{"id":37737,"date":"2025-05-12T07:14:46","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T07:14:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=37737"},"modified":"2025-05-12T08:05:21","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T08:05:21","slug":"positionality-how-your-background-can-affect-your-internship-abroad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/positionality-how-your-background-can-affect-your-internship-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"Positionality: How Your Background Can Affect Your Internship Abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/positionality-how-your-background-can-affect-your-internship-abroad\/#Positionality_and_why_it_matters_in_your_internship_abroad\" >Positionality and why it matters in your internship abroad<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/positionality-how-your-background-can-affect-your-internship-abroad\/#To_understand_the_concept_better_here_are_a_few_examples_of_positionality\" >To understand the concept better, here are a few examples of positionality:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/positionality-how-your-background-can-affect-your-internship-abroad\/#Why_should_I_consider_my_positionality_before_going_on_an_internship_abroad\" >Why should I consider my positionality before going on an internship abroad?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/positionality-how-your-background-can-affect-your-internship-abroad\/#How_can_I_understand_my_positionality\" >How can I understand my positionality?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/positionality-how-your-background-can-affect-your-internship-abroad\/#How_to_be_mindful_of_your_positionality_during_your_internship_abroad\" >How to be mindful of your positionality during your internship abroad<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discrimination against <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.un.org\/en\/observances\/end-racism-day\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">race<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, gender, and more continues to be one of the biggest persisting issues of today. To shape a society where everyone feels seen and accepted, this should be minimized, if not entirely eliminated. Students must learn about these now in order to be the great leaders of tomorrow\u2014leaders who advocate for equity, justice, and compassion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For students taking the first step to learn the world better through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">internship abroad programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, understanding positionality is a must. In this article, you\u2019ll learn what positionality is, how it can impact your international internship experience, and how your awareness of it can make you a better citizen of the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Positionality_and_why_it_matters_in_your_internship_abroad\"><\/span><b>Positionality and why it matters in your internship abroad<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><strong><br \/>\nWhat does positionality mean?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First things first: what is positionality? Positionality is basically where you stand in the grand scheme of things. It\u2019s how your unique background\u2014your gender, race, age, and many other factors\u2014affects how you understand and experience the world. Who you are shapes how you see things, and just as much, how people see you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_understand_the_concept_better_here_are_a_few_examples_of_positionality\"><\/span><strong>To understand the concept better, here are a few examples of positionality:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><strong><br \/>\nRace and ethnicity<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students of Asian descent participating in Accounting internships abroad might encounter the stereotype that all <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ideas.ted.com\/why-saying-asians-are-good-at-myth-isnt-a-compliment-its-racism\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asians are naturally good at math<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This could lead to expectations for them to excel in the role\u2014whether or not that\u2019s their personal strength.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Language<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A non-native English speaker completing an internship in an English-speaking country might feel self-conscious about their communication skills. This can affect their confidence during meetings or presentations, even if they\u2019re highly capable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Age<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students joining high school internships abroad might not be taken as seriously as their college or university peers, even if they have the skills to perform just as well. Younger interns might find themselves having to work harder to earn the same level of trust and responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Gender<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A woman in a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/studyonline.unsw.edu.au\/blog\/women-in-finance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">male-dominated field like a Finance internship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> abroad might notice fewer female mentors or feel the need to prove herself more. A non-binary student might encounter cultures where gender norms are more traditional, which could affect how comfortable or included they feel.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_should_I_consider_my_positionality_before_going_on_an_internship_abroad\"><\/span><strong>Why should I consider my positionality before going on an internship abroad?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being aware of your positionality before heading to internship opportunities abroad can benefit you in plenty of ways. You get to understand both your privilege and any potential challenge you might encounter\u2014and be prepared for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Specifically, here are five ways understanding your positionality can help you prepare for your internship abroad:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>You\u2019ll be better prepared in handling challenges<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing the possible biases or assumptions you might face during your internship will allow you to mentally and emotionally prepare for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>You\u2019ll develop stronger empathy for others<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you understand how identities affect experiences, it will be easier for you to recognize the unique challenges that your teammates (and everyone else you meet abroad) face, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>You\u2019ll improve your networking skills<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being mindful of your positionality can help you better connect with people from different backgrounds\u2014and being abroad, you\u2019ll definitely meet a lot of them. It teaches you to be respectful and open-minded, which everyone can appreciate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>You\u2019ll grow as a culturally aware professional<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Future employers value professionals who are socially aware and inclusive. Understanding positionality improves your ability to work well in diverse environments, and that\u2019s definitely beneficial even after your internship.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>You\u2019ll make your internship experience more meaningful<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By acknowledging how your background shapes your view of the world, you can gain even deeper insights from your internship and appreciate the cultural exchange that happens along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_understand_my_positionality\"><\/span><b>How can I understand my positionality?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, let\u2019s break down some simple, concrete steps that you can take to better understand your positionality:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Reflect on your background and privileges<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take time to think about your race, gender, age, religion, socio-economic background, and other factors that shape your identity. Ask yourself how these might affect the way you experience your internship abroad, both positively and negatively. Revisiting our examples above could help you get started, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/10.1177\/1609406919870075\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mapping out your identity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Learn about intersectionality<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intersectionality means understanding that your different identities overlap and interact with each other. For example, a young Asian woman might face different challenges compared to an older Asian man in the same environment\u2014even if they share the same ethnic background.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Read about other people\u2019s experiences<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look up stories, blogs, and articles written by interns and professionals from diverse backgrounds. This will give you new and different perspectives, and prepare you for things you might not have thought of.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Talk to peers, mentors, or alumni<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aside from reading stories online, you can also approach people you know who have done internships abroad. Reach out and ask what challenges they faced and how their positionality affected their overall experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_be_mindful_of_your_positionality_during_your_internship_abroad\"><\/span><b>How to be mindful of your positionality during your internship abroad<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Awesome\u2014you now understand your positionality and how it affects your perception of everything. Before you head to your internship abroad program, practice being mindful of it so you can make the most of your experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be open to learning about different cultures and perspectives. Approach conversations with curiosity and not assumptions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-to-avoid-unconscious-bias-during-your-internship-abroad\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your own biases<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Stay aware of how you might unconsciously judge others based on their appearance, gender, or background.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Listen actively. Give people a safe space to openly share their stories and ideas, and really hear them out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/how-interns-can-foster-inclusive-leadership-in-the-workplace\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advocate for inclusivity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you notice someone being excluded or treated unfairly, speak up if it feels safe to do so, or offer them your support.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Embrace discomfort. The clich\u00e9 is true: growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone. Be open to feedback and use every challenge as an opportunity to become a better, more culturally aware person.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On top of gaining experience in your industry, your international internship is an opportunity to better understand yourself. When you recognize your positionality, you can navigate challenges with empathy, build stronger connections with people across the world, and become a more inclusive and socially aware professional.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International education plays a huge role in shaping compassionate and culturally competent future leaders like you. That\u2019s why we offer programs across a wide range of industries\u2014from Non-Profit and Sustainability to Engineering and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/internships\/architecture-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Architecture internships<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> abroad\u2014to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, gender, or identity, can find an opportunity where they can thrive.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply for an internship abroad program with us today and take a step toward becoming a globally minded, socially responsible leader.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discrimination against race, gender, and more continues to be one of the biggest persisting issues of today. To shape a society where everyone feels seen and accepted, this should be&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6168,"featured_media":37738,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[920],"tags":[127,1099,1098,949],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-37737","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-internship","tag-internship-abroad","tag-internship-abroad-2025","tag-internship-abroad-program","tag-summer-internship-abroad"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37737","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37737"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37737\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37738"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37737"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37737"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37737"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=37737"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}