Name: Isabella Rivera
Class Year: 2025
Major: Anthropology, Minor: Latin American, Iberian, and Latina/o Studies
Hometown: Nutley, NJ
Internship Organization: Yunus
Internship Title: Intern at the Municipality of Peñalolèn, Office of Inclusion
Location: Peñalolèn, Chile
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
Yunus operates as a non-profit organization and provides resources and opportunities to residents so that they can find ways to become more economically independent. It works with various vulnerable populations such as women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The office where I work, the Office of Inclusion, offers programs and resources that help residents develop entrepreneurial skills and find work.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I knew I was interested in working in a Latin American country and hoped to go somewhere to develop my Spanish communication skills as well as my overall professional skills. I am very happy with my placement at Yunus. I am interested in pursuing a career in community work, and seeing the kind of services Yunus provides is very important to me. I also enjoy learning about people's personal lives and how different environmental and social factors affect their daily lives, and Yunus gives people a space to talk about these things.
Can you talk about the skills you are learning and why they are important to you?
Cultivating cultural intelligence is essential for building meaningful relationships and trust in any new environment, especially in the workplace. Effective communication, adapted to fit the cultural context and the context of the workplace, is important for collaboration and preventing misunderstandings. Additionally, engaging with coworkers, superiors, and community professionals provides me with valuable insights about networking. Working in Santiago's local government offers a unique opportunity to enhance my intercultural, communication, and networking skills, fostering a deeper layer of cultural competencies and enriching my overall experience.
What is most rewarding about your internship?
The bonds I’ve formed with my coworkers and the residents has been incredibly meaningful. These relationships have provided a deeper understanding of the local culture and have made my experience here truly enjoyable and memorable. The camaraderie and mutual support among the team have been invaluable. Also, seeing the direct positive effects of our efforts on the lives of the residents is so motivating.
Career & Civic Engagement Center Anthropology Latin American, Iberian, and Latina/o Studies