Originally from Brazil and now based in Miami, Livia Ivanesciuc is an honors college student at Florida International University, where she studies international relations and political science.
Through The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program, Livia spent her summer interning at the Inter-American Defense Board, the security and defense arm of the Organization of American States. She joined the program to gain hands-on experience in her field, deepen her knowledge of international relations and develop professionally.
Where did you intern and what did you learn?Â
I interned at the Inter-American Defense Board, which is an entity that is part of the Organization of American States. I had the opportunity to interact with people from the military and the area of international relations in different capacities.Â
On a normal day I would get there in the morning and work on projects I had already started, or I would contact my supervisor for anything new she would like me to work on.Â
One project I worked on that I am proud of is their 85th anniversary book. I gathered research and information about the organization for the team that was putting it together, and the book will be published next year. I am happy to have played a big part in creating something that will tell the history of the organization and that will be forever used as a resource.Â
What skills did you develop at your internship and can you share a highlight?Â
Since it was an international organization, with people mainly coming from the Americas, I developed my Spanish because I had to use it and practice it every day during the time I was at the internshipÂ
I also learned a lot about how to work independently and proactively. My supervisor had many tasks that she needed to accomplish herself, so many times I had to come up with things I knew could help them out later, or even just make sure I was offering other coworkers help.Â
In one of our events, we received the President of Barbados, Jeffrey Bostic. This was a very exciting moment, and I was able to talk to him and introduce myself as an intern at the Inter-American Defense Board. Someone else I met who was very notable for me was Eduardo Parada, who works in the international law department at the Organization of American States. Our conversation was filled with amazing insights and it helped me expand my knowledge in the area of international law, which is an area I am interested in pursuing in the near future.Â
What were you nervous about before coming to D.C., and how did you work through it?Â
I was nervous about moving to a new city, far from my family, and I was also nervous about how my internship would go, since it was in an area I had never worked in before. I can now say that I was worried for no reason, because this experience was for sure one of the best I could have ever experienced in my entire life.Â
What helped me the most was trying to live day by day, without stressing about what would happen in the future. It was also amazing to make new connections and friendships that helped me get through everything while I was in D.C. I had people I could rely on and it for sure made a difference during my time there.Â
Did you receive a scholarship?Â
Yes. I received the Florida State Scholarship. This made it 100% possible for me to go to the program. As an international student, I already have a high cost of living and studying in Miami, so moving to another city and having to pay for housing and academics would have been very heavy on me. I am glad I received this scholarship because it made it possible for me to go and live one of the best summers of my life.Â
Florida is one of TWC's longest-running state partners, with funding administered through FIU for students across the State University System of Florida. See state scholarship opportunities to find out what is available where you go to school.Â
Livia arrived worried that she had never worked in her field before. She left having contributed research to a book that will document 85 years of hemispheric security work, having conducted her daily work in a second language, and having introduced herself to a head of state. None of that came from credentials she had before she got there. It came from showing up, offering help before she was asked and paying attention.Â
Want to hear more from students and alumni about what a semester or summer in D.C. actually looks like? Explore intern stories and career resources from The Washington Center.Â
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students studying at a U.S. university intern in D.C. through TWC?Â
Yes. TWC works with international students enrolled at domestic schools. Visa and work authorization questions should be confirmed with your campus international student office and your TWC advisor before you apply.Â
What kinds of international organizations host interns in Washington, D.C.?Â
More than most students realize. Beyond embassies and the State Department, D.C. hosts multilateral bodies like the Organization of American States and its specialized entities, including the Inter-American Defense Board where Livia interned. There are also think tanks, development banks and policy research centers. Â
Is funding available for Florida students who want to intern in D.C.?Â
Yes. Florida is one of TWC's strongest state scholarship partners, with funding administered through FIU for students attending institutions in the State University System of Florida.
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