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University of North Georgia (UNG) student Megan DeLaigle aspires to work as a diplomat or in another capacity for the government upon graduating in May. But the senior pursuing a degree in modern languages with a concentration Arabic language and literature knew she needed practical experience.

Then the Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS) office sent out a call for State Department internship opportunities. DeLaigle jumped on it.

"I looked at jobs on the State Department and United Nations website," DeLaigle said.

Her search proved fruitful. DeLaigle found an application process that sent her transcript and statement of purpose to different agencies with several internships available. She applied for three different internships and secured a dual program with the State Department and the United Nations.

"NCS was thrilled to hear Megan was selected for an interview and arranged a mock interview to help her prepare," Dr. Victoria Hightower, assistant director of NCS and professor of history, said.

Since Sept. 1, DeLaigle has conducted her internship remotely from UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

"I really love it," she said. "I am translating documents. I hear people speak Arabic. I sit in on council meetings with people from Yemen, Syria and Lebanon. All of this is helping me learn Arabic better."

She is also becoming well-versed in human rights issues and learning to find solutions.

"I feel like I am making a difference," the 21-year-old from Columbus, Georgia, said. "And I like connecting with the people I am serving."

DeLaigle believes the internship will be a good starting point for her career.

"I am learning to apply what I have learned in class to real situations," she said.

For additional support in finding and applying to opportunities like this one, please contact ncs@ung.edu.