Yale-NUS students learn about development and non-profit work through internships

Passionate about the work of the development and non-profit sectors, two Yale-NUS students Regine Sun and Ng Shu Yun (both from Class of 2025) decided to explore their interests and gain hands-on experiences in these fields.

For Regine, she did an internship at the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) in the Republic of Korea. This international organisation stands at the forefront of promoting Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and education for international understanding.

Regine (far right) receiving her certificate from APCEIU for completing her internship. Image provided by Regine Sun.

Regine’s decision to intern in Korea was multifaceted. Besides the experience of immersing herself in Korean culture for two months, Regine was keen to witness the dynamics of diverse global stakeholders coming together. She said: “I had fun exploring Korea and interacting with key stakeholders who strive to incorporate key GCED objectives into national curriculums.” She believed such interactions would provide crucial insights into the development and implementation of key initiatives.

Her internship also at APCEIU aligned with what she has learned through her Global Affairs major, providing her with a unique lens to view the workings of international organisations. “The experience allowed me to gain significant insight into this sector not just through the work I do, but also through talking to experienced seniors at the organisation,” said Regine.

Regine and fellow interns presenting for APCEIU. Image provided by Regine Sun.

However, challenges are inherent in any journey. Recognising the potential language barrier due to her unfamiliarity with Korean, Regine learned basic Korean phrases to navigate daily conversations. Additionally, the welcoming nature of her colleagues at APCEIU ensured she felt at ease: “I am also really thankful to have met really kind colleagues who actively offer me aid in any areas I may need help with.”.

On the other hand, Ng Shu Yun decided to explore local opportunities. She volunteered at Access SG, a non-profit organisation (NPOs) which focuses on providing career exposure to disadvantaged students. Simultaneously, she interned at United Women Singapore (UWS), a local NPO that advances women’s empowerment and gender equity. At UWS, Shu Yun helped to facilitate workshops and contribute to a shadow research paper on the status of UWS’ progress as well as gender equity in Singapore.

Ng Shu Yun worked at local NPOs Access Singapore and United Women Singapore during the term break.  Image provided by Ng Shu Yun.

Shu Yun’s decision to pursue work opportunities in the two local NPOs stemmed from her desire to gain non-academic skills and broaden her networks and perspective. “After talking to my parents and peers, I was encouraged to look into NPOs because they’re always looking for help, and it would be a meaningful way to spend my term break.”

Shu Yun perceives this stint with NPOs as a window into the pragmatic side of policy implementation and management, adding that these experiences offered her insights into more effective ways to assist those in need.

Shu Yun facilitating a workshop at Access SG. Image provided by Ng Shu Yun.

For both Regine and Shu Yun, besides learning new skills and knowledge through work experience, their stints also helped them gained a better understanding of the development and non-profit sectors as they explore their future careers options.

Like our internship stories? Read this story on two Yale-NUS students who completed internships in business development and communications.