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Saving up to spend a semester abroad

Alexander Fisher is working this summer so this fall he can be an U.S. State Dept. intern in Macedonia

Mr. Fisher

Mother Theresa was born in Skpoje, Macedonia, a city that is more than 2,000 years old. Those are just a couple of facts about Macedonia that Alexander Fisher has committed to memory in anticipation of his internship at the U.S. Embassy there.

Fisher considers the opportunity to work in an overseas embassy as an undergraduate student majoring in psychology and political science to be priceless.

But he is well aware that there are actual costs associated with traveling and living abroad – costs that won’t be offset by a paycheck since his embassy internship is unpaid.

The U.S. State Department will cover his housing costs, but Fisher is responsible for his own travel expenses, as well as his food, and other daily costs of living. His goal is to save $2,500 this summer before he leaves for Macedonia in October. And he’s come up with a plan to achieve his savings target.

 “I’ve accepted a summer internship with the World Affairs Council of Houston for June and July where I’ll be paid a stipend,” he said.

“Then, in August and September, I’ll find a full-time job – probably at a Houston area clothing retail store – so that I’ll have enough money saved before I leave for Macedonia,” he said.

The World Affairs Council of Houston’s mission is to deliver international information through lectures and public programs and to promote America’s understanding of the world. As an intern through the organization, Fisher’s responsibilities may include research, writing, and general administrative duties. This internship will give him valuable experience with an internationally-focused organization.

“I’ll also be taking a summer course in American Foreign policy before I go to Macedonia,” said Fisher. He believes the course will help him learn about the U.S.’s influence in countries around the world.

The position in Macedonia was one of three international internships that Fisher was offered. He was also offered a position at the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic. In addition, he could have stayed in the U.S. and worked for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs in Washington D.C.

“During the application process you choose two regions you are interested in visiting – so I chose Europe and Latin America,” he said. “I received notice that I was invited to work at the Embassy in Macedonia, and I accepted that position. It wasn’t until after I had accepted that offer that the other opportunities came up, but I’m still happy with my plans.”

Fisher isn’t certain yet what he wants to do after he graduates – he’s considering applying to graduate school, but he thinks ultimately he would like to work for a large non-governmental organization, the United Nations, or some other humanitarian organization.

“I really just want to do something meaningful,” he said.

- By Monica Byars