!
The articles are written by students at the end of their internship, they are a chance for the students to reflect on their achievements and experiences, on the impact of the internship on their academic and professional life, and to share what they have learnt with other students.
Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) Interns
2022 Interns
Adedoyin Adewunmi, Master of Social Work
Adedoyin Caroline Adewunmi is a Graduate student at the 㽶Ƶ School of Social Work. She is an international student from Nigeria. This summer, she is excited to be interning remotely with Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) Canada to support the organization's mission of tackling inequality and poverty by prioritizing girls' education and women's empowerment. Adedoyin is passionate about education, and hopes to refine her research skills from this internship while promoting empowerment and self-agency.
Adedoyin is a recipient of the Faculty of Arts Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism Fund
Karlee Thomas, BA International Development Studies
Karlee Thomas is entering her final year of International Development studies with a minor in Political Science. She will be interning with The Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED)—a non-profit organization focused on tackling poverty and inequality by supporting girls to go to school and empowering young women to step up as leaders in Africa. She looks forward to applying her advocacy experience to support CAMFED in report writing, fundraising, and outreach.
Karlee is a recipient of theFaculty of Arts Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism Fund
2021 Intern
Clara McGaughey, BCL/JD
Clara will be interning remotely with Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in San Francisco, an international organization that expands girls’ access to education in Africa. As microfinance and development intern, she will aid with research and help develop fundraising initiatives. Having worked as a teacher before beginning law school, Clara is thrilled to be working in the field of education justice, and excited to learn more about international education development.
Clara is a recipient of the Faculty of Arts Internship Awards.
2019 Intern
Maheen Akter, BA Honours Political Science
Maheen is entering her third year in the Faculty of Arts, pursuing an honour's degree in political science. This summer, she will be interning with CAMFED USA in San Francisco as a communications and microfinance intern, where her role will involve strengthening CAMFED’s partnership with micro-lending platform Kiva. This will include reviewing microloan borrower profiles, conducting research on strategic partnerships, and writing proposals. Maheen is inspired by CAMFED’s commitment to creating systemic change through women’s empowerment and looks forward to gaining valuable experience in the non-profit sector.
Maheen is a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2018 Intern
Asha Bittenbender, BA English and Political Science
Asha Bittenbender is a second year student pursuing a joint honors degree in political science and theatre. Her degree programs have included work on social dialogue with indigenous peoples of Canada as an element of transitional justice. This summer she will intern with CAMFED - the Campaign for Female Education - working to eradicate poverty in Africa with the support of female education and empowerment. As a development intern Asha will develop and manage international sources of funding, including the online lending platform Kiva. She hopes this internship will familiarize her with the role of the non-profit sector in reparative development, and prepare her for her future in international human rights law.
Asha is a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
2017 Intern
Elizabeth Gallay, BA Honours Political Science
Elizabeth will be doing research with CAMFED USA's office in San Francisco, California. There she will help promote the education and empowerment of young African women, with the goal of alleviating poverty and inequality through female leadership. Elizabeth is pursuing an honours degree in political science and minors in international relations and art history. She intends to gain exposure to issues on the ground before she pursues a master's in political theory following graduation.
Elizabeth is arecipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
2016 Intern
Tasha Kara, BA International Development Studies and Gender & Sexuality Studies
Tasha will be working as the CAMFED-KIVA intern in San Francisco with Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), an NGO that promotes education and microfinance for marginalized girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tasha hopes to gain valuable and practical experience in the field, while simultaneously conducting research that is fundamental to her degree.
Tasha is a recipient ofthe Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
2015 Intern
Gail Toca, BA International Development Studies
Gail is a U3 student pursuing a major in International Development, and a double minor in Women's Studies and Social Science of Medicine. She will be interning for CAMFED USA, a non-profit organization located in San Francisco that is dedicated to improving the lives of girls and women across Africa through education. Her role as a fundraising intern entails working and supporting CAMFED fundraisers, donors, and the supporting community, and provides training in social media planning, project management, non-profit acquisition, and donor engagement. She is extremely excited to take on this opportunity in the non-profit sector, and is delighted to be part of an organization committed to women's rights.
Gailis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
CBC Radio Peter Gzowski Interns
2022 Intern
Emmanuelle Hébert, BA Sociology and English
Emmanuelle Hébert is in their final year pursuing an Honours degree in Sociology, with a major in English Cultural Studies and a minor in History. This summer they will be working at CBC Radio Montreal as part of the Gzowski Internship program. They look forward to working with the CBC to highlight the stories that are most important to the Montreal community. Emmanuelle hopes to apply this experience going forward to a career in journalism.
We look forward to hearing about the great work Emmanuelle completes during their internship!
2021 Intern
Ji Eun Lee, BCL/JD
Ji Eun graduated from the McGill Faculty of Law. She went to law school to learn to look at the world through multiple perspectives and to help people who are often unheard and ignored be heard and respected. During her time at McGill, she had the opportunity to achieve some of these goals by volunteering and working for organizations such as Innocence Canada, CRARR and Juristes à Domicile. She is extremely grateful to be selected as a Gzowski intern, as she hopes to continue learning about different worldviews to expand her own and to aid in making different voices be heard in a new and more creative manner.
We look forward to hearing about the great work Ji Eun completes during her internship!
2003-2020Interns
Click here to read about Peter Gzowski Interns at CBC Radio in summers 2003 to 2020!
International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Interns
2022 Interns
Hyeyoon Cho, BA Gender Sexuality Feminism and Social Justice Studies
Hyeyoon will be interning remotely at International Institute of Sustainable Development, an independent think tank based in Winnepeg, Canada, that strives to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resources, and fair economies. As their resilience intern, she is excited to be conducting research on Canadian and international climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
Hyeyoon is a recipient of the RBC Arts Internship Awards
Grace Ma, BCL/JD
Grace Ma is studying law at McGill and this summer will be interning with the International Institute for Sustainable Development's Energy Department. She is looking forward to contributing to research on just transition and fossil fuel phaseout in Canada, and delve into the intersections of law and policy. Most days, you can find Grace reading, writing, walking, or biking.
Grace is a recipient of the McGill Internship Awards
2021 Intern
Anjali Mehindiratta, BA Political Science, International Development Studies, History
Anjali is a third-year student at McGill. She is studying Political Science, International Development, and History. This summer, she will be interning with the International Institute for Sustainable Development. The IISD is an independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Anjali will be working in the Resilience team, doing research and literature reviews on climate change and resilience-related topics, with a focus on gender equality and social inclusion.
Anjali is a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)Interns
2022 Summer Intern
Kasem Alhaeik, MA Political Science
After receiving a B.Sc. in International Studies, Kasem is currently a first-year master’s student in political science with a specialization in Development Studies. He will be interning with The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), precisely at the Development Co-operation Directorate (DCD). An opportunity that will allow him to work with an international organization that continues to shape principles of foreign aid and development policies to help achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries.
Kasem is a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2021 Summer Intern
Beatrice Rutayisire, BCL JD
Beatrice is an incoming 2L who will be interning remotely with the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development headquarters in Paris. She will be working with the Office of Human Resources Management to support the development of HR policy and legal frameworks across the organisation and assist with studies that consider the OECD’s staff legal framework compared to other international organisations. Beatrice looks forward to gaining knowledge and developing experience in international law and governance.
Beatrice is a recipient of the Faculty of Arts Internship Awards.
2021 Winter Intern
Stephanie Cairns, MSc. Mathematics and Statistics
My name is Stephanie Cairns, and I’m a master’s student at McGill studying applied math and machine learning. I am particularly interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and public policy. To further explore this interest, I completed a remote internship with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), working within the Directorate for Science, Technology, and Innovation, and more specifically, the Science and Technology Policy Division.
Stephanie is a recipient of the Faculty of Arts Internship Awards.
2019 Intern
Annafaye Dunbar, BCL/LLB
Annafaye is pursuing her joint BCL/LLB degree in the Faculty of Law. This summer she will be interning with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the Development Co-operation Directorate, Global Partnerships & Policies Division. She will conduct research on gender equality and development and also support the Secretariat prepare papers and policy briefs. Annafaye is looking forward to learning about how the OECD sets international principles and standards to promote socio-economic development.
Learn more about Annafaye's experience by reading her full article!
Annafaye is a recipient of the McGill Undergraduate Internship Fund.
Alexander Agnello, BCL/LLB
Alexander is pursuing B.C.L/LL.B. degrees in the Faculty of Law at McGill. He will be interning with the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) in the Executive Directorate. Alexander will assist the team by supporting efforts to review and develop the texts governing the OECD’s legal and policy framework. He believes that the wide spectrum of expertise at the OECD will provide him a solid trajectory for further pursing research and advocacy work at the intersection of international development, law, and public policy.
Learn more about Alexander's experience by reading his full article!
Alexander is a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards..
2017 Interns
Connor Macorin, BCL/LLB
Connor is a first-year law student at McGill. Prior to undertaking his law degree he studied political science at Queen’s University, where he led a variety of student-run initiatives, including the construction of a fully autonomous solar home. He also assisted in research surrounding cross-border terrorist financing, and spent a summer interning with the Parole Board of Canada. When he is not frantically reading case law, he enjoys playing volleyball, exploring Montreal's culinary scene, improving his chess skills, and dreaming about where he'll travel next. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to work within the Executive Directorate of the OECD this summer.
Learn more about Connor's experience by reading his full article!
Nicolas Glaudemans, BCL/LLB
Nicolas will be entering his third year in McGill Law. Previously he completed an honours degree in economics with a minor in finance at McGill. He will be interning at the Office of Legal Council for the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency in Paris, France during the summer of 2017. His main objective in applying for this internship is to apply his legal skillset to a field of energy law.
Learn more about Nicolas' experience by reading his full article!
Connor and Nicolas are recipients of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards..
2015 Intern
Emilie Horrocks-Denis, BCL/LLB
Emilie will be interning with the International Partnerships and Initiatives Unit of the International Energy Agency (IEA), affiliated with the OECD in Paris, France. After obtaining her bachelor's degree in Honours Political Science and German Language from 㽶Ƶ, Emilie spent a summer working for the Government of Alberta's Ministry of International and Intergovernmental Relations. Emilie subsequently completed a master's degree in Political Science at the University of British Columbia, where she wrote a thesis exploring the effects of aboriginal title jurisprudence on relations between indigenous peoples and the Crown in Canada. Emilie is currently pursuing a law degree at McGill, where she is involved in the International Justice Portfolio of the Human Rights Working Group, and the Aboriginal Law Student Association. Emilie looks forward to applying her strong research and writing skills, love of languages, and experience in policy analysis, to support the International Partnerships and Initiatives Unit's efforts in engaging with IEA partner countries, industry and external stakeholders by developing policy recommendations and organizing workshops aimed at promoting the deployment of low carbon technologies in emerging and developing economies.
Learn more about Emilie's experience by reading her full article!
Emilie is a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards..
Pathy Fellows
For a list of all Pathy Fellows from 2015 to 2021, and details about their projects consult the Past Pathy Fellows Page.
Permanent Mission of Canada to the International Organizations in Vienna (VPERM) Interns
2022 Interns
Kiran Basra, BA Philosophy and Political Science
Kiran is a third year student pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Political Science. This summer, she will be interning at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the International Organizations in Vienna. At the Mission, Kiran will be working with the UN Office for Drugs and Crime on the 31st Session of The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. Specifically, Kiran will be contributing to Canada’s foreign policy on international crimes such as terrorism, cybercrime, corruption, the smuggling of migrants, child sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Kiran is a recipient of the RBC Arts Internship Awards.
Amen Ben Ahmouda, MA Political Science
Amen Ben Ahmouda is a Francophile raised on Algonquin Anishinabe territory (Ottawa). She is currently pursuing her MA in Political Science with a specialization in Comparative Politics and International Relations at 㽶Ƶ, and holds an undergraduate degree in Public Administration and Political Science from the University of Ottawa. Amen is currently doing her ION internship at Canada’s Permanent Mission in Vienna. She enjoys being outdoors, and finding the best local coffee shops.
Amen is a recipient of the McGill Internship Awards
Naomi Shi, BA Political Science
Naomi is a fourth year student who is pursuing a B.A. in Honours Political Science with minors in History and East Asian Studies. This summer, Naomi will intern with the Permanent Mission of Canada to the International Organizations in Vienna (VPERM). As a Policy Intern, she will be assisting the Mission in the promotion and advocacy of Canadian interests and policies at the organizations headquartered in Vienna. She especially looking forward to learning more about and being directly involved with diplomacy in practice.
Naomi is a recipient of the RBC Arts Internship Awards
2021 Intern
Joy Kwak, BA International Development Studies
Joy is excited to be joining the Permanent Mission of Canada to the International Organizations in Vienna (VPERM) as a Policy Intern this summer, where she will be assisting the Permanent Mission in the management of Canada’s relationship with the organizations based in Vienna. As someone who is deeply interested in international governance, she is looking forward to being directly involved and learning more about multilateral affairs and the Permanent Mission’s work first-hand.
Joy is a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
2019 Interns
Ashton Mathias, BA Honours Political Science
Ashton is pursuing honours in political science, and a double minor in economics and history in the Faculty of Arts. This summer, he will be interning at the Permanent Missions of Canada to the International Organizations in Vienna. As a Policy Intern he will be drafting policy reports relevant for distribution to Ottawa, attending civil society seminars, and editing data related to the IAEA, CTBTO, and UNODC. Ashton hopes this experience will give him more insight into the international legal regime and the foreign services.
Ashton is a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards..
Elina Qureshi, BA Economics and International Development Studies
Elina Qureshi is currently pursuing a double major in economics and international development in the Faculty of Arts. This summer she will be interning at the Permanent Missions of Canada to the International Organizations in Vienna, Austria. She will have the opportunity to attend meetings and seminars with the UN organizations, write policy reports, and conduct research. She hopes to learn more about Canadian foreign policy through this experience.
Elinais a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2016 Intern
Felicia Mazzarello, BCL/LLB
Felicia graduated from McGill in May 2015 with Honors Political Science and a minor in History. During her time as an undergrad, Felicia was a secretariat member for two of the Secondary Schools’ United Nations Symposium conferences and represented the International Relations Students’ Association of McGill at the 58th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She is currently a law student, pursuing a BCL/LLB at McGill.
Felicia is a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (VOSCE) Interns
2022 Intern
Nour Atallah, BCL/JD
Nour is a BCL/JD candidate at the McGill Faculty of Law, currently in her second year of studies. This summer, she will be interning with the Canadian Delegation to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. As a Policy Intern, she will engage in reporting and research activities, and she will be provided with first-hand experience in multilateral affairs. Nour is looking forward to exploring the career possibilities that exist in the international arena.
Nour is a recipient of the RBC Internship Awards
2021 Intern
Chlöe Shahinian, MA Political Science
Chlöe is a first year Master’s student studying political science with a specialization in international relations. She will be interning remotely with the Permanent Mission of Canada to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the world’s largest regional security organization under the United Nations Charter. Chlöe looks forward to the opportunity to observe the inner workings of a diplomatic mission and eagerly anticipates the chance to develop her policy-drafting and analysis skills.
Chlöe is a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva Interns
2022 Intern
Zeytouna Suleiman, BCL/JD
Zeytouna is a first-year law student at McGill's Faculty of Law. This summer, she will be interning as a Junior Policy Officer at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva, on the Human Rights team. She previously completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and looks forward to using her local human rights experience and applying it to an international context. Through this role, she is looking forward to learning more about challenges related to diplomacy and international humanitarian law.
Zeytouna is a recipient of the RBC Internship Awards
2021 Intern
Shona Moreau, BCL/JD
Shona is currently a first-year law student at McGill's Faculty of Law. This summer, she will be interning as a Junior Policy Officer at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Through this opportunity, she hopes to bring her previous academic education, from her BSocSc in Conflict Studies and Human Rights in Conflict Studies & Human Rights, and her professional experience, in the public service and parliament, to engage with humanitarian law and digital diplomacy issues.
Shona is a recipient of the Faculty of Arts Internship Award.
2019 Intern
Anabel Semerdzhieva, BCL/LLB
Anabel is a second-year law student at McGill's Faculty of Law and will be working as a Junior Policy Officer in the Human Rights team of the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Among her responsibilities, she will act as a representative to various UN meetings, including the Human Rights Council and the Universal Periodic Review, and will assist the Mission in researching and writing reports on human rights and international law issues. Anabel hopes that this experience will allow her to engage first-hand with issues she is passionate about, such as women's and minorities' rights.
Anabel is a recipient of the McGill Undergraduate Internship Fund.
2017 Intern
Cassandra Richards, BCL/LLB
Cassandra Richards is a first year student at the Faculty of Law at 㽶Ƶ. Her passion for human rights led her to the University of Ottawa, obtaining an honours degree in conflict studies and human rights. Currently at McGill, Cassandra volunteers with Pro Bono Students Canada at the Centre for Gay & Lesbian Rights in Montreal, as well as the Innocence Project. She is equally an avid researcher, writer, and activist regarding issues of sustainability, Indigenous rights, and access to justice.
Cassandra is a recipientof the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
2016 Interns
Shaké Melanie Sarkhanian, BCL/LLB
Shaké is a first year law student at 㽶Ƶ. She has a Joint Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Ottawa, achieved while working at the Armenian Embassy as the Executive Assistant to the Ambassador. She is an associate editor of Inter Gentes, The McGill Journal of International Law and Legal Pluralism, volunteer with Pro Bono Students Canada, and executive member of McGill’s Intellectual Property and Information Technology Policy Club.
Shakéis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Hilary Chu, BA Economics and Political Science
Hilary graduated from McGill in December 2015 with a double major in Economics and Political Science. During her time at McGill, Hilary was involved with the International Relations Students’ Association of McGill, serving as a Secretariat member of the Secondary Schools’ United Nations Symposium for two years, and representing the Association at the 58th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. She also completed a semester abroad at Sciences Po in Paris, France. Hilary has worked for two federal government departments, including Global Affairs Canada, where she supported Canada’s bilateral development programming in Ethiopia.
2015 Intern
Sarah Jackson, BCL/LLB International Human Rights and Development
Sarah graduated from St. Francis Xavier with a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Political Science. Subsequently, Sarah worked as an intern for the Public Information and Documentation Section of the International Criminal Court in the Hague, Netherlands, and conducted research on post-conflict redress in Kathmandu, Nepal. She has spent time travelling through Europe and Asia before coming to McGill to pursue a BCL/LLB with a Major in International Human Rights and Development in the Faculty of Law.
Sarahis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva Interns
2022 Intern
Tom Chong, BCL/JD
Tom completed his first year of studies at McGill’s Faculty of Law and will be working as a Junior Policy Officer in Trade Policy and Law at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the World Trade Organization. Among his responsibilities, he will be attending meetings, drafting reports, and conducting research. Prior to McGill, he received a BSc in Economics from St. Francis Xavier University and a MA from Carleton’s Norman Patterson School of International Affairs.
Tom is a recipient of the RBC Internship Awards
Synergos Interns
2022 Interns
Mahua Nath, BA Political Science
Mahua Nath is a second-year student pursuing her honours degree in Political Science with a minor in Religious Studies. Mahua has the pleasure of working with Synergos, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating regenerative solutions for alleviating global poverty while taking collective action by fostering bridging leadership. As their development intern, Mahua looks forward to gaining experience across internal, non-profit operations such as fundraising and development, conducting research on projects and initiatives, and data collection for the internal organization metrics and database.
Mahua is a recipient of the RBC Arts Internship Awards
Thu Nguyen, BA Political Science and Psychology
Thu Nguyen is a U1 student in Political Science and Psychology. For Summer 2022, she will be interning at Synergos Institute, a non-profit organization based in New York that seeks to coordinate governmental, local, and private efforts to find practical and long-term solutions for poverty. At Synergos, she will be working with the Human Resources department. She hopes to be able to gain experience in working for an NGO as well as observations for multiple departments in the organization.
Thu is a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Hazel Berger, BA Gender, Sexuality, Feminist, and Social Justice Studies
Hazel is in her final year of undergraduate studies as a Gender, Sexuality, Feminist, and Social Justice Studies student with a double minor in East Asian Studies and Political Science. This summer, she will intern at Synergos, a global non-profit based in New York City that addresses critical issues such as poverty, climate change, and social injustice. Hazel hopes to gain experience in the nonprofit sector by applying her studies to promote Synergos’s mission of building trusting relationships and making a social impact.
Hazel is a recipient of the RBC Arts Internship Awards.
2021 Interns
Gayatri Chirambath, BA Honours International Development Studies
Gayatri is pursuing a B.A in Honours International Development Studies and a minor in Social Entrepreneurship. This summer, she will be completing an internship at Synergos, a non-profit organization based in New York that aims to find solutions to complex issues in various countries through building trust and collective action. At Synergos, Gayatri will be working in the Programs and Bridging Leadership Department and collaborating on ongoing development projects. She hopes to gain experience and skills for her graduate studies and gain insight into working at an NGO.
Gayatriis a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Meghan Couture, BA Honours Psychology
This summer, Meghan will be a Human Resources intern at Synergos, a global non-profit organization which fights global poverty and social injustices. Supporting social investors, philanthropists and consulting leading corporations, Meghan trusts her experience with Synergos will enrich her understanding and independent application of the systems thinking, leadership oriented approach Synergos adopts. Meghan is a U2 student studying Psychology, Behavioral Science and Communications, and hopes to pursue a law degree after graduation.
Meghanis a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Heleena De Oliveira, BA Political Science and Anthropology
Heleena is currently pursuing a double major in Political Science and Anthropology. This summer, she will be completing a remote internship for Synergos, a non-profit organization based in New York. Synergos is mandated to tackle complex societal issues around the world through employing an approach which intends to cultivate trust and collaboration among diverse stakeholders in order to inspire systemic change in the world. This internship will allow Heleena to work amongst members of the Global Philanthropists Circle by providing project management support to the team working on Development and Consulting Services operations.
Heleenais a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2019 Interns
Leina Gabra, BA Joint Honours Political Science and History
Leina is pursuing a joint honors in political science and history in the Faculty of Arts. This summer she will be interning with the Synergos Institute in New York City. She will participate broadly in Synergos’ day-to-day activities, including all staff meetings, staff presentations, and meetings with external guests. Leina hopes that this experience will give her more insight into the day-to-day functions of working in the fields of development and non-profit management.
Leinais a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Shaydah Ghom, BA International Development Studies
Shaydah is pursuing a major in honours international development studies and a double minor in political science and social entrepreneurship in the Faculty of Arts. This summer she will be interning with Synergos Institute in New York City, a global non-profit organization that aims to solve problems of poverty through sustainable systems. She will participate in varying activities at Synergos and hopes to deepen her understanding of these complicated issues through her day-to-day tasks.
Shaydahis a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2018 Intern
Maheen Akter, BA Honours Political Science
Maheen is entering her second year in the Faculty of Arts and currently pursuing an honours degree in political science. This summer, she will work with The Synergos Institute in New York City as an intern in the Human Resources department. She will partake in a range of activities that include conducting research and analysis on HR projects and assisting in the staff recruitment process. Maheen is fascinated by the organization’s commitment to sustainable development and looks forward to learning more about the inner workings of this international non-profit.
Maheenis a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2017 Intern
Frida Blackwell, MSc (Applied) Nursing
Frida Blackwell is a graduate student in the Master of Science (Applied) Nursing – Global Health Direct Entry Program at 㽶Ƶ. She graduated with a Bachelor's of Sciencefrom McGill in 2014 in anatomy and cell biology and English literature. Frida’s research project focuses on sexual health education to prevent HIV/AIDS among youth in rural Tanzania. This summer Frida will be completing an internship at the Synergos Institute to help develop programs that support global health initiatives and social justice around the world.
Fridais a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Madeleine Kausel, BA Honours Political Science
Madeleine is a third year student pursuing an honors political science degree with a minor in sociology. She will be an intern at Synergos Institute in New York City, New York. She will bea Communications and Marketing Intern working tofurther promote the organization'sinternational development projects to their clients and the general public. She holds three citizenships (Canadian, American, and Chilean) and isnaturally passionate aboutinternational development, human rights,and cross-cultural issues.Madeleine hopes that this summer will prepare her for a future career in international law and political communications, while gaining a powerful insight to the world of nonprofit development work.
Madeleine is a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Ecuador Interns
2022 Interns
Sara Alarcon Carrillo, BCL/JD
Sara is entering her third year at the Faculty of Law. This summer, she will intern at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Ecuador. As a Protection intern, she will help the team at various stages of case management, including maintaining the database and conducting interviews with refugees, local NGOs and government institutions. Sara is looking forward to working in her first language and understanding the immigration and refugee process in South America.
Sara is a recipient of the McGill Internship Awards
Janelle Deniset, BCL/JD
Janelle is a third-year student at the McGill Faculty of Law. She holds a Master of Global Affairs from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts (hon.) in Political Science from the University of Winnipeg. Prior to attending law school, Janelle worked throughout East Africa as a Special Projects Officer for the Aga Khan Foundation Canada. This summer, she will intern with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ecuador with the Protection Unit. She is thrilled for the opportunity to conduct work that has a meaningful impact for refugees.
Janelle is a recipient of the RBC Internship Awards
Chloe Dubois, BSc Agricultural Economics; Agribusiness
Chloe Dubois is an undergraduate student at 㽶Ƶ studying Agricultural economics with a concentration in Agribusiness and a minor in Finance. Chloe has experience working as an agribusiness intern at La Somdiaa located in Paris, France, developing livestock business plans and budget sheets for a subsidiary in Cameroon. This position involved consulting with directors to achieve client goals in flour, sugar, and broiler production and have an understanding of key market performance indicators of African markets
Chloe is a recipient of the RBC Internship Awards.
Sara Escallon, BA&Sc. Environment
Sara Escallon is a second-year student pursuing a B.A. & Sc.in Environment with a minor in Geography. She will be interning with the United Nations Higher Council for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ibarra, Ecuador as the community protection intern, and assist with creating and disseminating communications products with local communities. Sara is looking forward to supporting the UNHCR in its mission to improve conditions for displaced people, specifically in the context of Latin America.
Sara is a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2021 Interns
Samuel Balcazar, BA Joint Honours Economics and Finance
Samuel is pursuing a Joint Honours program in Economics and Finance, with a minor in International Development. This summer, he will be theFinance Intern with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Ecuador, supporting and working alongside the finance department in data analysis and ensuring compliance with the organization’s financial strategy. Samuel is thrilled to explore the overlap between finance and international development, particularly in the context of South America.
Samuel is a recipient of theAllan A. Hodgson Arts Internship Award. Learn more about the Allan A. Hodgson Arts Internship Award.
Ariana Castillon, BA International Development Studies
Ariana will be theLivelihoods Internwith United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Ecuador. She will be conducting research, promoting the visibility of the existing refugee programs, assisting in the implementation of activities, among other tasks. She is looking forward to learning about the inner workings of the United Nations and put her abilities to good use to help refugees in Latin America while broadening her knowledge on refugee policies and laws across the world.
Ariana is a recipient ofthe Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Maria Laura Chobadindegui, BA Joint Honours Philosophy and Political Science
Maria Laura will be theCommunity-based Protection Internwith the Ecuador branch office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She will work to strengthen communication with communities, including dissemination of information on COVID-19. As a political science honours student, she is beyond excited to apply her knowledge in international human rights and Latin American politics to an internship with the world’s leading organization aiding and protecting refugees, displaced communities and stateless people.
Maria Laurais a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Sophie Gagné-Landmann, BCL/JD
Sophie is a third-year law student who is always eager to learn more about ways to address human rights and environmental issues. This summer, she will be working virtuallywith the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as theProtection Intern. The work will consist in helping refugees, primarily from Venezuela and Colombia, through their challenges of relocating and integrating into a new society.
Sophie is a recipient of theFaculty of Arts Internship Award.
2019 Interns
Agnes Bouchet, MA Political Science
Agnes is a second year graduate student in political science, international development option, with a focus in international security. This summer she will be interning at the UNHCR in Quito, Ecuador, with the Livelihoods Unit. She will be supporting the Senior Durable Solutions Associate in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Livelihoods strategy geared towards refugees. Agnes is excited to learn from and contribute to this project.
Agnes is a recipient ofthe Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Julia Tomasso, BA Political Science and World Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies
Julia is pursuing a double major in political science and world Islamic studies with a minor in gender studies in the Faculty of Arts. This summer she will be interning with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Quito, Ecuador. She will assist the protection team with individual case management and identify eventual cases for the refugee population's resettlement. Julia hopes that this experience will confirm her desire to work with refugees in Iran as well as understand the span of issues, from local to global, that the refugee crisis encompasses.
Juliais a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Arthur Scalabrini, BCL/LLB
Arthur is a first year law student with a strong interest in human rights. This summer he will intern for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Quito, Ecuador. He will support their resettlement unit that determines the refugees that are eligible for resettlement in third party countries. Arthur is hoping to get a first-hand knowledge regarding international refugee law and its application in the South-American context.
Arthuris a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2018 Interns
Kelly O'Connor, BCL/LLB
Kelly is a second year law student who aims to work in human rights. This summer she will intern for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Quito, Ecuador. She will support the Livelihoods program in implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs that assist refugees and NGOs. Kelly is hoping to get a first-hand look at what it is like to work in a large international organization and to learn about issues facing refugees in South America.
Kellyis a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Jorge Saldana, BA Honours Political Science
Jorge is pursuing an honours degree in political science with a minor in east Asian studies in the Faculty of Arts. This summer he will be interning at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Quito, Ecuador. He will support their Livelihoods Unit, which monitors integration programs and workshops for refugees. His goal is to acquire institutional knowledge about UNHCR’s efforts to integrate refugees into local communities implementing sustainable and long-term solutions.
Jorgeis a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2017 Intern
Juliette Deshormes, BA Joint Honours Political Science and International Development Studies
Juliette is a Belgian-Italian student currently on exchange in Bogota, Colombia. She is passionate about working for the promotion of human rights and conflict resolution studies having completed numerous internships and participated in various associations affiliated with human rights, development, and policy work. Alongside studying in Bogota, she is also conducting research for her honours thesis on transitional justice and the consequences of the peace accord with the FARC which she will continue to collect during her work with the UNHCR in Ecuador. Upon completion of her degree she wishes to pursue a dual master’s program in international law and refugee & forced migration studies.
Julietteis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
2016 Interns
Ariane Ménard, BA Anthropology
Ariane is majoring in Anthropology. She is passionate about working in the non-profit sector and has a strong interest in social justice, humanitarian issues and helping others through research, community development and advocacy. She has worked as an employment counselor for at-risk youth and as a photographer for several non-profit organizations. In the future, Ariane hopes to become an academic, working with refugees and stateless individuals to help combat prejudice and xenophobic immigration laws.
Ariane is a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Michelle Montilla, BA Honors Political Science
Michelle is a Venezuelan student in the Honors Political Science program. She is also completing a minor in International Development Studies and is currently in her final year. Her passion for human rights advocacy has led her to focus her degree on international law and international affairs in general. She has been very involved in Model UN since a few years already and has participated in several conferences as both delegate and chair. She wishes to contribute to the work of international organizations as she considers herself a citizen of the world.
Michelleis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
2015 Interns
Avrah Levitan-Cooper, BCL/LLB
Avrah will be interning with the UNHCR in Quito, Ecuador. She will be working with monitoring the Comprehensive Solutions Initiative currently being implemented in the region. She is entering her second year at McGill Law in the fall, having completed her undergraduate at McGill in Political Science. She has an interest in policy and development in Latin America and this internship combines her knowledge of the region with her background in law.
Avrahis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Jonathan Lopez, BA International Development Studies and Political Science
Jonathan will be interning at the UNHCR in Ecuador, which hosts the largest refugee population in Latin America. Jonathan is passionate about international relations and diplomacy whereby he has been involved in Model United Nations both as delegate and committee director. He looks forward to contributing his administrative and public relations skills to the agency as well as getting the most out of this unique experience in order to keep building up his personal and professional development.
Jonathanis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Guatemala Interns
2022 Interns
Dounia Al Jijakli, BA Political Science
Dounia Al Jijakli is a third-year honours Political Science student with a minor in East Asian studies. This summer, she will have the opportunity to intern with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Guatemala, where she will support the protection unit in activities related to advocacy, community outreach and capacity-building to promote protection and solutions for persons of concern. Dounia hopes to contribute meaningfully to the UNHCR's project in alleviating refugees' hardship.
Dounia is a recipient of the RBC Arts Internship Awards
Victoria Aponte, BA Political Science
Victoria Aponte is a third-year student pursing a degree in Honors Political Science with a double-minor in Social Entrepreneurship and History. This summer, she will intern remotely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Guatemala. In the next couple of months, Victoria will be working alongside the Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Officer. Some of her tasks will include conducting research, gathering, and analysing socioeconomic information, and providing support in the day-to-day operations, among other activities. She is eager to start working and provide support for refugees.
Victoria is a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Pénélope Fernandez Busto, BCL/JD
Pénélope is a first-year law student completing her BCL/JD. This summer, she will be interning with UNCHR Guatemala. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is a leading organization working to assist and protect refugees, asylum-seekers, and displaced persons. Her work with the Protection department will focus on public legal advocacy and community-oriented solutions to migration. She looks forward to learning more about these issues, and particularly how they affect vulnerable women in Central America.
Pénélope is a recipient of the RBC Internship Awards
Saisha Vasudeva, BA Political Science and Economics
Saisha is a second-year student at McGill studying Economics and Political Science. This summer, she will be interning with UNHCR Guatemala as a Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion Intern. With key interests in labour, migration, and refugee crises, she is looking forward to conducting research on market-oriented livelihood interventions and poverty alleviation programs while gaining a deeper understanding on the economic protection of asylum seekers and forcibly displaced persons in Guatemala.
Victoria is a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2021 Intern
Isabel Muñoz Beaulieu, BA Joint Honours International Development Studies and Philosophy
Isabel Muñoz is a third-year student at McGill, this summer she is interning remotely with the UNHCR in Guatemala as a Resettlement Intern. The United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees is an organization that protects and assists asylum-seekers, refugees, forcibly displaced persons, and others with protection needs or risk of displacement. Her work this summer will focus on assisting the Resettlement officer in Guatemala in case management functions. She hopes this experience will teach her more about issues on migration and the role international organizations play in it.
Isabelis a recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
United Nations World Food Program (UNWFP) Panama Interns
2022 Interns
Teva Alon, BA&Sc. Cognitive Science
Teva is majoring in Cognitive Science and minoring in Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies. She will be interning with the United Nations World Food Program in Panama, which focuses on food assistance and emergency aid in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Teva is interested in understanding the inner workings of a large-scale humanitarian organization and is looking forward to supporting the UNWFP’s communication team in pursuit of interdisciplinary solutions for global food insecurity.
Teva is a recipient ofthe Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Emilia Dominguez, BA Political Science and Latin American Studies
Emilia Dominguez is a third-year student pursuing a double major in Political Science and Latin American & Caribbean Studies student at 㽶Ƶ. She will be interning at the United Nations World Food Programme based in Panama, the world’s largest humanitarian organization, and assisting in the fight against food insecurity. She is looking forward to working with the communications unit to conduct media research and facilitate the dissemination of the organization’s work.
Emilia is a recipient ofthe Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Chloe Staller, BA International Development Studies and Political Science
Chloé is a third-year student, pursuing a Joint Honours degree in Political Sciences and International Development Studies, with a minor in Social Entrepreneurship. She will be joining the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) in Panama as an intern in the Latin American and Caribbean regional branch. Through this internship experience, Chloé hopes to gain firsthand experience in the humanitarian field and she looks forward to learning more about emergency responses and international assistance.
Chloe is a recipient ofthe Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2021 Interns
Shaydah Ghom, BA Honours International Development Studies
Shaydah is completing her final year of undergraduate studies as an Honours International Development Studies student with a double minor in Political Science and Social Entrepreneurship. She will be interning remotely at the United Nations World Food Programme Panama, the world’s largest humanitarian organization and the largest one focused on hunger and food security; the Panama branch manages the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region operations. Shaydah hopes to gain a better understanding of the emergency response, food assistance response frameworks and what factors impact food security and insecurity in the LAC region.
Shaydahis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Teresa Tolo, BA Economics
Teresa is a U3 student majoring in Economics with a minor in International Development. She will intern with the Communications Unit of the United Nations World Food Program in Panama that works to provide food assistance and promote food security in Latin America. She is a passionate advocate for sustainable development and food security in developing countries and has a wide range of international experience. She looks forward to supporting the WFP by carrying out media research and creating multimedia and social media campaigns; all while improving her knowledge of Spanish in a professional context with the WFP.
Teresa is a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
2019 Interns
Arielle Rosenthal, BA International Development Studies, Latin American & Caribbean Studies
Arielle is a second-year McGill undergraduate student double majoring in international development and Latin American and Caribbean studies. She is passionate about helping others and broadening her scope of development. She will be interning at the United Nations World Food Programme in Panama in the Communications and Knowledge Management Unit. Arielle is excited to apply her studies first hand and further her understanding of food security and sustainability. She is eager to learn about the daily operations and projects of the WFP and is positive that this experience will provide invaluable insight into a career in the humanitarian field.
Arielle isa recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
Virginie Laplante, BA Environment
Virginie is pursuing a major in environmental development and a minor in organismal biology at 㽶Ƶ. This summer, she will be interning with the United Nation’s World Food Programme in Panama City, Panama. She will assist the team with communications, monitoring, and research. Virginie hopes that this experience will give her more insight into the day-to-day functions of working with intergovernmental bodies and fighting emerging issues.
Virginie isa recipient of the Susan Casey Brown Fund for McGill, McGill International Experience Awards. .
2018 Interns
Zuleyma Caparo-Escalante, BA Political Science
Zuleyma is a second-year McGill undergraduate student majoring in political science with a minor concentration in economics. Her interest in Human Rights and social development has driven her to pursue an internship at the United Nations World Food Programme regional office in Panama. She will be assisting the Communications and Knowledge department, where she is excited to learn about humanitarian work on the field and the policies, objective and strategies the organization employs.
Zuleymais a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Nassim Pezeshkzad, BSc Food Science and Nutritional Science
Nassim is a third year student at 㽶Ƶ currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in global nutrition. She will be an intern at the United Nations World Food Programme’s regional office in Panama. Her main interest in learning from the Communications and Knowledge Management Unit of the WFP lies in her passion for nutrition combined with a desire to effectively implement sustainable projects related to food security. She is eager to learn more about the United Nations’ development programs in Latin America and hopes that with her academic education in food and nutrition she can contribute to the work of the WFP. She is positive that this will be an enriching experience to solidify her theoretical education in nutrition.
Nassimis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
2017 Interns
Millaray Freire-Archer, BA & Sc Cell/Molecular Biology & International Development Studies
Millaray is a second-year student at McGill currently working on her B.A.Sc. Her major concentrations are international development and cell/molecular biology. Her Chilean heritage has driven an interest and passion for Latin American studies. To that end, she is interning this summer in the Communications and Knowledge Unit at the United Nations World Food Programme’s regional office in Panama. She hopes to be able to compound this work with academic research into food security in a Latin American context upon her return to McGill. She would like to pursue a career in medicine, with a specific focus on development either through international relief work, or local work with marginalized populations.
Millarayis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Peter Garber, BA Environment
Peter is a third year Bachelor of Arts student majoring in environment and development with a minor concentration in geography. From an early age, issuessurrounding the environment and the life it encompasseshave interested Peter. After enrolling at McGill, he was able to contextualize this interest into new concepts: sustainable development, conservation, ecology, and sound economics. Peter is looking forward to interning with the United Nations World Food Programme, with hopes tocontribute to the UN's effortsas well as to better understand the interaction between food, people, and the environment.
Peter is a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Xie Cheng Li, U3, BA Honours Sociology
Xie Cheng will intern at the United Nations World Food Programme in Panama City. The organization seeks to fight hunger worldwide, and deliver assistance along with international communities to improve nutrition. He will be joining the Communications and Knowledge Management Unit, whose responsibilities consist of implementing public advocacy strategy. This internship will help him conduct research on community development programs for NGOs in developing countries, and enrich his experiences in the field of public policy.
2016 Interns
Sou Joung Kim, BEng Bioresource Engineering
Sou is a third year undergraduate student in Bioresource Engineering, a discipline that applies engineering principles to the enhancement and sustainability of the world’s natural resources. It was while growing up in Ivory Coast that Sou developed the interest in sustainable development that would respond to humans’ basic needs. She is very excited for her upcoming internship with the United Nations World Food Programme, in which she hopes to assist in the numerous plans of the UN in social development, promotion of food security, and humanitarian aid.
Sou Joungis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Alexandra Matas Calderon, BA Honors International Development Studies
Alexandra is a second year student majoring in Honors International Development with a minor concentration in Economics. Before coming to McGill, Alexandra lived in several countries in Latin America, West Africa and the Caribbean. This contributed to her interest in development, economic empowerment, and food security. She is looking forward to interning with the United Nation’s World Food Programme Regional Bureau in Panama, a wonderful experience for personal and professional development.
Alexandrais a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
2015 Interns
Ava Liu, BA Honours Political Science
Ava is a U2 student in Honours Political Science with a minor in philosophy. She is very excited to develop her interests in international development at the United Nations World Food Programme in Panama. Ava is delighted to experience the dynamic culture of Panama while working in a Spanish-language environment. This internship contributes to her past experience in international development since she interned last summer in rural Vietnam at a small grassroots social enterprise. Having the opportunity to also operate in an inter-governmental organization provides an invaluable contribution to Ava's understanding of developmental work. This internship is a valuable opportunity that is sure to be an important launching point for her post-graduate life.
Avais a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Emilie Lockey-Laplanche, BA Political Science and Hispanic Studies
Emilie will be interning with the United Nations World Food Programme in Panama, more specifically with the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean Information Management and Knowledge Unit. She looks forward to broadening her knowledge on the issue of food scarcity in the world and is excited to gain experience working with the UN to prepare her for a career in international relations, hopefully with the organization. She also hopes to improve her Spanish language and is excited to learn more about the region to complement her studies on the subject.
Emilie isa recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .
Ginny Tan, BA Economics
Ginny is a U1 international student from Panama, pursuing a major in economics with minor concentrations in international development studies and marketing. She is currently the Vice-President Internal of the Hong Kong Student Network and is part of the Desautels Women in Business team. She also competes on the McGill MUN Team and is part of McMUN 2016 Secretariat. Her academic interests include, but are not limited to, International relations, Economic Development, and International Trade.
Ginnyis a recipient of the Schull Yang International Experience Awards. .