One of the compelling aspects of how ASCEND accomplishes its mission is the use of volunteers in combination with professional staff to accomplish ongoing sustainable programs. ASCEND offers volunteers the chance to participate in short-term expeditions of 1-2 weeks, or longer-term internships / fellowships of 2-18 months. These experiences are life-changing, particularly for our longer-term interns. They become better servant leaders, scholars, professionals, and global citizens. They see the world with new perspective, appreciate different cultures, traditions and backgrounds; they have more patience, new skills, better focus, and they are grateful!

Many universities today now recognize the value of international experience as such an important part of their students’ education, that they require an internship with an international organization. Grateful comments we receive from our international and headquarters interns reinforce the impact of ASCEND Internships in changing lives both at home and abroad.

Testimonials from ASCEND International and Administrative interns:

"My time as an Intern with ASCEND was literally one of the best experiences I have ever had. I have found my passion and I’m now diligently aspiring to become a medical physician. I am performing well in school thanks to the motivation and desire I had instilled in me as an intern. While working with the wonderful Bolivian people for those four short months, I was frequently reminded how remarkable it feels to help others and share my talents. Nearly every day we would wake up early, grab a taxi and set out to the various villages to work and offer our services wherever they were needed. How important it was for them to have a resource like ASCEND Alliance to help them improve their health! I am grateful for the opportunity to give a little back and hopefully inspire others to improve their lifestyle as they have helped me to do." --Brady Radmall, Intern to Bolivia; Pre-med Student, Weber State University and University of Oklahoma.

"During my four month internship, I had the privilege to help organize and teach the ABT (Ascend Business Training) Program to representatives from 16 different rural communities high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. I was able to personally discuss and analyze student’s lives and business opportunities; I felt their pressure as I met their families and saw their dyer circumstances; and I am sure I learned more from them than they did from me. I returned with a changed perspective: my gratitude was greater, my understanding was broader, my problems were lighter and the vision of my future was clearer. I am extremely thankful for the efforts of all who contributed to making this life-changing experience possible. The most positive progress in my education and professional growth has happened since my internship with ASCEND, and I can attribute it directly to this experience." --Ben Dailey, Intern to Riobamba, Ecuador; Latin American Studies and Business Student, Brigham Young University and University of Utah

"As an intern in the Arsi Negele district of Ethiopia I saw and experienced a way of life that was very foreign to anything I had seen before while traveling and living abroad. During my four month stay, I spent most of my days in villages meeting with mother’s groups. I suppose I knew vaguely that in developing countries people lived day by day gathering water and food on foot and somehow managed to survive on less than one dollar a day, but seeing the real thing changed the way I see the world of haves and have nots. In addition to gaining a real affection for Ethiopia, the experience through ASCEND’s internship program helped kindle a strong interest in international affairs and has had a meaningful influence in my decision to pursue work in the Foreign Service. --Steve Wiscombe, Intern to Ethiopia: English Literature student, Brigham Young University

"My ASCEND Internship was vital in helping me to decide the purpose of my studies in medicine. I now have an unforgettable experience that has helped me to know I enjoy helping people and being involved in the medical field. I have a greater idea of what medicine means in prevention and healing. My understanding of individual medical problems in our health system and those outside our blessed country has increased. This experience will help me to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor and will help shape the way I practice medicine and my understanding of the individuals involved with greater compassion for minorities." --Shonn Tanner, Intern to Peru; Pre-med student, University of Utah

"It was an amazing experience to sort through and read some of the hand-written thank you letters from the people who ASCEND works with in-country. It gave me a broader perspective of the impact and importance of the work I was doing in my internship. It was incredibly fulfilling. I’ve kept a copy of a favorite letter from a mother in Peru who thanked ASCEND for teaching her how to read so she could teach her children to read. Thank you, ASCEND, for the opportunity to be a part of something wonderful!” –Chelsea Ruiz, Headquarters Intern (Summer2007) Masters of Public Administration student, Brigham Young University

“My internship at ASCEND ALLIANCE has involved me in truly meaningful work and in an immense expansion of my knowledge in humanitarian work. When I arrived at ASCEND I already knew that working for those less fortunate was my vocation and would be my career, but I never dreamed that it could be my passion as well. To me, this internship has been much more than something to put on my resume. It has been my window into the rest of my life, and my way to gain an understanding of just how incredible helping others can be.” –Luz Lara Headquarters Intern (Fall 2007)  International Studies student, University of Utah