Dr. Minor suggested we look into Consulates, also my friend had completed an internship with the French Consulate the year prior and gave a positive review.
I have learned so much about the art of diplomacy in the work that the staff accomplishes at the consulate. While I was nervous the first day, the diplomats working at the consulate were incredibly welcoming and excited to share what work each of them specializes in. I have been able to gain a lot of hands-on experience while making actual contributions to the work of the consulate. I have seen firsthand the positive impact they have made on the community, whether it be in honoring WWII veterans or sponsoring community events to promote Franco-American friendship.
I hope to work for the State Department as a Foreign Service Officer, so learning the operations of a consulate is invaluable experience. Aside from the technical aspect of interning at a consulate is the cross-cultural skills have I gained. Learning to navigate situations with those who do not share your first language or societal norms is vital to diplomatic work and is a skill everyone should acquire in a world of increasing globalization and interconnectedness.