Internships Details

About the Organization

The Institute of International Education (IIE), the largest U.S. higher educational exchange agency, designs and administers more than 250 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 in New York. IIE has also has regional offices in Chicago, Denver, Houston, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.; and international offices in Bangkok, Budapest, Jakarta, Mexico City, and Vietnam. IIE conducts statistical and policy research to provide reference books and information services through U.S. and overseas educational advising centers.

The IIE-Office for Latin America hosts the educational advising center for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, answering more than 70,000 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 advising centers in Mexico, Central America and the 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 administer various scholarship programs. 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 the Ford International Fellowship Program (IFP) and the New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi-The World’s Honor College program.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 U.S. Embassy in Mexico in administering the largest U.S. State Department-supported EducationUSA Advising Center (EAC) in Latin America The EAC promotes 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, delivering presentations to groups of students, conducting research, developing student resources, creating the monthly newsletter, planning outreach activities, improving office management, supporting grant writing, 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.

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

# of Positions per term

1-3

Start Dates

Early September, Mid-January, Early June

Duration of Internship

3-6 months; 6 months preferred

Qualifications

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 preferred.

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

Language Ability

Intermediate-advanced Spanish skills. 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)

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	$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

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.

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.

Additional Information

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