Regarding internships, many assume they'll be local or with a large national corporation to gain valuable experience and insights into a potential future career. However, I chose to apply for an internship that offered a unique opportunity to work in Amman, Jordan, a city in one of the world's most important regions. Jordan, known for its stability in the Middle East, is a country many people overlook. Yet, it houses the most refugees from regional conflicts, making it an essential player in global humanitarian efforts. Moreover, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam intersect in Jordan and share their historical narratives. For example, Mount Nebo, a religious pilgrimage site, is where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land before his passing. This intersection of cultures and religions makes Jordan a fascinating and prosperous place to explore and learn from. Jordan wields significant influence in the Arab world politically, economically, and socially. Interning in this dynamic and culturally diverse environment has been interesting. I am gaining an understanding of the complexities and contributing to the country with meaningful impacts from my internship.

My internship involves working with a non-profit organization that helps provide much-needed medical relief to Syrian Refugees in Zaatari—the 5th largest refugee camp on the globe. Our job is to write funding proposals, work at the clinics, and fill any needed gaps. It varies daily, with a new task being asked to be done. However, we start mornings with lectures about what it means to be a humanitarian actor, what is expected, and how it operates in the region. There is also cultural sensitivity training, first aid/CPR, and workshops to improve skills needed in the workforce.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to participate in some fantastic excursions organized by SIT. These trips were a welcome break from work demands and allowed us to explore Jordan as students and tourists.

 Jordan is home to some of the most significant sites in the world, such as the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized, Petra, Wadi Rum, and many more. These excursions had an educational aspect, offering us insights into the history and significance of these sites to the local people and various faiths.

I'll always remember our adventures, from experiencing the stunning landscapes of Wadi Rum, often featured in movies depicting Mars, to the surreal experience of floating in the Dead Sea. Additionally, delving into the local cuisine was a highlight. I discovered that kebabs and hummus are delicious staple foods in Jordan. The food culture is so rich and diverse that I could never get tired of exploring it. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to learn, explore, and savor the unique experiences Jordan offers. Even if I did not want to go on an extensive excursion, there are many cafes and restaurants where people socialize and smoke hookah to unwind from the day. My host family loves to go out and have fun, so it is a nice change of scenery from the office or Zaatari.

Overall, the experience is unparalleled by any job I have done in the past. It was beautiful, heart-wrenching, and exhausting, but worth every fiber of my being. The opportunity to connect with people, make a difference, and push my limits filled me with a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I had never experienced before. It was challenging, but the personal and professional growth I gained from it was immeasurable. I will always cherish the memories and the lessons learned from this experience.

                                                

 I am sharing my remarkable experience while completing an internship with the School of International Training (SIT) program in Amman, Jordan. This unique opportunity allowed me to work with NGOs and humanitarian aid agencies, specifically with the Jordan Health Aid Society International (JHASI). This non-profit organization provides medical assistance to Syrian refugees and vulnerable individuals in the Zaatari camps and across Jordan. During my time with JHASI, I had the chance to engage directly with the community, contributing to health education and family planning initiatives within the refugee camps. I also developed and presented a concept proposal to secure funding to support the organization's ongoing efforts. The program provided practical, hands-on experience and allowed me to earn college credit while immersing myself in a new and diverse environment. Despite the intense nature of the summer session, the invaluable experiences and the profound impact on the lives of others in the refugee camps far outweighed any challenges. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and the unforgettable insights it provided.

A typical internship day looks like this:

1. Wake up, get ready, and leave early to be at the head office.
2. Ask the assistant in charge of making coffee and tea for a Turkish coffee. As a university student, a tiny Turkish coffee's sweetness and caffeine content is enough to keep you going for a few hours, and you may be addicted by the end of it.
3. Meet with the manager to see what is on the agenda and complete the tasks given. This can be done in various ways, such as working on funding, establishing tasks at the camps, or being trained on procedures within the company.
4. Go home or relax at a cafe on Rainbow Street or in Weibdeh. Sometimes, you have to take work home with you; other times, you meet up with friends to eat and smoke shisha (potentially).

Jordan is truly a must-see destination for anyone's bucket list. Despite potential concerns related to regional conflicts, the country is generally very safe for students and travelers to explore. It's essential to maintain a reasonable level of caution, as one would in any major city. There is a thriving community of students and expatriates in the area, making it effortless to meet new people and make connections. The internship has allowed me to experience working, studying, and exploring a new country and will enable me to consider working abroad.