Final Reflection Blog

Starting my internship this semester, I was excited to return to the position I had left in the spring of 2020. The first time that I came, I chose this internship because I had an interest in social media; this internship allowed me to learn all things social media and more. The opportunity to work with different OU in Arezzo (OUA) staff and being able to pitch ideas for the six social media platforms is something that taught me so much about planning and execution. The first time I took part in this internship, most time was spent focusing on social media, planning, posting at reasonable times in the US, gathering pictures for posts and creating captions. I worked with the Director of Italian Programs, Director of Student Affairs, the old Center Coordinator, and my supervisor, Leanna Payton. Due to being sent home due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I virtually helped with social media and the beginning part of redesigning the OUA blog.  I helped focus on what we wanted as an outline, which domain we should have, and look at how to make it more student, parent, and faculty-friendly compared to a student-run blog. While working on projects, I was able to take part in discussions that looked at the future of this program. This first experience at OU in Arezzo made me realize my “why” I wanted to study abroad.  

The decision to return to Arezzo was something that I did not think would work out. I was shocked and excited to hear that I would get to return, having an internship played an important role in returning. When I began applying again, the Director of OUA had asked me to apply for the same internship that was with OU in Arezzo so that I could complete some projects, as well as help them with social media while they were first having students return.  This time coming back, I experienced new challenges and roles that I would have. I would now work with native Italian speaking co-workers. While collaborating with OUA faculty, Special Programs Coordinator, Ursula, and Student Services Coordinator, Lucio. I also work with the Administration Assistant, Giulia, with the OU in Arezzo Blog. While also working with the University of Siena (UNISI) interns as their “supervisor.” I check their English (British to American English), proofread, work with them to create content, and double-check that we have things completed. 
One of the recent things that I have reflected on within this internship is seeing our limits. While abroad, we are tested outside of our limits to adjust to where we are and use our knowledge and what we are learning in school to help other companies.  I noticed that through this internship, I had gained experience in critical thinking & problem solving, teamwork and collaboration, oral and written communication, leadership, and global and intercultural fluency. I felt like I gained many of these in more day-to-day tasks and communication than a said project or aspect.