U.S. Internships: Cultural insights from Parami students

In early June 2025, two students from Parami University, Pone Nyet Aung and Bhone Khant Theim, traveled to Washington, D.C., for their internships at internationally recognized organizations: NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS). They are the second batch of U.S. interns. Due to changes in U.S. travel policy, some successful applicants could not travel to the U.S. for the internship. Now, over a month into their internships, the students are navigating cultural differences while trying to learn new things. Their experiences reflect personal and professional growth in adapting to new cultures, environments, and communication styles.

Pone Nyet at NAFSA: Embracing a New Culture

Pone Nyet, Class of 2026, is interning at NAFSA as a knowledge development intern, supporting communications and research efforts. Her tasks include drafting professional blog posts—such as a reflection on NAFSA’s annual conference attended by over 80,000 participants—contributing to policy campaign databases, and supporting the conference program team for the upcoming 2026 NAFSA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. As the first intern from Myanmar and the only international student among a group of U.S.-based peers, she faced a steep learning curve.

“I wasn’t good at small talk,” Pone Nyet shared. “That was the first cultural difference I encountered.” With encouragement from her supervisor and support from her diverse office of 50–60 people, she gradually became more comfortable engaging in casual conversations—an essential skill in American workplaces. The experience sharpened her interpersonal abilities and boosted her confidence in professional settings.

Many of her coworkers were unfamiliar with Myanmar, which allowed her to share her story and culture. “This internship is like a trailer for my future,” she reflected. It has not only expanded her global perspective but also helped her envision a career path shaped by her Parami education.

Bhone Khant at C4ADS: From Setbacks to Resilience

Bhone Khant, meanwhile, is interning at C4ADS and working for the Human Security & Organized Crimes and Corruption team. His journey began with uncertainty—he initially faced a visa rejection and nearly gave up on the opportunity. However, when his visa was unexpectedly approved, he flew to the U.S. on June 6, only to contract COVID-19 during his first two weeks.

Despite the rocky start, Bhone Khant quickly adapted to his new role. He investigated complex topics such as cross-border scam compounds in the SEA region, using trade and property data to trace technology providers. His deliverables included two company dossiers and a final presentation.

In contrast to his previous NGO experience, he found C4ADS’s workplace culture more direct and less hierarchical. “The environment is open. You can talk to anyone—even senior staff,” he said. “If something isn’t possible, they’ll just say so. It’s not rude—it’s honest and helpful.” His supervisor became a role model in navigating this direct communication style, helping him build confidence in expressing himself clearly.

Cultural Adaptation: Lessons in Communication

Both Pone Nyet and Bhone Khant reflected on the critical role of communication in cross-cultural settings. Coming from high-context cultures where indirect communication is the norm, they initially found the directness of American workplaces unfamiliar—even uncomfortable. Over time, however, they began to appreciate the clarity, openness, and efficiency this communication style fosters.

They also shared how their host families created a warm and welcoming environment. Moments like cooking and sharing traditional dishes became meaningful cultural exchanges that helped ease the transition and build mutual understanding.

“Misunderstandings are bound to happen,” said Pone Nyet. “If you don’t know something, just admit it. Don’t fear being judged—that applies to life in general.” She emphasized the importance of perspective-taking, referencing the iceberg theory: “There’s no absolute right or wrong—what you see on the surface is only a small part of the whole picture.”

For Bhone Khant, adapting required unlearning certain assumptions and observing how things worked in practice. “I like to tell myself to be familiar with discomfort in new places. I was used to high-context communication. Here, everything is more explicit. It took time, but it taught me much about myself,” he said.

Preparation Matters

Before departing for the internship and during the first week of their arrival in the U.S., the interns participated in a cultural orientation program to prepare them for the experience. The training covered U.S. cultural norms, workplace dynamics, transportation systems, and how to interact with host families. They also practiced introducing themselves and articulating their identities—skills that proved invaluable once they arrived.

“It was really helpful to know what to expect,” said Pone Nyet. “But nothing compares to experiencing it firsthand.”

This internship offered both students a unique glimpse into international workplaces while pushing them beyond their comfort zones. They’ve grown more confident navigating unfamiliar environments, engaging in small talk, and sharing their personal and cultural stories.

Most importantly, they’ve learned that adapting to a new environment isn’t about changing who you are but expanding your capacity to understand others and connect across differences. 

Last year, the U.S. Summer Internship brought nine students to intern at various renowned organizations, including Accion International, US-ASEAN Business Council, C4ADS, and East-West Center in Washington, D.C.