Yale undergrad completes CALD internship

An incoming third year student from Yale University recently completed an internship with the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats. Mr. Julius Mitchell, a student majoring in both Political Science and Ethnicity, Race & Migration, joined the CALD Secretariat from 09 June to 14 August.

During his stay in Manila, Julius assisted the CALD Secretariat in the 57th Liberal International Congress on Human Rights and Trade and in preparing the curriculum for the proposed CALD Academy. He was interviewed on the radio by CALD Secretary General, Dr. Neric Acosta, on his impressions on Philippine politics and gave a presentation on “Modern Day Manifestations of Discrimination in the United States” to students of Miriam College. He also took the opportunity to learn more about the Philippines by visiting historical and cultural sites.

Instead of limiting his internship to the work of the Secretariat in Manila, Julius traveled to Singapore and helped the Singapore Democratic Party during their national day activity. He also did weekly research on developments about CALD member parties. Prior to concluding his internship, he co-organized the CALD Women’s Caucus Workshop on Marketing and Messaging Strategies for Women Candidates, which took place in Malacca, Malaysia.

Julius learned about how the parliamentary system works in different Asian countries and was immersed in the election processes of countries like the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan. He observed, “For most of Asia there are, in general, trends in the challenges faced by political parties in regards to fighting corruption, developing free and fair elections, promoting gender equality, and distributing wealth equitably across particular societies.”

“I gained a more nuanced and deeper awareness of Asian politics and the challenges faced by its member parties to execute good governance and to promote liberal values in the region,” added Julius. “Having the opportunity to interact with Asian MPs, party leaders, and other prominent political figures on a firsthand basis enriched my weekly research on and independent study of regional affairs in Asia.”

Julius is the second Yale student that has been a CALD intern. His internship was made possible by the International Summer Award granted by the Center for International Experience of Yale University. Prior to working with CALD this summer, he was appointed head recruitment coordinator at the Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions. After he graduates, he hopes to attend law school.

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This post was written by CALD