Hana Mekanović

Interdisciplinary American Studies

(internship placement for Bachelors’ students, 2026)

My Internship Experience with Moja Mavrica

7. 4. 2026

From February 16th to April 3rd, 2026, I had the opportunity to complete an enriching internship at Zavod Moja Mavrica. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in the daily work of a dynamic organization dedicated to education, community engagement, and social inclusion.

During my time at the organization, I was actively involved in a wide range of activities that gave me valuable insight into project coordination and community-based work. I contributed to the planning, organization, and implementation of educational and awareness-raising initiatives, while also supporting the coordination of ongoing projects. My role included administrative and logistical tasks, report writing, and documenting project outcomes, which helped me develop a strong foundation in organizational and project-management skills.

A key highlight of my experience was co-organizing a five-day Erasmus+ youth exchange and a three-day study visit. I was involved in facilitating workshops, communicating with participants, and managing various aspects of the programs. These experiences strengthened my ability to lead, collaborate, and adapt in fast-paced, multicultural environments. Furthermore, the opportunity to engage with young people from across Europe helped me develop my intercultural communication, and the chance to exchange experiences and advice with others was priceless. 

Beyond project work, I had the chance to engage directly with the community through street youth work. This involved connecting with young people in public spaces and sharing resources related to LGBTQ+ topics, neurodiversity, mental health, and active citizenship. These interactions were especially meaningful, as they emphasized the importance of empathy, inclusivity, and creating safe spaces for dialogue. As a young person, I often feel demotivated or pessimistic about the state of the world. However, through my time with the organization, I met incredible activists and young people who reminded me that there is still so much hope out there, and most importantly, people who continuously fight for a better world. 

Throughout the internship, I worked closely with the organization’s core team, fellow interns, volunteers, and participants. This collaborative environment allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. The Moja Mavrica team and everyone involved with the organization are some of the kindest, most open, and positive people I have ever had the opportunity to work with. They supported me every step of the way, so even when I had to do something out of my comfort zone, I felt safe and capable of tackling new challenges. I feel extremely privileged that I got to experience the sense of community that they foster and that I could be a part of it even if just for a short time.

This experience has been incredibly valuable in shaping my future path. It not only strengthened my practical skills but also deepened my understanding of community work and social impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to such meaningful initiatives and to have been part of a supportive and inspiring team.