And so the Internship Begins...

The whole point of this program is to have a fulfilling internship. Honestly, a few weeks ago, I would have said that it doesn't look like I'll find one. Some people still haven't. But never fear! I found one that's perfect for me!

Internships are a very new concept to Israel. People don't understand your role. They think of you as a volunteer. What's the difference between a volunteer and an intern? Well, an intern is supposed to really learn from the work that you give them and develop as a person professionally. They are basically an unpaid employee. A volunteer should have a meaningful experience as well, but not so many responsibilities.

I am fortunate for my internship. I am working at Tel Aviv University in the International Students Department, in the Student Union under the supervision of Yael, who is awesome, by the way. I am now the coordinator for the Buddies group, which matches up Israeli students with foreign students, that help integrate them into Israeli society. I'm planning events and parties for them, along with outings and different meetings, etc. It's a lot of work, but it's fun work! I work with four students with major roles: Ofer, the president; Gon, whose in charge of PR and our weekly updates; Noa, the communications lady; and Keren, the events planner. During my very first week, I had two programs! During the day on Friday (which normally I wouldn't work because it's the weekend), we had a Welcome Event by the dorms for the new Overseas Student Program participants, where we served falafel for free, along with 5 shekel beer, which is basically for free by Israeli standards. It was a lot of fun. Many many many students showed up for it.

We wanted to keep that welcome vibe going, so we had a Welcome Party at Hemingway Bar that evening. Hemingway offered buy one drink, get a free chaser. A "chaser" in Israel is a "shot." Again, alcohol at bars is very expensive, so this is a great deal! Normally, a bar would not get full, even on a Friday night until 11pm or so. We planned this for 9pm, otherwise we wouldn't be able to get everyone in. Hemingway has a 250 person capacity. We filled the place super early!!!! By 10:30pm, there was a long line to get in. Awesome. Really fun event.

Not all of our events are going to be at bars. We have a lot more in the works, especially for the "buddies" to get to know each other. You can't really do that at a loud bar with everyone dancing on tables, on the bar, etc. But in the meantime, it was one hell of a party! Here are some of the pictures from during the day and evening events.

Israeli & American playing "Matcot"

Foreign students going for the falafel

With the volunteers and the beer keg machine

Welcome Event in the evening at Hemingway

Dancing on the bar at Hemingway

The Leaders of the Buddies: Ofer, Noa, Gon, Keren, & me