Reflections on My Internship at Familia: Embracing Intercultural Connections

My internship at Familia ry is about to end, and I would like to reflect on the incredible journey I’ve had. Working with an organization dedicated to supporting intercultural families has been both enlightening and rewarding. Through my experiences, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and beautiful opportunities that come with intercultural relationships.

Facilitating the Duo Family Café
Leading a group at the Duo Family Café was one of the highlights of my internship. The goal of this project is to give multicultural families a warm, secure environment in which to interact, exchange stories, and offer support to one another. Despite the lower-than-anticipated participation, the conversations were insightful and impactful. Each session demonstrated the strength and endurance of multicultural families as they managed the hurdles of combining multiple cultures, languages, and customs.

The Power of Connection
Despite the challenges of low attendance, the Duo Family Café sessions underscored the importance of connection. The families who attended shared their stories, offering insights into their daily lives and the unique dynamics of their intercultural relationships. These conversations highlighted the need for more spaces where intercultural families can come together, exchange ideas, and build a supportive community.

Behind the Scenes: Online Work
In addition to my role at the Duo Family Café, much of my work at Familia was conducted online. From making reports and writing emails to creating forms/certificates and editing documents, I had the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s work in various ways.

Lessons Learned

Throughout my internship, I’ve learned valuable lessons about the importance of cultural sensitivity, empathy, and adaptability. Working with intercultural families requires a deep understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences that each family brings. It’s about recognizing and celebrating these differences while finding common ground to build strong, supportive relationships.

Moving Forward
As I move forward from this internship, I carry with me a profound appreciation for the work that Familia does. The organization’s commitment to supporting intercultural families is inspiring, and I am grateful to have been a part of it. I hope to continue advocating for and supporting intercultural families in my future endeavors, using the skills and knowledge I’ve gained during my time at Familia.
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In conclusion, my internship at Familia has been a transformative experience. It has opened my eyes to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by intercultural families and has reinforced the importance of creating inclusive and supportive communities. I am excited to see how Familia continues to grow and make a positive impact on the lives of intercultural families in the future.
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Written by: Hallah Noor