Nov 30, 2023
Langara College geography student Solé Castaneda visited Morocco this past summer on a Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) internship. Solé worked with Y-PEER Morocco, an organization that facilitates access to reliable information in the fields of health and education to create a change in attitude and behaviour among young people in all their diversity. The GSO program offers students a unique opportunity to gain valuable global work-integrated learning experience. Learn more about Solé's experience.
How would you describe your Global Skills Opportunity experience?
My Global Skills Opportunity experience was absolutely perfect. The time I spent as an intern for Y-PEER Morocco allowed me to comfortably navigate the field of human rights advocacy for the first time. I had the privilege of making profound connections with fellow global citizens who share my optimism and vision to create a more equitable world. The country is incredibly gorgeous — we had the chance to explore multiple cities on the weekends to become fully immersed in Moroccan culture and enjoy the free time we had outside of work. Despite the few challenges that arose, I’m happy to say that I felt completely supported throughout the stay by my local supervisors in Rabat, the program coordinator, and Heather and Parisa’s active communication with me from Langara College.
What inspired you to pursue this opportunity?
The source of my inspiration to pursue this opportunity was an innate desire to seek an experience that combined professional development with personal growth in a place I’d never visited before. The opportunity to participate in the GSO program was generously brought to my attention by professor Ginette Dube, who also understands the value of cultural immersion.
How do you feel the experience helped you prepare for your future?
I believe my future is in God’s hands, but this experience affirmed to me my own capacity to handle life’s adversities with grace. I also witnessed the art of teamwork; living in a small community opened my eyes to the beauty and utility of interconnectedness.
What other value or learning have you gained from this experience?
After embracing "slow living" as my ideal lifestyle philosophy, living in Rabat for two months proved the efficacy of that mentality. I now know that there are societies where I can confidently embody my natural tendency to take my time and focus on quality and comfort rather than obsessive productivity. A steady approach to professional affairs can work; the people in Morocco generally seem happy with their lives. I value freedom and purpose. This experience has taught me that there are microworlds within humanity where that combination exists.
What advice do you have for students considering a GSO?
For students who are considering a GSO experience in the future, my advice is this: mentally prepare yourselves for big changes and embrace the joy of the unexpected. Planning is important, but ultimately, the purpose of an experience abroad is to develop your cultural, psychological, emotional, and professional flexibility. Many of the interns around me had plans that were bulldozed by the practical reality of the experience. Enjoy your free time, savour the present moment, and relax a little bit.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I have so many people to thank for cultivating such an unforgettable experience. At Langara College, Heather Workman’s enthusiasm and logistical efforts were amazing. Parisa Zitouni’s academic instruction and sage advice throughout the program were very thorough. Daniel, on behalf of Langara’s GSO team, also provided vital assistance at the inception of the program. Ali, the program supervisor in Rabat, worked very hard to support the interns as actively as possible. The global internships manager at Intern Abroad HQ, Dallas Boyd, was always attentive in our communications, kindly helping me throughout the registration process and beyond. The chefs who made our meals twice a day were extremely warm, friendly, and dedicated to preparing excellent home-cooked meals. The many interns I connected with during my two months in Morocco will always have a special place in my heart. The locals welcomed me with open arms, too.
