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Was the US internship worth it?

Updated: Oct 17


Student interns attended the International Youth Day Celebration at the United Nations General Assembly headquarters in New York

The US internship experience left a lasting impact on Parami students, shaping their professional paths and personal growth in ways they had not anticipated. For each intern, the summer internship offered an immersion into the American work culture and a window into how global citizenship, leadership, and civic engagement could be applied back home in Myanmar. They left an indelible impression on their host organizations as they navigated new environments, tackled diverse projects, and made meaningful connections.


One of the interns, Ei Mon Soe, found her role as a developer for an online course called "People Power" fascinating. She learned the ins and outs of instructional design and creative uses for online platforms. Ei Mon created course pages from branded templates using the no-code website and mobile app builder. She stressed that "it was necessary to be creative and innovative." Moreover, her collaboration with another intern truly expanded her learning. "Working together taught me the importance of asking questions, being curious, and looking at problems from different perspectives," she explained. Inspired by civil resistance and the dedication of the senior leadership at Parami University, such as President Dr. Kyaw Moe Tun and trustee Lex Rieffel, Ei Mon is determined to contribute to her community through education and thoughtful leadership. The internship ended, but Ei Mon feels inspired to contribute to the hosting organization. She authored a blog post published on the hosting organization's website in late September. 


Check out Ei Mon's recent publication:


Meanwhile, Myat Moe Kywe had the opportunity to work on a report about India-ASEAN economic relations. This project, which required her to analyze data and delve into international relations, pushed her beyond the typical career expectations in Myanmar. Initially, she felt intimidated by the less hierarchical work environment, but soon, she grew to appreciate its inclusivity. "I felt valued and respected in the workplace despite being the youngest," she recalled, grateful for the opportunity to learn in an environment that encouraged open dialogue. Living with a host family also shaped her perspective, teaching her valuable lessons about compassion and kindness. The experience was profound for Myat's academic and professional aspirations. 


For Nyan Htet Htay Win, the internship offered a unique opportunity to engage in international research and writing. He authored articles on significant topics, such as the suspension of the UGRAD program in Myanmar and the launch of the Bipartisan Burma Caucus. He gained invaluable exposure to global affairs. He also participated in seminars and assisted in research projects. "The international exposure I gained and the networking opportunities were invaluable," Nyan reflected. But beyond the work, the experience taught him how to balance personal and organizational needs. With a renewed sense of purpose, he is determined to use his skills to tackle societal challenges through civic engagement.


Check out publications written by Nyan Htet:

For another student intern, Pann Ei Thwel, the internship deepened her understanding of Southeast Asian politics and economics. The visit to the National Endowment for Democracy and the World Bank during her internship helped expand her knowledge of the region's influence on Myanmar. For her, one of the most memorable aspects of the internship was networking in Washington, DC, where she met experts, including a senior advisor of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Priscilla Clapp. "It showed me just how important connections are, especially in a city like Washington," Pann Ei reflected. Observing the US presidential election during her time in the country, she considered how these practices might apply to Myanmar's future political landscape.


Read Pann Ei's publication:


The interns left the US with a more profound sense of leadership, global awareness, and civic duty. Their experiences broadened their horizons and gave them the tools to contribute meaningfully to their home communities. For these students, the lessons learned—whether about teamwork, leadership, or global systems—will continue to inspire them as they work to create a more connected and engaged world. Their advice to future interns is clear: stay curious, embrace every learning opportunity, and never underestimate the power of building strong networks.


The students had a great opportunity to visit different landmarks and places, such as Silicon Valley, Standford University, Bard University, and many more.



Click here to explore what their internship hosting organizations say about the student interns. The first interview with the student interns during their internship is available here

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