SEDEJ-Children At Risk
Santiago, Chile
Chile-007
Internship Description
About the Organization:SEDEJ (Servicios para el Desarrollo de los Jóvenes) is a non-profit organization providing support services to high risk youth and low-income clients across the greater Santiago metropolitan area and environs. The main projects include: youth counseling and service centers; micro-finance and small business development support; and women agricultural worker safety and education.
Founded in 1977, SEDEJ grew out of dialogue between a group of like-minded volunteers and the Bishop Enrique Alvear of the western part of Santiago. The organization relies on a member assembly and board of directors which represent various social dynamics and backgrounds in order to guide SEDEJ in its continued development and evolution. The board of directors includes a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and directors. The current president of the board is Mr. René Maluenda Villegas, sociologist, theologist, and founding member of SEDEJ. SEDEJ defines its mission as educational support/partnership to strengthen and develop people in their decision to become better human beings, and players in the development of their community and country. SEDEJ is a highly valued social work organization which builds on:
· The creation of new relationships
· Increased self-value and self-esteem
· Cultural creativity
· Revitalization of personal and social history
· Discovery of the experiences which permit integral personal development
SEDEJ aspires to be a valid and creative interlocutor, in the dynamic and complex lives of people of high-risk sectors of Chilean society. At the same time, SEDEJ documents and bears witness to how these people live, create, and express themselves.
Local Activities:
The main office of SEDEJ is located in the capital city of Sangiago near the center (downtown). There is also an office in El Monte, just outside of Santiago. There are about 8 million people living in Santiago. It is a modern, urban environment with ease of transportation via the metro and buses. There are many activities in the area from museums and nightlife to shopping and extreme sports.
Job Description:
Interns integrate into project teams in one or more of the areas described below, work the same hours and days as counterparts and receive professional supervision. The main projects include: Children at Risk-youth counseling and service center programs where children and affected parents can receive support, skill and relationship training and counseling/referrals; Micro-finance and small business development support and training for micro-entrepreneurs (street and market vendors, artisans, seamstresses, etc.); Education and advocacy for peripherally urban seasonal agricultural workers (mothers of children), particularly regarding hazards of pesticide use, supported through a Bread for the World grant.
Additional Information:
More information on SEDEJ is available on their website: http://www.sedej.cl
Read a former intern's final report: Kanako and Peter.
Read IE3 Blog - regional director's visit to Santiago de Chile
Start Date:
Any time
Duration:
10-12 weeks minimum, more preferred
Number of Positions:
2 interns at any time
Intern Qualifications
Academic Background:Interns with academic preparation/backgrounds in social work, sociology, psychology, anthropology, health education or economics. Interns with additional secondary interests and abilities in areas such as arts, sports, English teaching, computers, and education will find opportunities to apply these also.
Skills/Experience:
.Previous experience studying/working in Latin America highly preferred.
Language Requirement:
Must have completed 4th year Spanish or equivalent (including study abroad). Intensive Spanish refresher/upgrade course can be arranged in Santiago prior to internship (prices started at $125 per week for 20 hours/weeks). *This is highly recommended.
Other Requirements:
Please submit a Spanish version of your cover letter and resume with your application.
Internship Costs
Program Fees:The program fee includes tuition, internship site development and placement, pre-departure orientation, international health insurance, internship monitoring and follow-up.
Click here for application information, including the program fee, for your school.
Note: The program fee does not include airfare, housing, living expenses or any other estimated costs noted below.
Note:
Any financial or in-kind support provided by the host organization is explicitly indicated.
Compensation:
SEDEJ cannot provide financial support to interns. For preliminary planning purposes, aside from the IE3 program fee (covers tuition, insurance, assignment development/assistance), interns will have following estimated costs
Accommodation:
None provided but interns will receive assistance in locating suitable, safe and convenient housing. There are options to live with a homestay family, rent a room in a home or apartment or to rent a furnished apartment. Generally, rents run from about $190-$350 per month depending on the option, locale, etc. There is a one-time fee charged by a local agency to arrange housing and to assist with any issues that arise during your stay. The cost is $98 for interns staying for one term and $140 for two terms.
International Travel:
$1200-$1400; Entry Visa Reciprocity fee to be paid at airport upon arrival $100.
Cost of Living:
Room and board, local transportation, and miscellaneous expenses will run about $550-$650 per month.
Budget Note:
Applicants should use these estimates for preliminary budgeting purposes.
IE3 will issue an official budget after acceptance by the host organization.
Application Information
Academic Credit:
Up to 12 credits available as per arrangement with supervising department.
Application Materials:
IE3 is a program of the Oregon University System.
Students from participating
partner universities are also eligible to apply.
Click here for application
information and select your school from the list.