Entry 8 - Overall Reflection

Since my internship is coming to an end, this last entry will be a reflection on how well my internship went and what it brought to me. I will share my thoughts concerning the fulfilling of my goals, my use of strategies learned in class and my improvements in English as well as my host and the organization I worked for.

Goals

My goals were to enrich my vocabulary and to improve my writing skills. I think I accomplished both goals. Indeed, I had the opportunity to learn many pertinent and useful vocabulary words such as sustainable, empower and discrepancy, words that I can now use in my own writing. Also, with these entries I wrote every week and the work I am currently doing on e-KSS's Facebook page, I notice that it is a lot easier for me to write in English now. Words come more fluently out of me and my grammar structures are better. Therefore, my goals are accomplished.

Strategies

I had chosen to use the strategies of guessing, looking for patterns and accept ambiguity. The guessing strategy, as I said in my previous entries, was successful. It helped me translate faster and more accurately since I could figure out the meaning of words without always looking in a dictionary, also allowing me to remember them more. I used the ''looking for patterns'' strategy differently. Instead of searching similarities between French and English, I noticed the differences between them. That allowed me to understand better how English works and helped me avoid making mistakes of interference of the first language.

Growth

What I enjoyed the most in my internship is that I saw my grammar skills, my reading skills and my vocabulary improve. At the beginning, translations were difficult for me and as time went by, it became easier. I could translate faster because I understood more the work I had to translate. Therefore, my comprehension of English language in general had greatly improved. Also, with this internship, I wanted to dip my toe in the water and to make sure I really wanted to become a translator. And I realised that I enjoy this work a lot. This is definitely a career I will consider in the future.

Placement

Finally, my host and the organization I worked for are wonderful. My host was there for me, helping me when I needed it, giving me clear instructions and constructive and insightful feedback that helped me improve my work. I enjoyed working with him. I would definitely recommend this internship for the next years' students.

And this is what marks the end of my internship. It was a great experience that I won't forget.