For Jacob Perez, a senior majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences with an emphasis in Family Social Services (FSS), the opportunity to intern abroad wasn’t just a career step—it was a transformative journey. That changed when he embarked on his first trip outside of North America to complete a semester-long internship in London with Age UK Kensington & Chelsea, a nonprofit that supports the wellbeing and independence of older adults.
“As a first-generation citizen and college student, I hadn’t had many opportunities to travel abroad despite visiting family back in Mexico a few times. This was my first trip out of the North American continent and first time ever having been to Europe or the UK,” said Perez. 
What awaited him across the Atlantic was more than just a new address—it was an entirely new perspective on culture, aging, and the human experience.
Age UK Kensington & Chelsea offers a wide range of support services for older adults—from befriending and advocacy to practical help and social activities. Fully immersed in the work, Perez collaborated with multiple departments and connected directly with clients.
“I had the pleasure of working alongside the departments that handle all the activities and services provided, so I was able to work one-on-one with a beautifully diverse array of clients from all sorts of backgrounds,” he said. “Whether it was an art therapy class or a Valentine’s Day Gala, I was able to be a part of this surprisingly lively group of amazing people who had so much wisdom and insight to share.”
Perez’s internship also gave him a chance to apply everything he’d studied in the HDFS program in a direct and deeply human way.
“Being able to partake in this opportunity has been nothing short of life changing,” he reflected. “I have been able to implement the skills and theoretical foundations instilled in me through the HDFS program and truly see my impact make a difference in many lives in such a short amount of time.”
Although working with an aging population was new territory, Perez embraced it with gratitude and empathy.
“While it was definitely a new experience dealing with an aging population, I can’t help but remain undeniably grateful for the warmth, guidance, and hospitality I received at my internship site.” 
As part of the FSS program’s mission to connect academic learning with community service, this international internship offered him valuable experience, professional development, and meaningful connections.
“My advancement through the Family Social Services emphasis, in conjunction with this international internship, has only kindled the flame of passion that lives within me to continue giving back and advocating for those who truly need it,” Perez said.
The international placement wasn’t just meaningful for Perez, it marked a new chapter for the Family Social Services emphasis. His request to pursue an internship abroad prompted collaboration between the department and the university’s Study Abroad office. The experience ended up doing more than meeting expectations—it helped set a precedent.
Deborah Koons-Beauchamp, professor and FSS Internship Coordinator, said while all students in the HDFS program with an FSS emphasis are required to complete an internship, there hasn’t been a placement like this before.
“We determined that Jacob’s experience could serve as a proof-of-concept, allowing us to open this path to other students who want to pursue an international FSS internship,” Koons-Beauchamp said.
Thanks to Jacob’s initiative and the support of university faculty and staff, international internships are now a tangible option for students pursuing careers in family social services. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of how education, courage, and compassion can expand not only professional potential—but personal possibilities.
“It was a really great experience and expanded my horizons to sights I hadn’t before believed possible for myself, and I’m truly grateful for my time spent over there,” Perez said.
Learn more about Human Development and Family Sciences at NIU.
