Personal reflection on internship in the Philippines

The internship, supported by AQUEIS, was a success for Marthje, International Master in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea) student from University of Ghent, in many respects, read her personal reflection:

“During my work experience in the Philippines, I was able build a diverse and extensive range of technical competences. Surprisingly, it has been particularly the less tangible learning outcomes that I have found to be most impactful for my professional development, such as increased cultural awareness and a general change in perspective. As my most memorable moments, I will value the interactions with the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICC) of the upland areas and the milkfish farmers in the coastal areas of Davao Region. The combination of these encounters taught me a great deal about the diversity of local cultures and the people’s dependence and valuation of the marine environment. Being allowed access and welcomed to such remote areas and communities has been a true privilege.”