The responses from students and representatives of the internship organizations were overwhelmingly positive. Some students felt they developed a more sophisticated analysis of the political economy of NGO interventions, a changed view of themselves as agents with the capacities to contribute to change, and hands-on practice connecting theory and action. Other students noted challenges due to limited NGO resources and staff time, struggles forging an appropriate role for themselves within their internship organization and difficulties balancing demands of the course with their other obligations.

Comments from students:

• "Actually experiencing how an NGO functions (as well as learning about the intimate functions of seven others) was invaluably informative."
• "Interning really did tie the theory with the practice ... [it] made me realize that there is a lot we can do."
• "The issues in this were all very intriguing and mind breaking. These were issues at one point in my life I have heard of but the context in which it was presented here gave me a whole different perspective... in a good way...Yes, this class has enabled me to build new critical and creative skills, especially due to the interning component."
• "This course enabled me to build new and critical skills in terms of applying theories and practices to my own opinions and ideas, and to engage those together to form creative ideas."
• "Challenged: raising questions on production of poverty in ways I didn't even realize--like our understanding of what is right/wrong and our desire to 'help' not collaborate. I am newly informed about many current issues related to the discourse of development, how it is deeply embedded in gendered politics, and especially the course has given me tools to critique it."
• "This course has significantly challenged my perspective and understanding of class material. It has encouraged me to engage critical thinking skills and concepts that I've learned within the Gender and Women's Studies Department into community organizing."
• "My awareness and my empowerment were enhanced through my participation..."
• "I gained a deeper understanding of the politics surrounding humanitarian aid."
• "[I learned] how to be a critical thinker."

Comments from Host Organizations:

• "We gained specific research assistance from our two wonderful interns. One created an entire database that will be very useful and the other tackled a complex issue of language and meaning and came up with significant contributions."
• "... the internship influenced [our] organization's use of cyberspace for education and fundraising initiatives."
• "[The intern's] assistance and attitudes were incredibly valuable and it was wonderful the have the extra helping hands."

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