About the Organization

EntreMundos - “Between Worlds” - is based in Quetzaltenango (otherwise known as Xela), the second largest city in Guatemala, and was founded in 2001. Xela is located about 5 hours by bus from Guatemala City in the highlands. EntreMundos works to connect local community projects and foreign volunteers by empowering and attracting skilled volunteers and activists to the Quetzaltenango area. EntreMundos is an organization which promotes positive social change in Guatemala by supporting and expanding the capacity of communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). They also serve to provide a forum and information center for people wishing to become involved in social, cultural and political projects. They believe in the value of volunteer work for community and project development.

They maintain a web-site with listings of local organizations and projects, and host professional 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 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 coordinate fundraisers in conjunction with local projects. Additionally, EntreMundos offers computer classes and capacity building forums for their partner organizations.

Why EntreMundos is Needed The rural, indigenous people that make up the majority of the region’s population face the greatest levels of poverty and social exclusion in Guatemala. As a result hundreds of organisations have committed themselves to the development of their communities. However, the majority of these organisations are struggling to survive due to limited funds and resources, and require additional skills and training to manage their organisations, deliver effective programmes to the communities they serve, and make their organisations sustainable. The need for assistance to help them build their capacity and effectiveness is imperative to the development of their organisations, communities and the country as a whole.

EntreMundos has developed and fostered partnerships with over 160 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), mostly in the Western Highlands, ranging from small community organisations to mid-size NGOs working in the fields of development, health, as well as human rights of women and indigenous people.

EntreMundos’ pivotal role within the NGO sector in the Western Highlands – its extensive contacts, relationships with organisations and development resources– gives the organisation a unique advantage to continue addressing this urgent need for building networks and capacity-building. As a result, EntreMundos has created a region-wide reputation for itself as a leading source for organisational development assistance.

Job Description

There are two positions available:

Journalism/Media: assist with research and layout for EntreMundos' free, bi-monthly, bi-lingual (Spanish/English) magazine, each issue with a particular theme. 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) . The intern will have an opportunity to network and communicate with local businesses and organizations, write articles, solicit stories from other writers, edit, translate, proof-read, research, selling ads, and work on the layout and publishing of the magazine. It is helpful if the intern has strong Spanish skills so that he/she can assist with translation. See pdf copies of the magazine. (4 to 6 months)

IT Coordinator: The intern will coordinate the trainings in and use of the Resource and Training Center and will assist in coordinating classes and 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. Local organizations are interested in classes ranging from very basic computer skills to building a basic website or learning how to email or blog. Many of EntreMundos' partner organizations need assistance will building a website and fundraising. It is helpful to have an intern who has experience teaching computer classes. View information on IT Training. View information on EntreMundos' services to NGO's. (3 to 6 months)

Other options: EntreMundos is a small organization where the staff work together as a team. There may be options for special projects such as website updates, take video and upload to website, paint a mural on the building, conduct an impact study on EntreMundos as an organization or other possibilities depending on the intern's background and skills.

# of Positions per term

1 for each position

Start Dates

flexible

Duration of Internship

3 to 6 months

Academic Background

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. Prefer strong Spanish skills.

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 Ability

Intermediate-advanced Spanish skills.

Other Requirements

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.
ALL ESTIMATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

IE₃ Program Fee

For spring term 2012, the program fee for the first term of any internship is $2950 - $3150. The expected program fee beginning summer term 2012 is $3450 for the first term. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
International Travel	$600-$700
Visa Fees
Recommended Immunizations	$500

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	$100-$150
Food	$100
Local Transportation	$50
Recreation	$50
Personal Expenses	$50

Compensation

None.

Additional Expense Information

The host organization with provide shared housing, centrally located near downtown in the same complex as the offices of EntreMundos for 750-950Q (approx $100 US) per month or arrange for a homestay for approximately $150 per month. The on-site housing has a communal kitchen and bathroom with hot showers. There is wireless internet access in the building. 3000Q/per month (approx $375 USD) is enough to live on for housing, food, local transportation, going out and traveling a bit.

EntreMundos website.

Information about Guatemala.

Information about Xela.

Photo Gallery of Xela.

Field Notes Postings:

Guatemala by Latin America Regional Director, Monya Lemery (August 4th, 2009)