My name is Rani Aziz, I am a third year student in the International Development Studies program at the University of Toronto. In terms of my university studies, considering IDS being an interdisciplinary program, I have concentrated on economics and political science mainly in the Middle East and Latin America but am looking to learn past that. This placement I intend to do is part of my co-op program, I am very excited for it considering how much I expect and hope to learn from the experience. I have been accepted as an Institutional Strengthening Intern with Red de Organizaciones Economicas de Productores Artesano(a)s con Identidad Cultural (RED OEPAIC) in La Paz, Bolivia for 8 months. My first activity as gathered from my job description will be to conduct an assessment of the institutional strengthening needs of the organization based on their strategic plan. There is much I am yet to learn about the organization and the specificities of my position but I am eager to do so.