Internship Description

About the Organization:

EntreMundos is an organization which promotes positive social change in Guatemala by supporting and expanding the capacity of communities and non-governmental organizations. EntreMundos is a forum which empowers and connects organizations and volunteers with the objective of maximizing their impacts and fulfilling their potentials.

It is a our aim to link socially and culturally active organizations in Guatemala together with local and international resources. We also serve to provide a forum and information center for people wishing to become involved in social, cultural and political projects. We believe in the value of volunteer work for community and project development.

Local Activities:

EntreMundos - “Between Worlds” - is based in Quetzaltenango, the second largest city in Guatemala, and was founded in 2001. EntreMundos works to connect local community projects and foreign volunteers by empowering and attracting skilled volunteers and activists to the Quetzaltenango area. They maintain a web-site with listings of local organizations and projects, and host workshops and conferences on social, cultural, and development themes. The organization also offers a comprehensive series of capacity building workshops to enable non-governmental organizations (NGO's) to deliver efficient and effective programs and projects to the communities they serve. These workshops touch on such themes as fundraising, project management, strategic planning, etc.

EntreMundos also publishes a free 24-page newspaper, distributed nationally every 2 months, which includes articles of an educational or current-affairs nature, and offers free-of-charge classified ads for organizations seeking volunteer assistance. They also coordinate fundraisers in conjunction with local projects. More information is available at www.entremundos.org

Job Description:

There are two positions available:

1. Journalism/Media: assist with research and layout for EntreMundos' free, bi-monthly, bi-lingual (Spanish/English) newspaper. Responsibilities will include conducting research on Central American political, economic and development issues, as well as assisting in printing and regional distribution of the paper. Essentially, the newspaper serves to educate foreigners and local residents about pertinent development issues within Guatemala. The newspaper provides an integral revenue source for the organization (through the sale of advertisements) and the intern will also have an opportunity to network and communicate with local businesses and organizations. (6 month position)

2. IT Coordinator: The intern will coordinate the trainings in and use of the Resource and Training Center and will assist in coordinating training for local projects based on their IT needs. This work will include maintaining computer lab hours to perform intake and consultations for organizations, as well as providing training and IT classes. The intern will also organize and maintain the computer supplies and assist in the maintenance of the computers. In addition, there is an opportunity to help with the planning and execution of IT training in rural communities. (3 to 6 months)

Additional Information:

www.entremundos.org

Start Date:

January, April, June or September

Duration:

3 to 6 months for the IT position, 6 months for the journalism position

Number of Positions:

2 interns

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:

1. Journalism/Media Intern: communications, media, journalism, marketing,
political science. Knowledge of PhotoShop and PageMaker software programs. Strong written and oral communication skills, strong computer skills, outgoing attitude, flexible and willing to adapt to Guatemalan culture.

2. IT Coordinator: computer science or related major/minor preferred. Open to students with other majors who have experience working in a computer lab or in an IT teaching capacity. Strong written and oral communication skills, strong computer skills, outgoing attitude, flexible and willing to adapt to Guatemalan culture.

Skills/Experience:

Strong written and oral communication skills, strong computer skills, outgoing attitude, flexible and willing to adapt to Guatemalan culture.

Language Requirement:

Minimum: equivalent to completion of third year university level Spanish.

Other Requirements:

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:

The host organization with provide shared housing, centrally located near downtown and Entremundos for $100 per month or arrange for a homestay for approximately $150 per month.

International Travel:

Air fare: approx. $600-$700 to Guatemala City, then a 4-hour bus ride to Xela..

Cost of Living:

Approximately $300/month for food and personal expenses.

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:7/06/07