Questions (and answers) for Allison
You probably remember Allison McDonald, my lovely vocal partner in Vietnam (for Eagles, Bieber and a acoustic cafe). Here is the opportunity to find out more about how this twenty-year-old university student from Ottawa ended up working for a few months in Southeast Asia, and how she lived this experience. All in five questions and answers just before she ends her Asian mandate.
1- Who are you and what are you doing in Vietnam?
I am an international development student at the University of Ottawa. I'm living in Vietnam for three months because I jumped at the opportunity to do an internship here in Hue. It was while learning about the development of the Southeast Asian region during my studies that I got the taste of knowing Vietnam better in particular.
I have always been passionate about travel, no doubt because I had the privilege of growing up in Tanzania and the UK with my teaching parents. To take this chance to live and work abroad before the end of my university course seemed a natural challenge to me. I really enjoy trying to integrate as well as possible into a new country, with its different standards, language and culture.
Allison McDonald, in Hue, Vietnam.
2- Do you see a difference in traveling, studying or working elsewhere as a woman?
Yes, there may be a difference. In particular depending on whether the local community is used to foreigners.
Allison at Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam.
In Vietnam, I did notice that I received more attention than foreign men, but I never felt any hostility, malice or intimidation towards me. On the contrary, I believe it is very safe for a woman to travel there alone. I have done it a few times and have received nothing but kindness and smiles everywhere.
I do know, however, that different cultures may have different perceptions and treatment of women in the workplace. It may therefore be more difficult for a woman accustomed to working in a fair and equal environment, as in Canada, to work abroad in an environment where the ideas and opinions of women are less well received. However, although it is a challenge, it can also be an opportunity to question certain inequalities by its mere presence and integration in the foreign country.
3- Has this work experience changed you?
Yes, without hesitation! And for the better.
I have been fortunate that my development work here has focused on the grassroots level and local needs. I therefore appreciate that my daily work is meaningful and can help the organization achieve its goals. I also learned a lot about myself, and I was able to grow not only as a young professional, but also as a young woman in a world much bigger than you imagine.
Despite the challenges, and maybe even because of them, this work experience really helped me reaffirm my willingness to pursue a career in the international development sector.
Allison surrounded by the employees of the Times Hotel where she was staying.
With students from the college where she worked.
4- What are your future projects?
I will soon be finishing my bachelor's degree at the University of Ottawa. I will then try to go and work abroad for a year, if possible still in development. I plan after a few years of experience to continue my education at the master's level in a more specific area of international development, perhaps in project management, conflict resolution or sustainable development. I would also like to go abroad for these studies, Switzerland and the United Kingdom particularly attract me.
But I still have a few years before all this! For now, I just know I'm aiming for a career that can eventually take me to the far corners of this world.
Traveling: 100%. I believe that everyone should travel somewhere in their life, and not just go on vacation.
5- Would you recommend your experience to other students, and to women in particular?
Work and live abroad? Absolutely also. However, the length of stay could vary depending on his willingness to live outside of his comfort zone for an extended period of time, and constantly accommodate daily challenges.
I also don't think that women should be less inclined to work or live abroad simply because of their gender.
Just being a woman abroad can often be a positive influence on the women we meet.
One thing I have learned is that people are the same everywhere. We laugh and cry, we have hopes and worries. Part of the fun of being abroad is seeing what causes these emotions in different societies.
