Anna Ferguson

FRINQ
9 April 2015
Mercy Corps Field Trip
I loved going to Mercy Corps. I am studying International Development and this is the exact
work I plan on doing and have done already. I found that the action center, called Beyond
survival: life of a Refugee, was extremely helpful to understand the true hardships that refugees
experience. Learning that one out of four people in Lebanon are Syrian refugees was surprising
and that Jordan has the second largest refugee camps. I also found it very encouraging of the fact
that 93% of their employees are local. I feel, and as our speaker told us, that they are able to
make a better difference economically, culturally and have a better investment in the
region/countries problems and issues. I knew a bit about Mercy Corps prior to going but I really
liked that way they worded what they do. She, our speaker, said that they [Mercy Corp] are "in
the business to alleviate poverty". I knew they worked in several countries but I had no idea they
have historically worked with 114 countries and are currently working in 47. That is amazing!
Also, that they are working in North Korea is so awesome. I love Mercy Corps because they are
in it for the people and are not just there for a short term, they are in it for the long term. I
strongly believe in people for people, no matter where in the world. This little field trip has
continued my love for international studies and what I am working towards as a university
student. I definitely want to intern at Mercy Corps some day and become involved with the
wonderful work they are doing.