On-the-ground learning experiences, Elliott School students find, are an invaluable way to hone
skills while improving professional prospects.
As a summer intern in Cambodia, working with the Agile Development Group, Faiqa Khan, a
graduate student pursuing an M.A. in International Development, had many occasions to draw
upon – and enrich – the knowledge she had gained in the classroom.
“As a development major, it was nice to be in a new area where I was immersed in the culture,”
she said. “It was a unique experience [learning] to adapt and speak a new language while
interacting with local residents for an extended period of time.
“Observing a new culture requires a different kind of learning and unlearning of any
subconscious biases and pre-conceived ideas. It is very much possible that the way things are
perceived and done in your country are different from another culture. Instead of believing
your ways might be the ‘only ways’ to do a certain thing, [we need to] be open to local
perspectives. This not only adds to our knowledge but also helps us to better understand the
culture and thus perform better!”
Faiqa has additional thoughts to share with Elliott students who plan to travel the world. It’s
important to stay safe by making yourself familiar with your nation’s embassy abroad, she says,
and to do research prior to your stay. Once there, she suggests, it’s helpful to speak often with
community members to find out what’s available in the area. In addition, Faiqa suggests that
students build their contacts while abroad – this expands social and professional networks.
“Travel as much as you can when you get the time, you will have so many new opportunities to
make new experiences and new friends,” she said.
skills while improving professional prospects.
As a summer intern in Cambodia, working with the Agile Development Group, Faiqa Khan, a
graduate student pursuing an M.A. in International Development, had many occasions to draw
upon – and enrich – the knowledge she had gained in the classroom.
“As a development major, it was nice to be in a new area where I was immersed in the culture,”
she said. “It was a unique experience [learning] to adapt and speak a new language while
interacting with local residents for an extended period of time.
“Observing a new culture requires a different kind of learning and unlearning of any
subconscious biases and pre-conceived ideas. It is very much possible that the way things are
perceived and done in your country are different from another culture. Instead of believing
your ways might be the ‘only ways’ to do a certain thing, [we need to] be open to local
perspectives. This not only adds to our knowledge but also helps us to better understand the
culture and thus perform better!”
Faiqa has additional thoughts to share with Elliott students who plan to travel the world. It’s
important to stay safe by making yourself familiar with your nation’s embassy abroad, she says,
and to do research prior to your stay. Once there, she suggests, it’s helpful to speak often with
community members to find out what’s available in the area. In addition, Faiqa suggests that
students build their contacts while abroad – this expands social and professional networks.
“Travel as much as you can when you get the time, you will have so many new opportunities to
make new experiences and new friends,” she said.