INTERN EXPERIENCE AT GCA

This year, Global Camps Africa was very lucky to have Aung Khant, a graduate student at the University of Maryland, join our team as a Policy & Advocacy Intern. Aung brought thoughtfulness and creativity to his work supporting our advocacy and communications efforts. In the reflection below, he shares what he learned during his internship and how the experience deepened his understanding of youth empowerment and connection across cultures.

Looking back on my internship experience at Global Camps Africa, I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved with such an organization committed to the health and safety of youth and their communities. When I first started my internship, I was wary of what to expect. However, it soon became clear that my position here was more than an internship; it was an educational experience that connected public health with a better understanding of youth-related challenges in South Africa.

The best part about this experience was the perfect balance between independence and structure. I was allowed to work independently on projects, such as writing policy memos, researching advocacy strategies, and helping develop coalition letters—while simultaneously receiving oversight and feedback. I appreciated how the work felt purposeful. Whether it was mapping potential partners or analyzing survey data from camp modules, every deed contributed to a larger picture of fostering a safer and healthier future for youth.

I acquired many skills during this internship, including but not limited to policy research and writing, stakeholder mapping, data interpretation, and strategic thinking. I feel most confident in my ability to articulate my purpose to various audiences, especially through writing about complicated health-related issues. These will serve me well during my MPH studies and future career committed to public health policy and advocacy.

I hope to see myself working in the future with a governmental or community-based organization focused on health equity and systems transformation. This internship solidified my professional aspirations, especially with multiple organizations established by advocates looking to go deeper into youth-related grassroots community efforts. I’ve also learned the importance of collaboration and narrative-building—lessons that extend far beyond this experience.

Thank you to the GCA team for cultivating an environment where I could both learn, give back, and grow. I look forward to following your endeavors and continued influence around the world.