Cultural Survival's community includes people from all walks of life, with beautiful stories to tell of your own about why you decided to become an advocate for Indigenous Peoples' rights. Sharing these stories further connects our community, provides much-needed solidarity and validation to our staff and partners on the ground, and helps us inspire others to join our movement. We are excited to spotlight members and former interns of our community and highlight your contributions and perspectives through our Cultural Survival Spotlight series.
Are you a former Cultural Survival intern or a passionate member of our community? We'd be honored to hear and share your story!
Rebecca Small, Cultural Survival Former Intern (Fall 2021)
When were you a Cultural Survival intern and what program did you work with?
Fall of 2021, Keepers of the Earth Fund
Where are you currently in your career, and how do you see your internship experience connecting to your present work?
This past September, I moved to London to pursue a master’s degree in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies at the London School of Economics and Political Science. My coursework includes engaging classes such as Humanitarianism, Forced Migration, and Global Environmental Governance. In addition, I am currently working on a student consultancy project with the nonprofit organization Practical Action, where I am researching wildfire early warning systems (EWS) in Peru and Bolivia.
Prior to beginning my master’s degree, I spent three years working abroad as an English teacher in three different countries. Most recently, I taught at a high school in rural Hungary. Before that, I served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Bucaramanga, Colombia, and earlier worked at a primary school in Madrid, Spain.
While living in Colombia, I had the chance to take a short trip to the Amazon region. I stayed with an Indigenous family from the Tikuna Baru clan in a small riverside community called Macedonia. I learned so much about their Indigenous language, agricultural practices, and local governance system. It was one of the best travel experiences I have ever had, and I would go back in a heartbeat. This experience reminded me of my time working with CS and researching and writing about various Indigenous communities in Latin America.
My internship has been instrumental in shaping my professional development since graduating from George Washington University in 2022 with a degree in International Affairs. Through this experience, I strengthened core skills in analytical writing, professional communication, and grant data management, while also deepening my understanding of the challenges and priorities facing Indigenous communities around the world.
Following the completion of my master’s degree, I hope to begin a career in international development. In the longer term, these experiences will support my goal of becoming a Foreign Service Officer.
Rebecca in the Amazon holding baby caimáns (alligators).
Do you have a particularly memorable moment, interaction, or experience from your internship that had a lasting impact on you?
I remember having a lot of opportunities to use my language skills, in Spanish and Portuguese, which I thought was really cool. I also remember writing Grant Partner Spotlights and learning about Indigenous grassroots organizations around the world. This internship tied together my study of international affairs with my minors in Spanish and sustainability in a really unique and interesting way.
Rebecca in the Amazon, playing with some monkeys.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your intern experience or insights for future Cultural Survival interns?
I had a few opportunities to have my writing published as an intern on Cultural Survival’s webpage, which looks really good when you are applying to fellowships, jobs, graduate school, and other cool opportunities, so definitely take advantage of that when you can! And take every experience as a learning opportunity. Working for a non-profit is one of the most rewarding jobs out there - enjoy the experience!
Are you a former Cultural Survival intern or a passionate member of our community? We'd be honored to hear and share your story!
Top photo: Rebecca in the Amazon, boating on the Amazon River.
