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International Internship

Oltre I Sogni 

Motivating and supporting adults with disabilities through music and art therapy to improve physical skills and self-confidence for every day activities

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Massimilliano

Administraton

Angela

Administraton

Teresa

Music Division

Roberta

Supervisor

Giovanna

Supervisor

Virgilia

Arts Division

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Dieu

Intern

Assisted staff with activities such as ceramics, painting, singing, dancing, and creative writing

Proposed projects to increase motor skills, social interaction, and independent functioning in adults with disabilities

Aided in the preparation and termination of events and activities

Developed social media strategies to promote the organization's ideals and mission statement 

Translated and interpreted Italian text to English text 

Project Biography:

Members are given the chance to create biographies to share their hobbies, ambitions, and interests. The goal of this project was to increase self-awareness and introduce to idea that people with disabilities are no different from people without.

Project Art Exhibition:

In collaboration with a local art gallery, members are able to submit ceramic or drawn pieces of artwork for display. The goal of this project was to show the community the talents and abilities of those with impairments while increasing the self confidence in the organization's members.

Project Social Media:

The organization can post "art work of the week" or "member of the week" in order to promote achievement and boost self-esteem in its members.

Project No Boundaries:

In collaboration with students from the Sant'Anna Institute, events can be held in various locations (e.g. beach, cooking schools) in effort to close the social gap between people with disabilities and people without 

Staff Structure

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“I was accustomed to the fast-paced work environment in the US. In Italy, everything is slow and steady. Perfection is never rushed. Having a stress-free mind is beneficial to not only your work but for your own mental and physical health. It was a culture shock but I have a grown to appreciate the Italian workplace."

-Cultural Challenges

 

“One of my biggest challenges was adjusting to the ambiguity of instructions. There are never clear directions or expectations. You are given the ability to achieve a goal in your own way. You must plan your time wisely and create a structure you are comfortable with. In the end, you show a greater appreciation towards yourself and your work.”

-Professional Challenges

 

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“I was always known as the shy kid in class. Working in an environment that required a high-level of assertiveness was definitely new for me. I have a voice and I had to use it to express how I felt and communicate what I expect. I have learned to never stay silent and never let an idea go unheard”​

-Personal Challenges

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Skills Gained

  • Intercultural competency 

    • Adapted to diverse workplace​

    • Self-taught foreign language​

    • Understood cultural differences

  • Willingness to take on unfamiliar roles

    • Functioned with high level of ambiguity â€‹

    • Achieved goals despite barriers

    • Learned through listening and observing

  • Comunication​

    • Used body language and gestures to convey expressions 

    • Asked for help as needed

  • Creativity 

    • Produced accommodations​

    • Established projects for future direction

  • Teamwork​

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Qualities Gained

  • Self-Reliance                  

  • Perseverance 

  • Patience

  • Tolerance

  • Assertiveness

  • Independence 

  • Flexibility 

  • Inquisitiveness

  • Perceptiveness

  • Trustworthiness

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