MCO Internships

This past summer, I spent three months in Phnom Penh. I learned an overwhelming amount about Cambodian culture, politics, and society. While living in the city, I immersed myself in daily life including shopping at the markets in my neighborhood, trying different foods, and exploring art and landmarks such as Wat Phnom. Through my time here, I gained a greater sense of independence and a broader sense of the global climate.

MCO paired me with an internship at a clinic in Phnom Penh where I learned about clinical healthcare, neglected tropical diseases, and the Cambodian healthcare system. I also met with partners within the city to complete a status report on antibiotic resistance in Cambodia and to create an educational pamphlet about the topic.

I was very satisfied with the living arrangements MCO found for me - my apartment had all basic amenities and was a very comfortable. After getting over the heat and humidity, I found it very easy to acclimate to the environment and would love to go back!

I spent three months living and working in Phnom Penh, it was the most challenging, yet amazing, fun, eye-opening experience of my life. Miranda provides excellent support in finding a placement and the application process for that placement too, including interview tips, reading over your CV and cover letter etc. that support continues once you reach Cambodia. Laura was amazing in helping to show us around, how to communicate with the locals, even showing you how to get to work. The travel advice she provides is also great. If you have any questions or need any help throughout your time, they are both super accommodating. I fully enjoyed my work experience, as well as the opportunity to travel around Cambodia and Vietnam during my time there. Going abroad also opens you up to meeting some amazing friends for life who I am still close with today.

Having been to Thailand and Vietnam, I knew I wanted to go back to SE Asia soon. So when this opportunity came, I jumped on it. After interviewing with a few places, I decided on where I wanted to work and Miranda helped to coordinate things so everything would be good to go when I touched down.

Cambodia is very unique country with kind people and a long history. I wanted to experience something that differed greatly from the US and that’s just what I got! Traveling was manageable and I was able to utilize time off and weekends to see a bit of SE Asia.

Prior to landing in Phnom Penh, I had no idea what to expect in terms of how my life would unfold professionally, personally and academically over the span of 6 long months. As I am inching towards the completion of the program, saying “yes” to this experience - essentially the unknown - has proven itself as one of the most worthwhile opportunities I’ve taken in my life thus far (and I don’t say that lightly). From the initial interview to settling into the workplace, I’ve been supported by the program coordinator and felt comfortable with reaching out anytime. Living and working in Cambodia during my first long-haul trip overseas has taught me crucial lessons in many aspects including independence, advocating for oneself in the workspace, as well as what it truly means to overcome challenges. Not only have I gained immense clarity in regards to what I need to thrive in building a career in journalism, but I’ve made connections that will last a lifetime! The culture, food, people and history of Cambodia was exciting to explore in both professional and personal outlets and I couldn’t have felt more welcome. Overall, the experience was well worth it, and if you have the chance to, take the leap of faith. You just may be surprised by what lies on the other side.

When an opportunity to travel and work in another country presents itself, take it if you can! Moving to Cambodia with minimal prior knowledge could not have gone smoother. I made new friends, tried new foods and seen so many cool things! Along side adventuring around a new country, I’m also interning for a marketing consulting agency. I’ve learned a lot about myself and what I want from my workplace. I’ve successfully dealt with conflict in the workplace, took on event planning with my team to plan cambodia’s biggest food festival, assisted with content creation for offline and online communications, and I’m growing more every day just by going out and interacting with new people. I’m also learning that your experience is what you make of it, so work hard and live it up!