Adding practical experience to classroom learning is a critical feature to a total education at BYU–Hawaii. In a genuine effort to reach this ideal, the Political Science Department and gracious supporters of Brigham Young University-Hawaii offered political science majors a chance to intern with various government offices and ministries of the Cook Islands, part of BYU–Hawaii’s target area. Students gained experience while participating government offices received quality work, building key relationships for further learning and employment opportunities in the future.
The 10 participating students were placed in a various offices and ministries, including the Ministries of Justice, Foreign Affairs, Tourism, and the Ministry of Marine Resources. Even the Office of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister opened their doors. Not only did the experience build résumés and career opportunities, but a chance to gain confidence, knowledge, and lasting friendships. Interns were given responsibilities beyond what they expected. “We were not just doing busy work; they put us in the sector and we actually ended up making policies,” said Lanea Snow, senior in Political Science from Mililani, Hawaii. “Our interns in the deputy prime minister’s office even prepared the annual report. … We were involved in some pretty intense projects.”
Brian Dawson, a senior studying Pacific Islands Studies and Political Science from New York, worked in the Ministry of Marine Resources office. In addition to working on articles and advertisements for the office, he said, “I was included in meetings, conversations, and the sharing of ideas with ambassadors of foreign lands and local ministers. … Both of my majors were well covered by my experience.”
The positive results of this particular internship seem to have no end; aside from all that they were able to accomplish in their respective offices, several of the students were also able to complete the requirements for their senior projects during the internship.
To help students prepare to be culturally aware and sensitive, all students participating in the internships were required to take a class on the culture of the Cook Islands, taught by Jon Jonassen, BYU–Hawaii professor and native to the Cook Islands. During their time in the country each student had to perform a chant in the native language. Some did it in the local college, some did it in their offices, and some in family home evenings with local members. This act, although challenging for most, served as a rite of passage to the local people and showed the commitment of BYU–Hawaii students to understand and respect the Cook Islands culture.
Professor Jonassen was instrumental in making the connections for students to be able to go and have a place to stay once in the islands. Throughout the internship, he and Michael Murdock, chair of the Political Science Department at BYU–Hawaii, served as mentors and resources for the students.
Students obtained invaluable employment knowledge and skills, while simultaneously serving as ambassadors for the University, and ultimately the Church. They are living the University's mission to learn, lead and build.
“I was given the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people I have ever met,” said Dawson. Lanea Snow echoed that sentiment, “There are things that I learned there, through my experience with the people and their culture, that I would never have learned had I done an internship at home.”
To find out more, visit the Political Science Page.