Reaffirmation of My Academic Interests

By Jordyn Bain

N = New information
So far this summer, I’ve learned that many NGOs working with Ukrainian refugees in Prague face significant challenges stemming from inconsistent government funding, overreliance on short-term volunteers, and governmental constraints that limit their ability to work efficiently. This insight has complicated my previous view that NGOs are always well-equipped and well-funded. I now understand that even passionate and mission-driven organizations can struggle when structural support is lacking. Additionally, I’ve learned how refugee experiences are deeply shaped by community attitudes and access to language and employment services.

S = Self-reflection and evaluation
I have not yet started my experience but I am already becoming more invested in my community-based interest. Not only have I learned more about the daily challenges refugees must face, but also the plights of immigrants and refugees across the world. I feel more invested in refugee well-being, not just as a global issue, but as something immediate, local, and human.

E = Environmental influences
I have not begun my journey in the Czech Republic, but I’ve noticed differences between Czech and American approaches to integration, particularly in how civil society steps in where state support lags. Conversations with NGO staff has deeply impacted how I view the practical limitations and emotional labor involved in refugee aid work. These relationships are helping my Capstone take shape by grounding it in lived experiences rather than just theory.

W = Where do I go from here?
So far, I’ve committed to centering my Capstone on how NGOs in Prague respond to Ukrainian refugee needs amid limited resources. I aim to evaluate both their successes and their structural constraints. I hope to deepen my understanding of the unique challenges NGOs face by conducting interviews and visiting refugee support centers to better understand service delivery on the ground. This deep exploration of my community based interest has reaffirmed my interest in international human rights work and made me consider future opportunities like law school, graduate research, and roles in international NGOs. Long-term, I plan to pursue a career in diplomacy or policy advocacy, informed by this field experience.