Internships Details

About the Organization

IDASA is an independent, internationally-recognized South African public interest organization committed to promoting sustainable democracy based on active citizenship, democratic institutions, and social justice. It maintains international links with many similar organizations through the world movement for democracy.

IDASA was founded by Frederick van Zyl Slabbert and Alex Boraine at the end of 1986 to help find an alternative to the politics of repression and to explore new ways of addressing polarization between black and white South Africans.

IDASA’s early work included facilitating meetings between members of the then-banned political organizations and prominent white South Africans. One such meeting was the groundbreaking conference in Dakar, Senegal, attended by Afrikaners and exiled members of the African National Congress (ANC).

After the unbanning of political organizations in 1990 and democratic elections in 1994, the focus of IDASA’s work shifted to the creation of a democratic culture in South Africa and strategic interaction to help the new democracy take root.

Between 1990 and 1994, IDASA ran programs that enabled groups from the old and new orders to government and civil society.

The organization currently focuses on eight program areas. These are:
•Community and citizen empowerment
•Local government centre
•Media @ IDASA
•Governance and Aids
•Political information and monitoring
•Budget information service
•Public opinion service
•Southern African migration
•Safety and Security Programme
•Economic Governance
•Political Governance

Please refer to IDASA’s website ( http://www.idasa.org.za ) for detailed information on current projects/programs (click on PROGRAMMES).

Job Description

A detailed job description will be decided upon as soon as the intern’s specific field of interest, qualifications, and assigned project has been determined. While in the host country, interns are expected to share their knowledge with their hosts and in turn learn the work ethics, practices and skills of the host organization.

An intern’s general tasks may include:
•assist in the organizing and conducting of workshops and training programs;
•assist in existing research projects;
•assist in the compiling of information sheets for the website.

IDASA is also currently seeking an intern to work in their library. Applicants for this position would be involved in processing library publications, distributing latest acquisitions to staff, responding to requests for information and handling loans. Experience with InMagic software, as well as cataloging, classification, indexing and abstracting skills are necessary for successful applicants to this particular position.

# of Positions per term

2-3 per term, depending on organization need and student skills

Start Dates

This internship is available each term. However fall term internships must be completed by December 1 and winter term internships cannot begin until late January.

Duration of Internship

1-2 Terms

Qualifications

Academic Background

Open to any major. Especially suited for students in Political Science, International Studies, Law or pre-law, Sociology, Economics, Ethnic studies, Finance, Accounting, Journalism, Information and Library Sciences and African Studies, or students from any major with strong interests in Africa or the developing world.

Skills/Experience

Basic computer skills and familiarity with major software products required. Capacity to learn and adapt to new work and cultural environments; Ability to work with others in a cross-cultural setting

Language Ability

English is spoken throughout the organization. An intern should be able to speak and write English well in order to perform his/her duties and manage living arrangements.

Other Requirements

Internship Costs

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	$1,800 round trip from Portland to Johannesburg, South Africa
Visa Fees
Recommended Immunizations	$400

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	$450
Food	$300
Local Transportation	$100
Recreation	$100
Personal Expenses	$60

Compensation

None

Additional Expense Information

IDASA will assist interns in securing suitable accommodation, which may include backpackers lodges, short-term rentals or homestays.

Cost of Living:

Interns should plan to spend $600-$800/month for room, board and personal expenses.

Note: 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.

Additional Information

Applicants for an internship at IDASA should carefully consult the IDASA website before applying and identify two or three current programs that are of most interest to them. Although placement depends on the needs of IDASA, applicants should indicate the programs in which they are most interested in their cover letters.

For more information about IDASA and its programs, visit its web site at: http://www.idasa.org.za

Additional information on the country can be obtained from the following websites:
http://www.southafrica.co.za
http://www.gov.za
http://www.southafrica-travel.net

Field Notes Postings:

Give Me Answers by Simone Walter: University of Oregon student (July 12, 2010)