One aspect of my study abroad experience that made it truly priceless was an internship opportunity that I was fortunate enough to take part in.  One of my passions is women's rights and while in Amsterdam I was able to find a position within a world renowned organization which does incredible work. I volunteered in the Asia desk of Mama Cash. Mama Cash is a women's foundation which supports groundbreaking and innovative projects conceived by women for women all over the world.

Mama Cash has an incredible history. They were the first international, independent foundation for women in the world.  The organization was founded in 1983 in Amsterdam and by now Mama Cash has raised 22 million euros and supported 5,200 women’s groups around the world.  The organization supports groups in Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asian, Africa and the Middle East by giving grants to groups that will help secure human rights by ensuring the rights of women.

Within the organization I volunteered at the Asia desk where I helped review grant proposals from Asia. In order for a group to receive the grant they had to meet certain criteria and I helped to make sure these organizations qualified. This experience was invaluable because I was able to be around strong women who were making strides to help women worldwide. The organization started out as five young Dutch women and now the impact can be felt by women from Tanzania to Nepal.

It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of such an important organization and it really helped put my time abroad in perspective. I was able to spend time with people my own age of different cultures and I was also able to be around distinguished and passionate people who were able to help guide and inspire me.