By Guillermo Pérez

My experience during the internship was wonderful for multiple reasons. First and foremost, working with a prestigious organization like International IDEA is a privilege. The research projects, the opportunities for influence, and the constant dialogue with political authorities in the country are extremely important for strengthening democracy. Earlier in the summer, we had the opportunity to participate in a seminar organized by IDEA on the Chilean constitutional process. In that seminar, international experts such as Adam Chilton, Lisa Hilbink, and David Landau shared their reflections on the Chilean constitutional proposal. There were also dialogues between the constitutional experts who proposed the draft constitution and the members of the Constitutional Council that reviewed and approved the final version.

This opportunity allowed us to closely analyze how a constitution is constructed, the tensions involved in such a process, and the aspects that can be decisive for the success or failure of a constitutional proposal in the Chilean political context. It was very interesting to be in Chile during such relevant political moments as a constitutional process. This is an opportunity that few people in life have, and we made good use of it.

Secondly, it was also a privilege to conduct research together with other UT students. Their experience, willingness to work as a team, and commitment to the project and the tasks they are assigned are examples that reflect the values promoted by the University of Texas-Austin, International IDEA, and the Comparative Constitutions Project (CCP). Furthermore, during the internship, we built friendships and camaraderie that have been enriching on a human level and will surely continue long after the experience.

Thirdly, on a more personal level, it was a wonderful experience to return to work in my country in a different role from what I have had throughout my professional life. Bringing a part of my life in Austin to Chile, my home country, was extraordinary because it allowed me to merge two worlds that would not normally come together. In other words, having UT friends get to know my family, my Chilean friends, and a part of my life in Chile was very enriching for both me and them. It allowed them to get closer to the Chilean reality, not just as tourists, but by having the opportunity to be more actively involved in a society that is constantly evolving and culturally different from American society.

In relation to this, it was also very enriching for me to have the chance to reconnect with people I haven’t seen in a long time. I hadn’t seen my family and friends for over a year and seeing them again was a very emotional experience. This is especially important to me because my son Baltazar was born seven months ago in the United States and saw many members of my family and my wife’s family for the first time. Additionally, the internship gave me the opportunity to work again with people related to my constitutional work in Chile from a different angle and approach, which allowed me to think about new research projects, new collaboration opportunities, and possible future work.

Fourthly, this opportunity was very important for starting to think about my dissertation. During the internship, I had the opportunity to have dialogues with very interesting people who raised new questions that I find important to explore. The constitutional conversations we had with IDEA and the team of interns was highly enriching in that sense, as they generated long and deep discussions on very interesting constitutional topics.

Fifthly, I greatly value the positive impact that the internship had on my community. The work we carried out in collaboration with International IDEA, CCP, and other local organizations contributed to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting active citizen participation. Knowing that my work had a lasting impact on my country motivates me to continue striving and seeking ways to generate positive change.

I also want to highlight the impact that the experience had on my personal and professional growth. During the internship, I had the opportunity to face challenges and overcome obstacles that have strengthened my confidence and skills. Teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving have become fundamental pillars of my development.

Furthermore, the cultural and academic exchange was an enriching aspect. Not only did I have the opportunity to learn from international experts and my fellow interns, but I was also able to share my own experiences and knowledge. This constant exchange of ideas and perspectives broadened my worldview and allowed me to see challenges from different angles.

I cannot fail to mention the network of contacts I established during the internship. Connecting with professionals from different fields and organizations opened doors for future collaborations and job opportunities. Establishing strong and lasting relationships with people who share my passion for strengthening democracy and promoting positive change was invaluable.

In conclusion, the internship exceeded all my expectations. Working with International IDEA and CCP, collaborating with UT students, and immersing myself in the political and social reality of my country was a unique and enriching experience. I gained knowledge and skills that will be of great use in my professional career, and I had the opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of democracy in Chile.

The internship was an opportunity to keep learning, growing, and making a difference. I am grateful to all the people and organizations involved in the experience for their support and for providing me with this invaluable opportunity. I am confident that the learnings and memories I took from this internship will endure throughout my life.