Young professional in another country: not always smooth

“It has never been, and never will be easy work! But the road that is built in hope is more pleasant to the traveler than the road built in despair…” Marion Zimmer Bradley.

The Youth Zone young professionals exchange programme, just like life itself, may not be so smooth for some. It comes with its own ups and downs. The initiative by IRC International Water and Sanitation centre and PSO Capacity Building for Developing Counties, strives to enhance the capacities of young professionals (YP) in the WASH sector of developing countries. Preparation begins at the YPs’ home organization, then comes training at IRC before placements are taken up in a host organization abroad.

Most often the young professionals leave with high expectations. Fortunately, for some their expectations are met, but for others, not at all. Whichever way, the following are essential if you want to come back in one piece and not in pieces.

• WILLINGNESS to adopt (culture, language etc)
• FOCUS on the good things and see challenges as opportunities in disguise
• FIRM with decisions and commitments
• Be DISCIPLINED with time, attitude etc
• HOPE for the best in times to come if not the present

What I called the TRIPLE-P which is ‘professional, personal prize’ gave me strength. Focusing on what I would learn and who I would be was enough motivation to overcome certain hindrances. It was the same for my fellow YPs. These “survival tactics” contributed not only to my development as a professional but also as an individual in my private life. This helped me to keep an open mind and should I go anywhere else for whatever reason, I believe I would survive. 

Settling in: the good, the bad and the ugly

I left the Netherlands in October 2010 with high expectations of my receiving organization in Uganda based on firm assurances given me concerning my accommodation and settling in. However, I arrived to a completely dire situation with the toilet at the arranged accommodation and my new bathroom, which even resulted in some health issues.

Fixing my gaze on the purpose of my placement, I searched for suitable accommodation and settled in. My fellow young professionals had a completely different experience. So, future young professionals, keep an open mind and be prepared to stand on your own when faced with such challenges in a foreign land. If you are lucky to find good friends, seek their help. The beginning of every journey in life is not easy but it will be worth it. To the sending organizations, I would suggest that basic accommodation and adequate work space are as agreed in order to alleviate potential troubles of the YP. To the host organization, there will always be lapses in human relations but the value of every experience comes from the lessons drawn out, so that the situation can be improved for the next person.

Better, not bitter: staying focused

As a result of cultural and social differences, clashes or misunderstandings are bound to happen in such placements. Communication then becomes an integral part of the process. All parties involved should say what they mean and mean what they say. That way, an enabling environment will be created for both sides to achieve the required aim with no hard feelings. To young professionals, such circumstances are bound to come. When they do, sort them out as quickly as possible with your mentor or whoever is involved. Keep it out of your mind and focus on the purpose of being there. To the receiving organization, the YP must be accorded the respect due him or her so that they are in the right frame of mind to perform well for the organization and to achieve their aims.

Being “yourself” 

Personality and behavioural traits vary from one person to another. Being who I am helped me to survive in Uganda. The same applied to my fellow young professionals. Bimala who was placed in Gujarat, India, for instance, was forced to be a vegetarian because people are not supposed to eat meat. In a way, a fundamental right was infringed but she was not deterred. Being yourself irrespective of environment, situation or condition helps you meet a challenge.

Advice to future young professionals, stick to the things that excite you, relax and make good friends, forget about bad people and experiences, and if possible have all the fun you can. That way, home sickness is reduced, stress is released and your total being will be made whole. The placement is meant not only to enhance professional development but also personal relations. To the host organization, providing the young professional with hints on places to see and have fun wouldn’t hurt.

Even though life may not be the party we hoped for, we might as well dance while here. To the host organization, lots can be done by all sides to make especially the placement the best ever. To the future YPs, “No one else can speak the words on your lips. Drench yourself in words unspoken. Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten”. Natasha Bedingfield.

Ida Coleman, RCN Ghana, as part of her nine-month work at Netwas Uganda under the PSO/IRC Youth Zone young professional  exchange programme, 27 July 2011.