Jared Brendall (history and political science)
Jared Brendall, recently graduated with a degree in History and Political Science from UVic, worked as a public engagement intern for SEAMEO RETRAC, The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation, Regional Training Center in Vietnam.
A passion for global learning
His passion for comprehending the intricacies of global events and their impact seamlessly aligned with the responsibilities assigned to him.
Building connections between the Center and foreign stakeholders such as North American and Australian universities, developing physical and virtual educational materials to support the Center’s teaching program, and creating a strong social media presence were just a few aspects of his role at SEAMEO RETRAC.
The motivation behind pursuing an international co-op stemmed from his previous abroad experience, Jared reflected, “In my second year, I went on an exchange to the UK. Upon returning, I immediately began to research ways in which I could continue to integrate an international education into my degree. When the prospect of an international Coop was brought to my attention I was excited to see that I could not only develop important on-the-job experience but also be paid to travel the world as part of my degree.”
Learning about Vietnamese culture
One of the most memorable experiences Jared shared was working with some of the most dedicated and brightest young students he met. The knowledge during the participation allowed him to understand Vietnamese culture to a greater, deeper extent.
“Another insight was how the communist society affects everyday life. As a student of history and politics, I found it very interesting to talk with locals and discuss the different ways in which our two versions of society differed. Some of the best conversations I had during my term were candid chats with coworkers about how they were raised and how they perceived life in Vietnam.”
Adjusting to a new environment
Jared’s journey was not without its challenges. Unfamiliar cultural encounters such as navigating through the traffic and crossing the road safely, not being able to drink tap water, and overcoming the feeling of being isolated in a new country not only taught Jared how to strengthen his adaptability skills but also reminded him that there are always people around us who are willing to help us steer through new experiences.
“I was invited to go on a retreat with the staff to a small beach town a few hours away where I got to meet the rest of the office in an informal environment. We also shared a team meal on the beach where I got to try the regional cuisine. It was an amazing experience, especially for a foodie like myself, as many of the dishes were completely unknown to me.
Another highlight during my term was the opportunity to act as a master of ceremony for a major conference hosted by the Center. I had never hosted an event of this scale before and it was extremely rewarding to work with the presenters, foreign dignitaries, and staff who facilitated the event.”
Tips for other students
“Be open to willingly embrace the unexpected. You can learn just as much, if not more, outside of the workplace as within. In most cases, you will be far from your social safety net so familiarize yourself with the process and procedures should something go wrong. Be aware of the healthcare system, immigration and local laws, and current events to ensure you are prepared.”
Jared Brendall’s cross cultural journey not only enhanced his professional skills but also contributed to his personal growth, allowing him to step out of his comfort zone and gain a deeper understanding of himself.