From Halifax to Bogotá: My Journey with the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP)

By Adeb Arianson

International Youth Internship Program Intern at YMCA of Bogotá, Theatrist, Activist, and Human Rights Advocate 

When I think about my journey with the YMCA, it feels like a transformative story— one that begins with an Afghan Canadian navigating life as a young immigrant in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and leads to the vibrant culture of Bogotá, Colombia. My experience with YMCA of Greater Toronto’s International Youth Internship Program (IYIP) was more than a professional opportunity—it was a life-changing adventure. 

A Little About My Background and Passion for Advocacy

I was born in Afghanistan, where life was filled with challenges. Growing up as an orphan while also navigating my identity in a conservative society shaped my resilience and ignited my passion for advocacy. 

At 16, I began working with local and international organizations, focusing on empowering youth and advocating for marginalized groups. I joined leadership roles in government youth committees, using my experiences to create programs that foster inclusivity and opportunity. 

When I moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia in my late teenage years as a young immigrant, I carried that passion with me. I started volunteering at our Local YMCA, and from volunteering to facilitating workshops on gender-based violence prevention and youth leadership. Those experiences strengthened my connection to community work and prepared me for the next steps. 

Left to right: Photo 1 – Author Adeb Arianson pointing at a screen while delivering a workshop Photo 2 – Author Adeb Arianson explaining a presentation slide on the screen while delivering a workshop

Last year, I received a link in my inbox about YMCA of Greater Toronto’s IYIP program, supported by Global Affairs Canada. The six-month program is designed to empower young Canadians and Permanent Residents while addressing community needs abroad. The opportunity to apply my skills globally excited me. After a competitive selection process, I was thrilled to be accepted and proud to represent Atlantic Canada as part of the cohort, alongside nine other interns. Total 10 of us! 

Before leaving, IYIP participants attended a week-long pre-departure training to equip us for the challenges ahead. From cultural adaptation to mental health and design thinking, the training gave us practical tools and confidence to embrace the experience fully. 

Left photo:Author Adeb Arianson with two other interns during the post-internship training in one of Colombia’s cities. The moment captures a lively and cheerful pose on a training day.

Right photo: Author Adeb Arianson with other interns undergoing an interactive pre-departure program training session

When I arrived in Bogotá, I was instantly struck by its energy. The air was warm, carrying the rich aroma of Colombian coffee, one of the country’s most famous exports. I wasn’t just inhaling the air; I was inhaling the culture. The streets of Bogotá —bursting with colorful murals and bustling with life—were a perfect mix of old and new, with colonial architecture rubbing shoulders with modern skyscrapers. 

One of the first things that caught my attention was how welcoming the people were. My host father, who made me feel like part of his family from day one, greeted me with a warm hug. Even though we were from different worlds, his kindness made Bogotá feel like home. 

In our first week, we toured various YMCA locations. Each centre had a unique focus, but what stood out to me most was their work with youth and kids, including individuals from marginalized communities. The YMCA provides these kids with safe spaces to learn, grow, and dream—something that resonated deeply with me as someone who grew up in difficult circumstances. 

Photo: Author Adeb Arianson posing with two IYIP interns for a fun photograph with hat and cup props

My internship took me to the YMCA of Bogotá. It wasn’t just a workplace; it became a second home to me. I worked alongside passionate educators and youth workers, engaging with children and young adults aged 6 to 17. Many of these youth came from disadvantaged backgrounds, dealing with social and economic hardships, yet their resilience and creativity inspired me every single day.  

My role was to design and facilitate programs that focused on mental health, environmental sustainability, and English language learning. It wasn’t just about teaching; it was about connecting. It was about building trust, inspiring the children to see beyond their circumstances, and helping them imagine what they could achieve in the world. 

One of my most cherished memories was International Youth Day, when I facilitated an event where the kids identified the global issues they wanted to change. From eradicating poverty to tackling climate change, their dreams were big and bold, and their hope for a better world was infectious. 

As the days passed, I immersed myself deeper into the culture of Bogotá. Learning Spanish was a challenge, but every awkward attempt and every burst of laughter made it worth it. Soon, I could hold a conversation, share a joke, and navigate the streets with ease. 

Beyond the language, I fell in love with the rhythm of Colombian life. The food, the music, the festivals—I experienced it all. I traveled to cities full of history and warmth. I was welcomed with open arms by the local people, and through their generosity, I came to appreciate Bogotá in a way I never could have imagined. 

A major highlight of my internship was attending the 60th anniversary gala of YMCA Bogotá. It was an international event that brought together YMCA leaders, staff, and volunteers from all around the world. I stood in a room filled with people whose passion and commitment to youth and community mirrored my own. The event made me feel part of something much bigger than myself—a global movement focused on transformation and hope.

Photo: Author Adeb Arianson at the gala celebrating the 60th anniversary of YMCA Bogotá, dressed in formal attire.

Learning Spanish was both a challenge and an adventure. My first attempts at communicating often ended in confusion and laughter—like the time I tried to ask about the TransMilenio (Bogotá ’s bus system) and ended up talking about Transylvania.  

But with practice, I improved. By the end of my placement, I could hold conversations, order food, and even tell jokes (though my host dad might say my Spanish humor needs work).    

Colombian culture captivated me. On weekends, I explored cities. Each city had its own charm, but my favorite experience was when my host family invited me to join them for a festival, where I dressed in traditional Colombian attire and participated in a parade. It was a moment of pure joy—and yes, I later found out I made it onto local TV!

Left photo: Author Adeb Arianson standing on a giant hand-shaped staircase sculpture surrounded by lush green hills and tall palm trees in a scenic, mountainous area of Colombia.

Right photo: Author Adeb Arianson wearing a straw hat, a white shirt, and a bright yellow scarf, sitting on a stone ledge with colorful flowers and baskets in the background during festival time in Colombia.

Working with the YMCA in Bogotá gave me a firsthand look at how powerful community programs can be. These kids weren’t just learning English or discussing sustainability—they were learning about themselves. They were finding their voices, their passions, and their strength to dream big. It reminded me of my own journey. 

As someone deeply passionate about theatre, I was particularly moved by the artistic programs offered, which allowed these young people to express themselves through dance, theatre, and art. I witnessed shy, reserved children transform into confident, expressive performers. The power of art to heal, unite, and inspire was a true testament to the YMCA’s mission. 

Photo: Author Adeb Arianson sits on a chair, holding papers in hand and smiling with other interns during an IYIP program activity.

After successfully completing the six-month internship, I had the honor of receiving my certificate of completion during a special event. This wasn’t just any event—it was the YMCA Volunteer Celebration Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the inspiring and passionate YMCA volunteers as they graduated from their volunteering program.    

I was given the opportunity to give a speech during the ceremony, where I expressed my heartfelt gratitude for this transformative experience. I shared my admiration for the incredible volunteers, whose dedication and passion have been the backbone of YMCA’s success. Their commitment to creating positive change in their communities left me deeply inspired.    

Receiving my internship certificate in this setting was a moment of pride and reflection. It wasn’t just a symbol of the work I had done but a celebration of the friendships, growth, and shared purpose that defined these six months.  

Left photo: Author Adeb Arianson on stage at a YMCA Volunteer Day celebration, receiving the IYIP Certificate of Completion and delivering a motivational speech to the audience while accepting the award.

Right photo: Author Adeb Arianson and two other interns smiling on stage, each holding their IYIP Certificates of Completion

This journey wasn’t just about professional growth; it was a transformation. I stepped out of my comfort zone, embraced challenges, and gained a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.  

I’m incredibly grateful to Global Affairs Canada for supporting YMCA of Greater Toronto to deliver the International Youth Internship Program, along with the YMCA of Bogotá and everyone who made this experience possible. To my fellow interns—your passion and dedication inspired me every day.

To future IYIP participants: take the leap. You’ll laugh, you’ll grow, and you’ll create memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.  

And to Colombia: ¡gracias! Thank you for the lessons, the friendships, and the unforgettable experiences. This isn’t goodbye—just hasta luego.