III. Duration

The internship periods of ACCC and MHC interns at SEAMEO are six and five months, respectively.

IV. 1998 Internship

In 1998, eight interns with specialization in public relations, marketing and communications were sent by ACCC to SEAMEO to work for a six-month period. Four of the interns were based at the Secretariat in Bangkok, while two worked at SEAMEO RETRAC (Regional Training Centre) in Viet Nam and two were stationed at SEAMEO INNOTECH (Regional Centre for Educational Innovation and Technology) in the Philippines.

The main assignment of the interns was to assist SEAMEO with the implementation of a network marketing strategy to realize SEAMEO's vision of becoming the foremost consulting, training, research and learning materials development provider in the fields of education, science and culture in Southeast Asia. Initially, SEAMEO Centres were unsure of what to expect from the interns. In reviewing their resumes, they knew that some interns had extensive trainings and experiences in certain areas and that there was also a significant age difference among the interns.

The host Centres anticipated that these future professionals had much to offer. In addition to their skills, they found that most of the interns contributed a certain added-value to the work of SEAMEO. Public relations and marketing are emerging areas of focus for SEAMEO. While some of the Regional Centres had been coordinating their own marketing programmes, for many, the concept of "marketing" was a new one. Not only did the interns provide objective insights into their marketing activities, they also contributed significantly in other programme areas, like: training, research and planning. Thus, the SEAMEO Secretariat was able to increase the pace of implementation of the overall marketing programme. With the interns assisting in producing the SEAMEO marketing package, the new flagship publication and a website, not to mention numerous research studies, and reports both host centres and interns had a win-win relationship. In addition, the interns were involved in developing the international infrastructure required to ensure the sustainability of the marketing programme.

There were a great many benefits from the Internship Programme. While it was obvious that the interns would gain new knowledge living in a different culture, the host Centres too, learned a great deal about Canada and Canadians from their enthusiasm and work ethics. Their commitment and desire in helping SEAMEO evolve was a great form of ambassadorship for Canada and the Canadian college system.

The host Centres suggested that the time frame of the Internship Programme be reexamined. It was felt by both the host Centres and the interns that a year-long attachment would be more productive than the current six-month duration of the Internship. Near the end of their stay, the interns said that they were just getting used to the intricacies of the different SEAMEO functions and developing greater abilities to excel within the organizational parameters.

Almost all of the SEAMEO Centres have inquired as to when they would have Canadian interns. SEAMEO is interested in seeing this programme continue and will do what it can to provide more internship opportunities for Canadian youth in the future.

V. 1999 Internship

Ten Canadian interns have been working at SEAMEO since January 1999. Two came from ACCC and eight from Medicine Hat College (MHC). But they did not arrive at the same time, three came in January, one in February, four in March and the other two in May. Some interns took part in pre-departure training course conducted by the institutions responsible for them, while others did not have any.

The pre-departure course content was designed to assist interns in their roles overseas and to strengthen their job search skills for their return to Canada. The course covered communication skills, leadership, time management, resume writing and setting career goals.

As shown in the report, the SEAMEO-CIDA internship programme, has been beneficial to all parties. The SEAMEO Centres/Units have done their best to provide interns with productive and stimulating learning environment. At the same time, interns have given their hosts Centres enthusiastic boost in creating an international and friendly atmosphere.

In conclusion, Canada and SEAMEO have been effectively working together for many years and SEAMEO greatly appreciates Canadian involvement in the Organization. Host Centres believe that the programme has been beneficial to all parties. The friendships and partnerships that have developed will create a lasting cooperation between Canada and the host countries. The host SEAMEO Centres would like to thank the ACCC and the Medicine Hat College, as well as HRDC, for providing them the opportunity to work with Canadian interns.