INTERNSHIP PROGRAM PLAN ART SHANE G. DACUA
OFFICE OF AMERICAN AFFAIRS INTERN FOA 60
Timeline
Intern Learning Outcomes
Week 1
Familiarization with Host Office’s mandates, goals, and organizational procedures. Intern works on tasks and other responsibilities assigned by Host Office
Duties, Responsibilities, Activities to Meet Outcomes Host Office shall orient the Intern accordingly. Host Office guides the Intern and assigns initial Tasks
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Week 2
Intern to become fully engaged in tasks and responsibilities of the Host Office and sees its role in the larger functioning of DFA
Host Office entrusts full responsibilities to be handled by the Intern to contribute to the overall Operations of the Host Office
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Highlights/ Skills that were upgraded (How?)
Write a Daily Memo News Report for Asst. Sec. about the recent Political and Economic Developments in Mexico and Central America Coordinate and followup several Government agencies for Book Launching Research about 25th Year Bilateral Relations of 4 Caribbean countries, make a concept paper, and action plan for ceremonial event. Protocol during the book launching event
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Write a Daily Memo News Report for Asst. Sec. of OAA Updating the Country Profile of Division 4 South America and Multilateral Affairs Make a Profile of Multilateral Organization in Latin America Draft a Formal Letter
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Strengthened policy analysis and news synthesis skills through daily research and writing Improved communication and organizational skills through follow-ups and scheduling Enhanced strategic research, event planning, and diplomacy-related writing Learned formal event conduct, diplomatic protocol, and guest engagement
Challenging Tasks, How did you cope? Insights gained •
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Developed accuracy and synthesis skills by condensing key info into brief country formats Learned about regional organizations and multilateral diplomacy structures Developed formal diplomatic writing skills and formatting Enhanced high-level diplomatic writing and protocol knowledge
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Keeping up with real-time, credible news sources was demanding; used crossreferencing and citation tracking Handling delays and unresponsive agencies; created a follow-up matrix to track communication Importance of historical context in diplomacy and event planning Adapting quickly to live event changes; followed senior staff and protocol officer instructions Diplomacy includes frontline presence and precision under pressure Managing large data volume; followed a template and reviewed with supervisor Updated country profiles aid in better foreign policy and diplomatic decisions Varying levels of data availability; utilized official websites and regional sources