Internship Description

About the Organization:

Women in Progress works to achieve economic independence of women and alleviate poverty at a grassroots level in developing nations. Women in Progress achieves this by providing support for the sustainable growth of small women-owned businesses. Women in Progress believes that the most effective way for women to realize social and economic justice is to achieve economic independence through self-employment. Empowering women through income generation enhances both their self-esteem and their ability to participate in decisions that affect them within the home and community. Playing the central role in ensuring the social and economic well being of their families, women who are presented economic opportunities ensure the basic survival of their family through increased access to food, housing, security, healthcare, education, and justice. The organization also works on securing markets abroad for Ghanaian products. The three main project areas of Women in Progress are: Training and Support, Business Development, and International Trade.

Local Activities:


Job Description:
Interns will be matched with women-owned businesses where the intern's skill set fills a need and in an area where the intern expresses interest. Interns generally work in teams with local staff, volunteers and other students, in order to bring a more diversified and complete skill set to each client. Interns will be assigned to 1-3 clients and assist them with various business development areas. Interns may also provide one-on-one support to drop-ins at the Women's Technology Center. Students should indicate which project areas they are interested when they apply for an internship with Women in Progress.

Areas in which the organization could use the assistance of an intern:

-Web site design, creative design

-Business -- marketing, accounting, management (business plan development, market research -- searching out companies in Europe or the US that would be a good fit with Women in Progress products; goal is to help women's businesses become self-sustaining)

-Grant proposal writing

-Computer skills transfer -- spreadsheet, bookkeeping, letter writing

-Crafts, clothing, jewelry design, marketing and production

Additional Information:
Additional information can be found at the Women in Progress web site: www.womeninprogress.org
Orientation to the organization and project materials will be provided for interns upon arrival in Ghana.

Start Date:
Internships are available during any academic term.

Duration:
Internship duration is three months.

Number of Positions:
Women in Progress will accept several students at a time, depending upon availability of work space and projects underway.

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:
Academic tracks that are well suited for an internship are Business, particularly Imports/Exports, Micro-enterprise Development, Marketing, Adult Education, Information Systems and Technology, Computer Training, Graphic Design and Grant Writing.

Skills/Experience:
Knowledge of social issues and micro-enterprise development strategies in Africa is helpful. Interns must demonstrate some or all of the following skills: Computer Applications (Word, Excel, database design, e-mail, etc.), Internet research skills, Business Planning and Management, Marketing, Web page development, or International Business and Trade.

Language Requirement:
English.

Other Requirements:
Women in Progress requires that interns complete an organization application in addition to the IE3 Global Internships 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:
None.

Accommodation:
Shared housing with other program interns is included in the program fee and is arranged by the local coordinators. Students can pay a slightly increased fee for a homestay.

International Travel:
Approximately ~$1800. The organization will provide airport pick-up in Accra and make arrangements to spend the night in Accra before traveling to Cape Coast.

Cost of Living:
Fees for a 3-month (12-week) internship is $1852.
NOTE: IE3 Global Internship students receive a reduced program fee from Women in Progress.
Women in Progress Program Fee includes shared housing in the 'volunteer house' and project orientation and support materials and placement in an internship matching the intern's academic or professional focus area.

Budget ~$230/month in addition to the Women in Progress program fee.
Food $5/day ($150/month)
Local Transport $1/day ($30/month)
Recreation $50/month
($5-10 to get into most tourist facilities)

Budget Note:
Women in Progress has a well-established and supported internship program that provides excellent professional and administrative support to interns. Interns will pay Women in Progress a reduced program fee negotiated through IE3 Global Internships.

Students who have participated in Africa internships have suggested that interns may want to bring additional money so that they may participate more in uniquely African activities, such as visits to game parks, buying local clothing and crafts, contributing to local organizations, and bringing home gifts for friends and family. Therefore, depending on your interests, you may want to budget additional funds. The proposed budget includes $50 per month to allow for some entertainment and recreation.

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.

Created/Revised:4/14/04