Blog: my summer in the USA

Hi, I'm Eileen and I’m a medical student. I was lucky enough to have spent time in the USA for a summer internship through the Go Global scheme. I was driven to apply by my desire to challenge myself in a completely new environment.

Arriving in the USA, I was excited but nervous as I had never been a camp counsellor before, and I wanted to push my leadership and communication skills while working with children.

During the short-term internship abroad, I remember one of the biggest challenges I faced was managing difficult campers while ensuring that all children in my care felt equally supported. No two weeks were the same, and I had to be quick to access situations and make decisions that ensured both the safety and happiness of my campers.

Settling in

As an international student from Nigeria, my background shaped my experience in several ways. Initially, I was unsure how well I would integrate into the camp environment, especially as I was one of the few counsellors from Africa. However, the diversity of the staff made it easier to connect with others and bonding with fellow counsellors from different parts of the world made me feel more at home, and sharing our cultural backgrounds brought a sense of connection despite being far from home.

What I learnt

Looking back, my biggest takeaway from this experience is that growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. I faced challenges that pushed me to be more resourceful, patient, and confident in my leadership abilities. These skills will not only benefit me academically and professionally but will also shape the way I approach future challenges".

This experience also shaped my career goals. As someone aspiring to become a paediatric oncologist, I have always been passionate about working with children, but this role reinforced my ability to connect with them on a deeper level. I learned how to comfort children experiencing homesickness, how to motivate those who were reluctant to participate, and how to create an inclusive environment where every child felt valued. These lessons will undoubtedly help me in my future medical career, where building trust and providing emotional support to young patients will be essential.

Just take the leap..

For any UoB students considering a Go Global opportunity, my advice is simple: take the leap. It’s natural to feel hesitant, especially if it’s your first time in a new environment, but the experience will challenge you in ways that foster personal and professional growth. The challenges—whether it’s adapting to a new culture, handling unexpected responsibilities, or building relationships with people from different backgrounds—will shape you into a more adaptable and confident individual.

If I could sum up my global experience in one phrase, it would be: "Stepping outside your comfort zone leads to the greatest personal growth”.

Interested in your own Go Global adventure? Visit the Go Global homepage to find out more.