Certificate in International Development

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Internship Requirements

The certificate requires that students participate in a structured experience "on the ground" in international development work. There are three ways of fulfilling this: 

1) Complete an internship during one semester or during the summer 
with focus on international development. This internship can be completed at Georgetown University, with a development organization or think tank in the local area or, ideally, in a developing country.  All internships completed before May 2008 count with the approval of the Director of the Certificate.

Starting in May 2008, you will need  to get internship approval from the Director of the Certificate by using our new internship approval form before you start the internship and to submit your supervisor's evaluation form after completion. The internship requires a minimum of 60 hours. You are expected to submit a 2-page reflection paper which outlines how lessons learned during the internship contributed to material learned in the classroom.  If you want to share your internship experience fill out the this form to be included in our Internship Databank. Please submit the all forms and papers electronically for filing to idevcert@georgetown.edu.

In order to receive one credit for the internship (INAF 303) students need to submit the Tutorial Form - available at the SFS Dean's front desk in ICC 301 -to the Director of the Certificate for approval and then submit it to the office of Dean Emily Zenick in SFS.

2) A community-based learning (CBL) course in a developing country taken during your study abroad- i.e., a course that "integrates" 20 to 40 hours of international development work. This may be either a 3- or a 4-credit course, whereby the faculty has designed work opportunities with a focus on international development for the students in the community in such a way that they are integrated into the course through reflective assignments. This      program is coordinated through the Center of Social Justice.     

3) A course with the 4th credit option for social action --- a student opting for this needs to secure approval of the Faculty of the course. This requires an orientation; 40 hours of work in international development ; three discussion sessions; and three papers. This program is coordinated through the Center for Social Justice.

Please note that while the Certificate in International Development Program offers guidance in locating internship opportunities, it remains the student's responsibility to apply for his/her internship independently and to secure approval by the Director of the Certificate.

Resources: Internships and Careers

Below is a list of places to start looking for internship opportunities. Please also consult our Resources page for further assistance. Many of these organizations know about the Georgetown certificate program and look forward to working with students who are pursuing it.

On Campus Resources

• Alumni Career Network
• The Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs' Undergraduate Fellows Program is especially focused on issues relating to international development and gives students a chance to present and publish their research.
• Career Education Center
• Students can also schedule an Employment Advising session with Amy Ites, Employment Advisor, Government & Nonprofit and International Development Opportunities in the Career Education Center, to discuss an internship search within the field of International Development.
• The Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching & Service is delighted to work in collaboration with Project Concern International, both having made commitments to important and substantive development issues.
• Center for Intercultural Education and Development offers 2-3 internships per semester to students pursuing the Certificate in International Development.
• Hoya Career Connection (HCC) - does not have a specific "International Development" Job Function , but does have an "International Relations/International Affairs" Job Function. In addition, there is a search category that lets students search for internships using keywords, such as "International Development."
• The Globe offers internships regularly.
• OurMoment's database - all of the information has been submitted by students who participated in the programs themselves.
• The internship binder in the SFS Dean's Office. The internship binder is kept at the front desk of the office.

Off Campus Resources 

PEACE CORPS Ms.  Sarah Bartfeld , the regional Recruite for the Peace Corps,who recently came to campus to inform about careers in the peace corps, has kindly offered to answer questions you may have.  You can reach her at  thePeace Corps Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Office1525 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (202) 692-1053;Fax: (202) 692-1065 sbartfeld@peacecorps.gov
RPCV Republic of Albania '04-'06

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Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers    This e-book is a free resource for job seekers of all ages who are considering a career in the nonprofit sector. Written by the staff of Action Without Borders and other experts, the sections of this e-book are available as PDFs.

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JESUIT VOLUNTEERS INTERNATIONAL- Check out  their webpage for information about exciting opportunities to work in developing countries.

The Center for Economic and Policy Research offers two internships - one oriented towards international issues and the other domestic. Please check www.cepr.net for availability; updated each semester.

The National Democratic Institute is seeking summer interns for their wide range of program aimed at strengthening and expanding democracy in across the globe. Please check www.ndi.org for more details.

The Center for International Policy, a nonprofit educational and research organization promoting a U.S. foreign policy based on international cooperation, demilitarization and respect for basic human rights, offers a voluntary internship program. Please visit http://www.ciponline.org/intern.htm for more information.

Work on Latin American and Human Rights Policy (WOLA) - WOLA is a nonprofit policy, research and advocacy organization working to advance democracy, human rights, and social and economic justice in Latin America and the Caribbean. WOLA staff interacts with congressional offices, the State Department, the media, and non-governmental and international organizations. WOLA seeks to influence policy in many ways: briefing congressional offices, writing reports and issue briefs, organizing press conferences and seminars, addressing academic audiences and working with the media.

Sally Yudelman Internship at WOLA: WOLA's internship program is named after Sally Yudelman for her contribution and commitment to WOLA, human rights and democracy in Latin America. Through WOLA's Yudelman Internship Program we hope to provide unique mentoring opportunities to interns thereby encouraging the next generation of young people to become actors in the formation of U.S. foreign policy. WOLA's Yudelman Internship Program works to give interns a broad exposure to the foreign policy-making process and aims to familiarize its interns with current events in Latin America through regular meetings with our staff and by attending NGO coalition meetings, congressional hearings, and other discussions and events. In addition, throughout the semester, interns will have a series of "brown bag" lunch discussions with representatives from different sectors that interact with the NGO world, such as foundations, governments, and multilateral institutions. Upon arrival each intern is assigned to work with a WOLA Associate on one issue and will produce a detailed research project that meets the intern's interests and the Associate's needs. At the end of the semester, the results of the research project will be presented to WOLA's staff. One project will be selected and the intern will publish an article related to their project in WOLA's newsletter.

Applications:

 Applications are accepted to the WOLA's Yudelman Internship three times each year: summer, fall and spring. WOLA selects seven interns per session. The internship is unpaid. During the fall and spring, interns are expected to work at least 24 hours each week. During the summer, they are expected to work 32 hours each week. Approximately 65% of the internship is administrative in nature: answering telephones, faxing, copying, or working on a specific task (i.e. fulfilling orders for our many publications, helping to keep our website updated, monitoring the media). The remainder of the time is spent on the intern project or other substantive work. Interested applicants should have a demonstrated interest in human rights, democracy and economic justice in Latin America; initiative and flexibility; the capability to work in a fast-paced environment; good organizational skills; follow-through and attention to detail. Spanish or Portuguese proficiency is strongly recommended. Latin American and minority students are encouraged to apply. In general, the Yudelman Internship Program is not open to either graduate students or to students who have already graduated as they are generally looking for something more substantive in nature.

Application Procedure:

In order to be considered for an internship, WOLA needs the following materials: a cover letter in which you state: that you understand the internship is unpaid ,your specific dates of availability,your willingness to work at least 24 hours each week (32 if you are applying for a summer internship) why you want to intern at WOLA, an idea of your specific interests regarding Latin America, and your language abilities.,a resume ,the names and telephone numbers of at least two references,a short writing sample (no more than 2-3 pages) on a topic of your choice. It can be a paper you submitted for a class.

DEADLINES: Summer internship (late May/early June through August) March 15. Fall internship (early September through mid-December) August 1. Spring internship (mid-January through May) December 1. Application materials should be addressed to the Intern Coordinator: Kistel Mucino, Internship Recruitment Coordinator, 1630 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Floor 2, Washington, D.C. 20009 kmucino@wola.org.

The Africa Forum 2008 intern is an unpaid position in which the intern will assist Project Concern International's (PCI's) D.C. Office Director/Technical Officer for Food Security and D.C. Program Associate with activities related to preparation for PCI's second Africa Forum. This international event will focus on African practitioners working on integrated HIV&AIDS and food/nutrition security (FNS) and will take place on the continent in 2008 (exact location and date to be determined). The intern will provide general administrative support and perform tasks related to research, communication, travel, and event logistics. The intern will also be expected to engage in specific research related to the event and assist in developing templates and protocols for activities such as the call to participation, Forum sessions, VIP selection and reception, media management, etc. S/he will be a key member of the Africa Forum 2008 team and will be required to dedicate three semesters to the project (January, 2007 - June 2008) as well as be available by email in the summer of 2007. S/he will be expected to participate in all major planning meetings and events, as well as be present at the event itself.

The U.S. State Department offers a variety of exciting internship opportunities for students, both in the United States and abroad. One such opportunity that relates specifically to international development is a summer- or semester-long internship in the economic section of a US Embassy in a developing country. Please note the early application deadlines (November 1 for summer internships) and the US citizenship requirement.

ShoreBank Corporation's mission is to increase economic opportunities in traditionally urban and rural areas; it partners with institutions across the world to help strengthen local communities and create greater economic equity. ShoreBank International, based in Washington, DC, is interested in offering internships to students from the certificate in International Development program.

InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. With more than 160 members operating in every developing country, they work to overcome poverty, exclusion and suffering by advancing social justice and basic dignity for all. http://www.interaction.org/

Vital Voices Global Partnership is devoted to fostering women's economic, political, and social advancement in society. The organization offers internships to students interested in gaining practical experience in public policy at an international NGO dedicated to the promotion of women's rights and democracies worldwide.

DATA aims to raise awareness about and spark response to the crises swamping Africa: unpayable debts, uncontrolled spread of AIDS, and unfair trade rules which keep Africans poor. The organization provides internships in its Washington, DC, office throughout the year. The internships and employment opportunities page gives details about the application process as well as upcoming deadlines.

SID-Washington connects a diverse global forum of international development practitioners, serving as a knowledge broker for ideas and best practices. SID-Washington is a leading global development membership organization that provides a space for dialogue and bridges a dynamic community of individuals and institutions working in international development.

Development Alternatives, Inc's stated mission is to "[provide] social and economic development solutions to business, government, and civil society in developing and transitioning countries." Their practices range from agricultural and natural resource projects to HIV/AIDS mitigation. With over 30 years of experience, their body of work is impressive in its scope and impact. Their internship program provides both theoretical and practical experience. Please consult the internship section under DAI Washington.

Senator Mel Martinez or the Hudson Institute - If you are interested in an internship with Senator Mel Martinez or the Hudson Institute (working on the Middle East and Islamic radicalism) - please contact Sam King (SFS '06) at kingsam2@gmail.com. Sam has kindly offered to help connect students with these opportunities or at least point you in the right direction. Thanks Sam!

Students Partnership Worldwide (SPW) is an established non-governmental organization dedicated to making young people central to the development process. Founded in 1985, SPW currently recruits over 800 young adults (18-28) each year to work on targeted health & rural development programs in India, Nepal, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with an emphasis on training volunteers to create a sustainable and responsive framework for health and development in their own countries. The effectiveness of SPW's approach is endorsed by the World Bank, UNAIDS, UNICEF and UNESCO among others. The positions currently offered are for a Development Associate and a Marketing and Recruitment Associate. Both positions are unpaid with a stipend for transportation and lunch. For more information, please contact idevcert@georgetown.edu with SPW in the subject line.

The Latin America Working Group is a coalition of over sixty-five religious, human rights, grassroots, policy and development organizations. Since 1983, the coalition has worked to influence US policy so that it promotes peace, justice and sustainable development in Latin America. The LAWG regularly convenes meetings of the participating organizations to analyze developments in Washington and Latin America and to craft common positions and effective strategies for action. The LAWG staff assist organizations in designing and implementing coordinated advocacy efforts and public education campaigns. Our staff provide information to nongovernmental organizations, the US Congress, the media, and citizens interested in US policy toward Latin America. DUTIES: Interns are responsible for assisting LAWG constituents, keeping up to date on Latin American issues, delivering educational packets to Capitol Hill, attending meetings and congressional hearings, and assisting the director and staff with daily and weekly projects. The internship is fairly flexible, so if there is a special project an intern would like to work on, he or she is encouraged to do so. PROGRAM: Interns can work up to five days a week, with flexible hours. Interns work closely with the staff, doing what is necessary as it arises. The staff communicate frequently about current events, regional transformations, and the timing of legislation in Congress. The office functions at a fast pace but staff are friendly and helpful. Dress is casual. SKILLS: A general understanding and interest in politics, economics, social issues and human rights in Latin America; a desire to learn about the federal government; basic office skills; and curiosity about grassroots political organizing. COMMENT: LAWG is an ideal place to gain experience in advocacy work for any issue and provides a thorough introduction into how human rights and peace groups influence and shape US foreign policy. Unfortunately, LAWG cannot offer financial compensation to interns; however, the LAWG staff is willing to assist interns on independent projects in order to receive academic credit. TO APPLY: Deadline to submit an application for the Fall semester (Sept. - Dec.) is July 20th, Winter (Jan. - May) is November 11th, Summer (June - August) is March 20th. Send a resume, cover letter, short writing sample (2-3 pages), and the names and daytime telephone numbers of two references to:

Latin America Working Group
Attn: Intern Coordinator
424 C St NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 546-7010 | (202) 543-7647 (fax) |lawg@lawg.org

Africa Action offers academic semester and summer internships for undergraduate and graduate students in Washington, DC. Interns will develop a more comprehensive understanding of how an Africa advocacy organization utilizes policy analysis and organizing to affect national policy. An internship at Africa Action will provide participants an opportunity to support the organization's current work, focused on three primary campaigns to cancel Africa's debt, end the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, and stop genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Interns will work primarily in either the Public Education and Mobilization Department (DPEM) or the Policy Analysis and Communications Department (DPAC), depending on their talents and interests. Interns working with the Public Education and Mobilization staff will:
* Support the department staff to implement Africa Action's national mobilization strategy
* Work on public education, outreach, and media initiatives, to build support for our activities
* Assist in developing key campaign materials and provide support for Africa Action events.
* Conduct research to identify key contacts for Africa Action's activist networks (Religious Action Network, Africa Action Student Network)
* Participate in meetings with a range of other civil society groups to plan activism on key African issues.
Interns working with the Policy Analysis and Communications staff will:
* Track key issues and specific legislative developments in U.S. policy toward Africa
* Conduct research on Africa Action's primary campaigns and other organizational priorities
* Draft text for publications, correspondence, web pages, etc
* Support staff in implementing Africa Action's national media strategy
Interns will also be responsible for attending organizational meetings, providing support to the Executive Director, and sharing in collective office responsibilities. Interns are required to work at least 16 hours per week. Internships are unpaid, though funding may be available from your university. Academic credit may be arranged, as Africa Action internships offer direct exposure to the workings of a national advocacy organization, close supervision by the Africa Action staff, interaction with other policy organizations, and opportunities to attend lectures and special events relating to Africa policy.

Qualifications:
Applicants should be organized, self-motivated and reliable, with a strong interest in Africa, human rights, and economic and social justice. Relevant coursework is highly desirable. Computer/web literacy required.

To Apply:
Interested students should submit their resume, short writing sample (3-5 pages), references and cover letter to evelyn@africaaction.org

Africa Action internships run in three sessions during the year:
Fall/Winter internships run from September through December, Winter/Spring internships run from January/February through May, Summer internships run from June through August . However, Africa Action is willing to be flexible to accommodate other academic schedules.

» International Internships

MCA-Nicaragua seeks the support of an intern with data collection and management experience.  Specifically, the intern would:

1.  Support Monitoring Evaluation staff at MCA-Nicaragua, which may include reporting to MCC Washington, field visits to eneficiaries, cost-benefit analysis of projects, among other tasks.

2.  Devise plan for managing administrative data, especially related to Rural Business Development Project data on crop cycles, production, sales and costs.

3.  Support Impact Evaluation teams, which may include analyzing household survey data, working with implementers to ensure that they follow evaluation methodology, among other tasks.

The intern needs to speak Spanish fluenty, and be based in Leon for 8-12 weeks depending on his/her availability.  Interested students should send a CV and cover in Spanish and/or English to Carmen Salgado (csalgado@cuentadelmilenio.org.ni) and Anne Rothbaum (rothbaumae@mcc.gov).

Nicaragua's compact amounts to approximately $175m and includes programs in transport, agriculture and property rights.  Details on the compact can be found at http://www.mcc.gov/countries/nicaragua/index.php

Benin

Benin's compact amounts to approximately $307m and includes programs in justice, financial services and property rights.  Details on the compact can be found at http://www.mcc.gov/countries/benin/index.php

An intern with the MCA-Benin program would carry out the following responsibilities:

1.  Economic analysis related to establishing baseline and targets for the Monitoring and Evaluation plan

2.  Capacity building and assistance on data management tasks

3.  Assistance on continuous surveys and studies related to compact implementation

The intern would preferably speak French fluently, and be based in Cotonou for 8-12 weeks, depending on his/her availability.  For further information, please send a letter of interest and CV to Latifou Soumanou (lsoumanou@mcabenin.bj)

KashmirCorps is a private NGO seeking to bring about a positive change in Kashmir through its volunteer and service opportunities. Last year, its first year, KashmirCorps sent eight volunteers to work with local NGO's, clinics, schools and healthcare facilities in the fields of economic development, education and healthcare.

If you are interested in an opportunity with this organization, please visit their website for an application and an overview of their summer internship program http://www.kashmircorps.org/apply.php

The application deadline is March 3^rd, 2008. If you're interested in applying or have any questions about this program, please contact the summer program coordinator at this address hafsa.kanjwal@gmail.com.

The Centre for Micro Finance is looking for  an undergraduate student for a summer internship in India, who has experience in editing school newspapers and is interested in development and in microfinance.

For information check http://ifmr.ac.in/cmf  or http://www.indiadevelopmentblog.com/

Please contact IDEVCERT alumn Sasha Kinney for more information.

» Share Your Experiences

If you have had worthwhile or interesting internships related to international development, please tell us about them! We would love to hear about your experiences in the field and pass on what you have learned to other students. Contact the Certificate in International Development Program at idevcert@georgetown.edu.