Reflecting on my first few weeks with Global Ties Kalamazoo
Walking into the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research with Women Leaders from Moldova, first meeting of program. Nite, second from right.
By Nite Lawantrakool, International Program Intern, Global Ties Kalamazoo
My name is Nite Lawantrakool, a Western Michigan University graduate from Thailand. I am an international program intern at Global Ties Kalamazoo. My journey with Global Ties Kalamazoo began when I met Jodi and Beth through one of the WMU virtual career fairs in the beginning of the year. Later we had an interview, and I was accepted into the internship program. I started interning at Global Ties Kalamazoo in late March of 2022. I graduated from WMU with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science focused on International/Comparative Politics, and when I saw this intern position posted on Handshake, I felt that it was perfect for me, and that I would learn a great deal from the role.
My tasks as an international program intern are to search and prepare for future programs, maintain databases, assist in proposal drafting and programming including assisting in hosting and event planning once the visitors have arrived. From the beginning of the internship, I have had opportunities to be trained and familiarized with the IVLP Resource Center and how to craft great proposals for the International Visitor Leadership Programs, our Global Ties database system Little Green Light, and attended several IVLP and Open World Program meetings along with the international participants both virtually and in person over the course of three months.
Two of my favorite professional appointments are from the Open World in-person programs. The first meeting was with the group of Women Leaders from Moldova. The group of international visitors met with a group of researchers at the W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. The discussion between the groups to me was very informative and insightful. I deeply agree with the actional research method in which the academic and non-academic sectors work together with the community to come up with the best plan and policy for the community. Besides the research and policy-making process, they discussed the topic of the employment rate and geography in detail, which I found very much fascinating as a Political Science graduate.
Meeting with the Loy Norrix student team that produces and publishes Knight Life. Nite, center left.
Another meeting I attended recently was with a group of Armenian podcasters and journalists. I had an opportunity to visit the journalism class of Loy Norrix High School and listen to both the visitors and students interviewing each other about their understanding of journalism as well as introducing their past and present projects. What I loved about this meeting in particular is that many of the high schoolers were extremely engaging in the discussion. Each of the students showed their passion and enthusiasm for their role. What was more impressive to me was that their work has recently made an impact on the community, especially in the education realm.
Ever since I started this internship, I have always continued to learn something new every day. I have improved my communication, programming, proposal drafting skills while contributing to the team. My experience at Global Ties Kalamazoo is beyond my expectations. I would like to thank our Executive Director Jodi Michaels and colleagues at Global Ties Kalamazoo for making every moment memorable and valuable to me.
