2025 CAPI Interns

Background
Since 2003, CAPI's Internship Program has funded over 200 Canadian students to complete international internship placements with partners across the Asia-Pacific region. Some of them have gone on to complete graduate work, or have returned to the region to work, and many of our former interns remain engaged with the Centre through our alumni and peer mentorship initiatives, research opportunities, and CAPI events and projects.

Daniela Altamirano |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Political Science - Internship host organization:
- Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Daniela is a third-year Political Science student with a passion for advocacy and community organizing. Originally from Ecuador, she moved to Canada at the age of 15 and is now eager to immerse herself in a new cultural experience in Jakarta, Indonesia. Through her work with the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies, she hopes to expand her understanding of the region, engage with local communities, and learn firsthand about Indonesia’s rich history and traditions. This journey presents an incredible opportunity for growth, and she looks forward to sharing her experiences along the way.
Trinity Blacklock |
|
- UVic field of study:
History and English - Internship host organization:
- Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Trinity Blacklock is a fourth year Humanities student with a History major and English minor. They are passionate about activism, especially for and with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and refugees. They are excited by this opportunity to travel abroad and work with the Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women. They hope to learn how anti-trafficking and women’s rights movements intersect with their own interests in activism. More, they hope to gain valuable skills about working in community and applying their knowledge beyond academia.
Jaiya Chauhan |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Computer Science and Psychology - Internship host organization:
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Jaiya Chauhan is a third year Psychology and Computer Science student at the University of Victoria. He will be travelling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to work with the Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI). Jaiya has a passion for learning about new cultures, languages and religion. He is very excited to work with the students and staff on programs to address mental health in the community and raise support for MSRI. He is grateful to the CAPI program for providing this opportunity, and can't wait to begin working with MSRI.
Malcolm Crocker |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Philosophy - Internship host organization:
- Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Internship duration: May to October 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Malcolm is in his final year of his bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Malcolm is passionate about music and activism. He previously studied Arts and Sciences at Camosun College before attending UVIC. He also loves spending time in nature, his family and friends, and studying and practicing Buddhism. For his internship he will be spending seven months in Chiang Mai, Thailand, interning as a program assistant with the Environmental Law Clinic. He is grateful for this opportunity, and excited for all the future holds.
Gwen Elmhirst |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Sociology - Internship host organization:
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Gwen Elmhirst
Gwen is in her final year of her Sociology degree at the University of Victoria. Gwen is passionate about connecting with people, being in community with others, and learning from new experiences. She will be one of the interns working as a program assistant at the Malaysian Social Research Institute (MSRI) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 2025. Gwen loves eating good food, time spent outdoors exploring, and painting in her spare time. She is looking forward to creating meaningful relationships with the students, staff, and fellow interns at MSRI.
Santiago Erding |
- UVic field(s) of study:
Political Science and Business - Internship host organization:
- Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Santiago is in his third year at the University of Victoria, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Business. He is traveling to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, to work with the DAP service center. He is passionate about community building, development, and people. Aside from his studies, Santiago likes to play guitar, spend time outdoors, and stay active. He is thrilled to be a part of the DAP team and to be involved in the community.
Jannae Lacasse |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
English and History - Internship host organization:
- Location: Nai Soi, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
- Internship duration: June to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Jannae is a 3rd year English and History double major who has a passion for music, reading, and spending time with her friends and family. She will embark on a journey to Karenni Social Development Centre (KSDC) where she will teach English and immerse herself in a culture that is so rich in community and joy. She is very excited for this opportunity and is excited to share her experiences through her blog posts!
Tristan Marquis |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Pacific and Asian Studies and Film Studies - Internship host organization:
- Location: Matsuyama, Japan
- Internship duration: September to December 2025
- Sponsor: CAPI Jarislowsky Japan Chair
More
Tristan is in his 4th year of Pacific and Asian Studies at UVic, with a minor in Film Studies. He is passionate about Asia-Pacific language and culture, with a particular interest in Japanese history. He’s incredibly excited to be traveling to Matsuyama, Japan to assist Ehime University in disaster preparedness. Thanks to the CAPI program, he will acquire international work experience, participate in cross-cultural exchange, and expand his understanding of Japanese language and culture. He is most looking forward to making lifelong connections, experiencing the various festivals in the region, and contributing towards an incredibly impactful project.
Tara Matthews |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Law - Internship host organization:
- Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Tara is a first-year law student at the University of Victoria. She will be working at the Centre for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS) between May-November 2025 with the support of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program. She looks forward to learning about the work of CIPS and experiencing the language, culture, nature, and food of Indonesia!
Mirai Molina |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Pacific and Asian Studies and Film Studies - Internship host organization:
- Location: Matsuyama, Japan
- Internship duration: May to August 2025
- Sponsor: CAPI Jarislowsky Japan Chair
More
Mirai is entering her 3rd year of political science with a minor in public administration at UVic. She is originally from Mexico and Japan but moved to Canada at a young age. Academically, she is interested in international politics, especially issues related to the Global South, and postcolonial studies. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, writing, cooking, and baking. She is excited to be researching natural disaster prevention and relief at Ehime University for her internship this summer.
Rowan Moore |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
English - Internship host organization:
- Location: Nai Soi, Mae Hong Son, Thailand
Internship duration: June to November 2025 - Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Rowan Moore is a 4th year English student at UVic. He will be working with the Karenni Social Development Centre in Northern Thailand beginning in June 2025. Outside of his studies Rowan has spent the last two summers planting trees northern B.C. and Alberta. He enjoys playing soccer, having fun with close friends, and spending time with his three brothers. He is excited to teach English literacy and comprehension to Karenni students, learn about the Karenni people, and make lasting connections with people in the community. He is looking forward to everything that comes with this internship from the great times to the challenges. Rowan is extremely grateful to have this opportunity and is eager to begin the work.
Sarah Pollard |
|
-
- UVic field(s) of study:
Public Health, Global Health - Internship host organization:
- Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
MoreSarah is a fifth-year student at the University of Victoria where she is studying Public Health with a focus area of Global Development. She is passionate about relationship building and getting involved in her community. For her internship Sarah will be traveling to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia where she will be working with PACOS Trust, an organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities in Sabah. She is thrilled for the opportunity and is looking forward to immersing herself in community, food and experiencing life in Kota Kinabalu
- UVic field(s) of study:
Hanna Solis Perusquia |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Political Science and Global Development - Internship host organization:
- Location: Khao Lak, Thailand
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: President’s Beyond Borders Fund
More
Hanna is a third-year student at the University of Victoria, where she is studying Political Science with a minor in Global Development Studies. Originally from Mexico, Hanna brings a deep appreciation for culture, community, and connection into everything she does. She is passionate about social justice, gender equity, and creating inclusive spaces that center lived experiences.
Hanna will be travelling to Khao Lak, Thailand, where she will be working with the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), supporting projects related to healthcare and migration. She previously participated in the Thailand Field School, an experience that shaped her understanding of community resilience and strengthened her commitment to grassroots work.
Outside of her studies and internship, Hanna enjoys reading, exploring nature, and film photography. She’s especially excited to learn from FED And build meaningful relationships throughout her time in Thailand.
Jordyn Speakman |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Political Science and Social Justice - Internship host organization:
- Location: Khao Lak, Thailand
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Jordyn is completing her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Social Justice Studies, along with a certificate in Spanish Culture and Language. Rooted in a deep passion for people, social activism, and community care, she is now embarking on the next chapter of her journey in Khao Lak, Thailand. There, she will be joining the Foundation for Education and Development (FED), a local NGO dedicated to supporting Burmese refugees and migrant communities.
As a member of FED’s Migrant Development team, Jordyn will be working to help identify and implement sustainable alternatives to the recently defunded USAID programming. Her efforts will focus on ensuring continued access to essential human rights resources, legal clinics, cross-border support, and community-based services for displaced individuals. She couldn’t be more grateful—or more excited—for the opportunity to walk alongside and learn from these communities while contributing to meaningful, on-the-ground change.
Amina Turner |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Geography and Environmental Studies - Internship host organization:
- Location: Khao Lak, Thailand
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Amina Turner is a third year Geography and Environmental Studies student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. She will be interning with the Foundation for Education and Development (FED) in Khao Lak, Thailand.
She will be working in the organization's education and environmental sector, supporting and promoting migrant youths access to education rights in Thailand, as well as encouraging a sustainable environment. She has always had a deep interest in researching an array of cultures and has spent many summers immersing herself—travelling is a big part of her life. Amina also grew up on an organic farm and knows the importance of access to healthy food, as well as the benefits of connecting to nature. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to learn and grow as an individual through this experience.
Away from school, you will find her spending time at coffee shops with her friends and family, learning new recipes, and spending time outdoors. She has a deep connection with the sea and spends her summers lounging on the beautiful beaches on the West Coast. Amina is looking forward to working with and contributing to the impactful work of the FED organization.
Christy Wittkamp |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Pacific and Asian Studies and Geography - Internship host organization:
(DEPO) - Location: Lalitpur, Nepal
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Christy is in the final year of her Bachelor’s degree in Pacific and Asian Studies with a minor in Geography. She is travelling to Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal where she will be working for the Disaster Education Promotion Office. She is passionate about cross-cultural learning and languages, as well as environmental sustainability, management, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. Through the internship, she aims to immerse herself in Nepalese culture, gain hands-on professional experience in disaster management and education, and build meaningful international connections. Christy is looking forward to spending six months abroad and grateful to CAPI for this unique opportunity!
Maddy Vanderhooft |
|
- UVic field(s) of study:
Political Science - Internship host organization:
- Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Internship duration: May to November 2025
- Sponsor: Queen Elizabeth Scholars
More
Maddy is currently a third-year Political Science student with a passion for learning about international relations, migration, and globalization. She is honoured to be interning at the Malaysian Social Research Institute where she will spend six months in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. As a political science student, she has studied the important role that non-governmental organizations play in fostering social change. She is excited to contribute to MSRI’s work by assisting the support programs for refugees and asylum seekers, particularly with education initiatives. Outside of her studies, Maddy enjoys dance, reading at local libraries and cafés, exploring art and design, photography, and appreciating nature with friends.Maddy is honoured to be a CAPI intern, and is eager to immerse herself in a new cultural landscape, gaining hands-on experience, and making meaningful connections.
Thank you to our sponsors
The (QES) program is managed through a unique partnership of Rideau Hall Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, and Universities Canada

The CAPI Jarislowsky Chair in Japan/ East Asian Studies