Ella Bartsch (’26 Political Science, Peace and Justice Studies & Honors minor)

In this edition of From Our Eyes Ella Bartsch (’26 Political Science, Peace and Justice Studies & Honors minor) takes us inside her current internship with The World Affairs Council of Orange County as a Programs Intern. This incredible experience has given her the opportunity to work closely with the company’s CEO and a team of others, developing programs and engaging with ambassadors and USAID professionals.

This past summer, I began an internship with the World Affairs Council of Orange County, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to fostering global awareness and dialogue within the Orange County community. As part of a nationwide network of more than 90 councils, the World Affairs Council provides a unique platform for communities across the United States to engage with global issues by hearing directly from experts and practitioners. The organization’s mission is rooted in the belief that international understanding is essential for informed citizenship, and its events and programs provide opportunities to learn, question, and discuss pressing global challenges in real time.

During my internship, I have had the privilege of supporting the Council’s programming, which spanned a wide range of topics and disciplines. The speakers and panels I worked with addressed issues as diverse as space law, humanitarian aid and soft power, sports diplomacy, and international trade and tariffs. Each topic not only reflects the Council’s commitment to understanding the depth of global affairs but also exposed me to the diverse ways international issues intersect with my daily life, policy, and how they function across our borders.

One of my key responsibilities has been preparing for events by assisting with research and developing thoughtful questions for Q&A sessions. For example, I drafted discussion questions for panelists that included former Directors of USAID Missions and professionals with firsthand experience leading humanitarian and development efforts abroad. This experience challenged me to think critically about how to frame questions that were both relevant to the audience and respectful of the speaker’s expertise.

In addition to exposure to international subject matter, my internship provided a unique insight into the inner workings of a nonprofit organization. Behind every successful event and program was a very committed team focused on logistics, outreach, partnerships, and strategic planning. In coordinating with speakers and sponsors to ensure community engagement, I observed the significant time and dedication required to sustain a nonprofit’s mission. The experience gave me an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes efforts that are often invisible to the public but crucial for making a meaningful impact in our community.

What has stood out to me the most is the sense of purpose and passion that drives organizations like the World Affairs Council of Orange County. The CEO (Jayne Herring) and our team of interns work tirelessly to provide and emphasize the importance of spaces for civil dialogue and learning in an increasingly polarized world.

Overall, this internship has been a formative experience that has sharpened both my practical skills and my perspective on international engagement. I have gained confidence in public speaking preparation, developed more substantial research and communication abilities, and built a deeper appreciation for the role nonprofits play in bridging communities to the broader world. As I continue this year-long internship with the World Affairs Council of Orange County, I look forward to building on these skills and deepening my knowledge of how global issues shape, and are shaped by, local communities.

(Pictured in header: Ella Bartsch (’26 Political Science, Peace and Justice Studies & Honors minor) and fellow interns and employees of The World Affairs Council of Orange County.)