Make the Most of your Overseas Internship

Madeline spent last July teaching English in Cambodia. Hear her advice for students interning overseas!

Describe your feelings leading up to your first internship overseas.

Obviously, it’s normal to be nervous, but I was really unsure about the trip. I had no idea what to expect and felt like I was diving in headfirst with no plan B. In the end, I’m so thankful I went. Now I see how God called me to trust Him and showed me how His power was made perfect in my weakness.

What surprised you about the trip?

There was a lot that surprised me about Cambodia. Most surprising to me was the way God showed me a newfound passion for His people and for this work. He showed me His gifs in profound ways and grew my heart for people across the world that I would never have gotten to know otherwise.

What advice would you give to a student heading on their first overseas internship?

Embrace every moment of it. There will be challenges—new food, language barriers, cultural differences—but these are beautiful things, and when you fully embrace them, God uses that. Secondly, ask God to show you things through His eyes. Ask for His vision for His people, His land, His love. You will see grace and love for a broken world.

How did interning overseas with Briercrest change you?

How didn’t it? The internship changed my life. God gave me a heart for the world through this trip. He revealed Himself through culture, smiles that overcame language barriers, and people He loves. His love doesn’t have borders.

Madeline’s next Briercrest TESOL internship will take her to East Asia.

Do you dream of travelling overseas for the Kingdom? See how Briercrest TESOL can prepare you for a life of ministry: https://www.briercrestcollege.ca/academics/program/?Program=13.