About the Organization

The Institute of International Education (IIE), the largest U.S. higher educational exchange agency, designs and administers almost 300 international exchange, training, and technical assistance programs on behalf of the U.S. and foreign governments, corporations, foundations, universities and international organizations. The Institute also facilitates exchange through IIE's headquarters are located in New York. IIE also has regional offices in Chicago, Denver, Houston and San Francisco and Washington, D.C.; and international offices in Bangkok, Budapest, Jakarta, Mexico City, and Vietnam, statistical and policy research, reference books and information services offered through U.S. and overseas educational advising centers.

The IIE-Office for Latin America is the educational advising center for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, answering more than 40,000 requests for information per year on study in the United States. IIE also serves as the base for the Regional Educational Advising Coordinator for educational counseling centers in Mexico, Central America and Caribbean. IIE-Mexico hosts the largest of three computer-based testing centers in Mexico, which administer exams such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the GRE and GMAT, among others. IIE also works with a number of foundations to administers various scholarship programs such as a graduate fellowship program sponsored by the Ford Foundations. IIE maintains close ties with the U.S. Embassy and Mexican and U.S. academic institutions and government agencies related to education.

Job Description

The office seeks candidates for the internship program in two separate administrative offices within IIE/Latin America: the Scholarship Division and the Educational Advising Division.

Scholarship Division

IIE administers scholarship programs funded by the Ford, Goldman Sachs, and General Electric foundations in Mexico and Brazil. Intern responsibilities include assistance in promotional activities, communication with universities and with Mexican students, response to requests for information, and management of on-line applications and Access databases. In addition, interns are involved in program development initiatives that include research, proposal writing and budget preparation. This program is open to students from U.S. universities who have either recently graduated (with an undergraduate degree), or are enrolled in a graduate program. No specific field of study is required.

Educational Advising Division

IIE/Latin America works closely with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and with other offices of the US Embassy in Mexico, in administering the largest U.S. State Department-supported EducationUSA center in Latin America, promoting U.S. higher education by offering comprehensive and objective guidance to qualified individuals on how best to access educational opportunities in the United States. Intern responsibilities include advising the general public on U.S. education, conducting presentations to groups of students, conducting research, editing the monthly newsletter, planning outreach activities, and assisting the Regional Educational Advising Coordinator in program activities with Advisers. This program is open to students who have completed at least three years of undergraduate education at a U.S. university, or have recently graduated (with an undergraduate degree) or are enrolled in a graduate program. No specific field of study is required.

Past interns have performed duties in the areas of educational student advising, development of student resources, office management, presentations, orientations, grant writing support, events organizing, outreach, research, etc.

Intern will complete a mid-term and final self-evaluation of performance, followed by a review with supervisor.

# of Positions per term

1-3

Start Dates

Early September, Mid-January, Mid-June

Duration of Internship

3-6 months; 6 months preferred

Academic Background

Open to all majors; undergraduate and graduate students who desire to work in international education or work with the U.S. Department of State. Preference given to students who have completed their undergraduate degree.

Skills/Experience

Previous study or experience abroad strongly preferred. The ability to adapt to and benefit from a new cultural experience. Demonstrated interest in international education and Latin America. General knowledge of Mexican history and culture.

Intermediate skills in software applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) required. Intermediate skills in Outlook and Access software applications, and writing HTML code preferred.

The ability to work in a small team. Personal maturity. Self-direction. Professional experience in a public service office, preferably working with high school or college students.

Language Ability

Proficiency in Spanish equal to end of third-year university level. The ability to communicate competently in both English and Spanish. Strong writing skills in English.

Other Requirements

Interest in interaction with the public. Self -direction is essential. IIE will provide training for assigned duties. IIE will conduct a phone interview in Spanish with any serious candidates. Dress code is professional and conservative.

IE3 Application should include:

• Two Professional Letters of Reference, preferably from a professor and employer. At least one letter must be from an academic reference.

• Essay (up to 500 words): Please comment on why you would like to participate in the IIE /Latin America Internship Program, what you hope to learn, and what makes you a qualified candidate for the position?

• IIE application form (provided by the IE3 Latin America Director)

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.

IE₃ Program Fee

The program fee* for the first term of any internship is $2950 - $3150. 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.

*The program fee noted above reflects the anticipated fee increase that will go into effect for the Fall 2010 term and will apply to all terms thereafter.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

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

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	$300-$400
Food	$150
Local Transportation	$75
Recreation	$75
Personal Expenses	$50

Compensation

$500 per month

Additional Expense Information

No accommodation provided, but some assistance given in finding appropriate housing. Rent for a room in an apartment building runs approx. $300-$400 per month. IIE can arrange a hotel reservation nearby for the first few days until the intern finds housing (cost $40/night). Look for housing on craigslist or segundamano or CompartoDepa in the neighborhoods of Condesa, Roma, or Roma Norte.

This is a competitive internship - it is recommended that students compete the application and on-campus interview by the IE3 Global Internships application deadline.

• Fall Session (early September to mid-December)

• Spring Session (mid-January to mid-May)

• Summer Session (mid-June to late-August)

Students are generally notified of placement by the following dates:

• Fall Session -July 15

• Winter/Spring Session - November 15

• Summer Session - April 15

IIE internship page on website

Previous interns final reports:

Megan_Rice

Lisa

Megan_Lewis

Previous intern's photo slideshow: IIE.pdf