More than 20 undergraduate fellows from abroad participated directly in American democracy this spring. Through part-time internships at government agencies and institutions throughout the US, these future leaders gained experience and insight into political processes that will later help them govern their home countries.
Nana, a fellow from Georgia studying at Elmhurst College [8], said her internship with a municipality in Illinois helped her realize the importance of civil society and transparency for the well-being of a city and its population. “Working in the municipality made me realize how the successful life of a city depends on the daily systematic work of people,” she said. “I do realize that the federal government makes big decisions, but the local city governments are the ones making the city clock tick.”
The activities she helped organize while working in Elmhurst not only built understanding among people, but supported the local spirit and traditions as well.
Nana was just one of several recent fellows of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Eurasia and Central Asia [9]. The Global UGRAD program centers on the notion that through hands-on experience, fellows can better learn the nuances of democracy and later apply that knowledge to their own, newer democracies. Fellows interned across all three branches of power in the US, such as at the Office of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand [10] in Washington, DC, and the Wood County Prosecutor's Office [11] in Ohio. Most plan to earn Master’s Degrees and then work for the government in their home countries.
Violetta, a fellow studying at Lincoln University [12], learned about legislation at the state level by conducting research and resolving constituent concerns at the Missouri State Capitol. “I learned the details of the law-making process, connections between federal and state governments, and some specifics of laws concerning health and professional licenses,” she said.
Building on what she learned firsthand about US civic engagement, Violetta developed professional skills she can apply to government in her native Ukraine. “During my internship I liked how responsible and well-disciplined people are in their jobs. I would like to raise the culture of professional behavior in my country,” she said.
Nana also sees a future in politics and civil society, starting with the non-governmental sector. “I think the opportunity I got would be best repaid by working within society to explain and share western values after seeing them first hand,” she said. “Any change in government can be done by people once they know what is what and what they need.”
The Global UGRAD Program [9] is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs [13] of the United States Department of State, and is implemented by IREX.