Ms Sheenam Anumeha and Ms Shruti Singh, second-year Rural Management students at Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi successfully completed two-month International Summer Internship Programme (SIP) with 11.11.11, a reputed Belgium-based umbrella organisation dedicated to international solidarity and global justice.

This internship provided them with an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development, advocacy, and collaborative project work in a cross-cultural setting. 11.11.11 brings together NGOs, unions, movements, and solidarity groups to work collectively for a fair and sustainable world.

XISS, Ranchi, through its long-standing partnership with University Support for Social Action (USOS), Belgium organises a Student Exchange Programme offering a transformative intercultural and academic experience for students. Students selected for this prestigious international exchange undergo a rigorous multi-stage selection process that includes an evaluation of their first-year academic performance, a written test, and a personal interview.

Congratulating the students, Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, Director, XISS, stated that this internship is a remarkable step in our mission to build globally aware, socially responsible leaders. The students' selection reflects the international recognition of XISS’s academic rigor and commitment to social transformation. Such international exposures allow our students to develop not only professional competence but also intercultural understanding, which is essential for leadership in today’s interconnected world.

Discussing on the learnings from her SIP, Ms Sheenam Anumeha said that this internship marked a turning point in my professional journey, from working at the grassroots in India to engaging in global advocacy efforts in Brussels. I conducted policy analysis on European climate legislation and critically examined the role of the private sector in climate finance, with a particular focus on the Philippines. I also contributed to strategic discussions on monitoring and evaluation methodologies, such as outcome harvesting, and participated in workshops addressing the challenges of shrinking civic spaces. For a two-week International Days event, I also collaborated with partners from Asia, the Great Lakes region, and the Andes to co-develop a strategic plan for the next five years. These interactions broadened my understanding of cross-regional solidarity and movement-building. My academic foundation at XISS was instrumental in this experience. It equipped me with a strong grounding in participatory development and the critical thinking skills needed to navigate complex policy environments. This internship reaffirmed my belief that grassroots realities must inform systemic change and deepened my commitment to ethical, inclusive, and sustainable development and I am grateful to XISS for this opportunity.

While sharing insights of her internship journey, Ms Shruti Singh discussed this as an enriching opportunity made possible by XISS, Ranchi, which is a testament to the institute’s commitment to nurture socially responsible professionals through global exposure initiatives and is truly commendable, as it offered invaluable exposure, and the learning gained will greatly enrich my future career journey. During my internship, I undertook two key research projects: “An Analysis of European Migration Policies, identifying key actors, shifting policy perspectives, real-life case studies, and advocacy levers for civil society organizations”, and another study report titled “A Doughnut Economy-Inspired Framework to Bridge Economic Inequalities,” comparing socio-economic divides in Brussels and Ranchi while advocating for sustainable, inclusive development practices. Additionally, I actively participated in International Days (I-Days), global strategy and learning sessions, engaging with partners and regional teams on themes like Decolonization, Youth Participation, MEAL Methodology & Outcome Harvesting. This experience significantly broadened my academic and professional horizons.”

XISS remains committed to promoting holistic education rooted in Jesuit values, blending academic excellence with social consciousness and global perspective.