This interview with Charlene Okai explores her three-month field placement in Gaborone, Botswana, with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), delivered through an IOM–University of Westminster partnership. Beyond recounting her work and learning, Charlene shares practical advice for students on how to prepare for—and make the most of—similar opportunities at the University.
- Which country and city/region did you visit, and what was the main purpose of your field trip (study, research, community engagement, internship, etc.)?
I went to Gaborone, Botswana, for an internship with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). The internship was made possible by the longstanding partnership between IOM and the University of Westminster. I was the intern with the shortest time period of 3 months since I decided I wanted to come back for my final year, rather than taking a placement year.
- What were your initial expectations before the trip, and how did your first impressions compare once you arrived?
I was very excited about the internship, expecting to be assigned mostly menial tasks and to observe how things were done. However, upon my arrival, I was immediately given a project to work on for a proposal. As a result, I ended up functioning as a full-time employee while on an internship contract.
3. What have been your main academic or professional learning outcomes from the field trip?
Professionally, I’ve expanded my horizon to different aspects of corporate that I never thought I would go into. Academically, I have noted the importance of referencing and backing up information with sources because more than the reputation of a person is the reputation of the entire institution if intellectual property was to be stolen. I have also enhanced my skills in different office software and specialist sites which will be beneficial for my future job prospects.
4. Which moments or experiences have the strongest personal impact on you, and why?
This would be the different stakeholder meetings I attended, I saw in real time how negotiations work to the benefit of both parties and also the importance of teamwork and cooperation to reach a common goal. It also allowed me to build necessary connections for the future.
5. How has this trip changed or deepened your understanding of sustainability, civic engagement, or the SDGs in an African context?
I never realised how certain fields and disciplines could intersect until I got here. IOM is very migrant focused and there were so many issues that affect migrants that I had never considered before, this has made me appreciate the role of international institutions in the development of countries.
6. Have you participated in any community projects, workshops, or collaborations during the trip? Please describe their focus and what you learned from them.
While I was here, I had the opportunity to attend a forum to address youth unemployment in the country, and it was a very insightful forum. Although I did not physically attend a mission that addressed human trafficking, I had the privilege of creating social media content for that mission, allowing me to enhance my content creation skills.
8. Have you faced any challenges in adapting to the local environment (academic, cultural, or practical), and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was the local language, Setswana. Although Botswana is a former British colony and most people speak English, Setswana is the preferred means of communication. I often had to politely inform people that I didn’t speak the local dialect or use a translator or translation app. Fortunately, most people were accommodating and happy to communicate in English.
9. How do you think your experience can contribute to ongoing DEN projects, blogs, or future conferences?
The process at IOM was very thorough and included rounds and rounds of review before a project was finalised, and I think that model already works with DEN when we review blogs before publishing.
10. What skills (academic, professional, or personal) do you feel you developed the most during this trip?
Teamwork, communication and organisation, the role involved a lot of review of projects and brainstorming for ideas. It also tested my critical thinking skills since there were many projects where I had to come up with entry points for proposals where, on face value, we did not fit in.
11. Do you see ways in which this field trip experience could shape your career goals or employability in the future?
Absolutely! Although I was here for a very brief time, I found it incredibly useful and it has made me more culturally aware and organised. Working with a small team also developed my interpersonal skills to allow me to effectively communicate with all. I was initially hired to work on project creation, but ended up doing human resources, procurement, admin and finance; this allowed me to broaden my horizons and skills for the future.
12. What advice would you give to future DEN students preparing for field trips abroad (e.g., preparation, mindset, or practical tips)?
Everything you do in DEN—whether it’s chairing meetings, conducting research for an article, taking notes, or sharing your opinions—is a transferable skill that can be valuable in an interview. During my interview for this role, I highlighted my sustainability research in Vietnam, discussed how I helped plan the travel itineraries for the international student conference, and managed certain aspects of VJ Day, all thanks to my experiences in DEN. My advice is to stay active and take on as many opportunities as possible while in DEN, as you never know where these experiences could lead you.