Internships Details

About the Organization

SEDEJ-Servicios para el Desarrollo de los Jóvenes provides support services to high risk youth and low-income clients. SEDEJ seeks interns to assist in Children at Risk-youth counseling and service center programs where children and affected parents can receive support, skill and relationship training and counseling/referrals; Micro-finance and small business development support and training for micro-entrepreneurs (street and market vendors, artisans, seamstresses, etc.); Education and advocacy for peripherally urban seasonal agricultural workers (mothers of children), particularly regarding hazards of pesticide use, supported through a Bread for the World grant.

Founded in 1977, SEDEJ grew out of dialogue between a group of like-minded volunteers and the Bishop Enrique Alvear of the western part of Santiago. The organization relies on a member assembly and board of directors which represent various social dynamics and backgrounds in order to guide SEDEJ in its continued development and evolution. The board of directors includes a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and directors. The current president of the board is Mr. René Maluenda Villegas, sociologist, theologist, and founding member of SEDEJ. SEDEJ defines its mission as educational support/partnership to strengthen and develop people in their decision to become better human beings, and players in the development of their community and country. SEDEJ is a highly valued social work organization which builds on:

· The creation of new relationships · Increased self-value and self-esteem · Cultural creativity · Revitalization of personal and social history · Discovery of the experiences which permit integral personal development

SEDEJ aspires to be a valid and creative interlocutor, in the dynamic and complex lives of people of high-risk sectors of Chilean society. At the same time, SEDEJ documents and bears witness to how these people live, create, and express themselves.

Job Description

Interns integrate into project teams in one or more of the areas described below, work the same hours and days as counterparts and receive professional supervision. The main projects include: Children at Risk youth counseling and service center programs where children and affected parents can receive support, skill and relationship training and counseling/referrals; Micro-finance and small business development support and training for micro-entrepreneurs (street and market vendors, artisans, seamstresses, etc.); Education and advocacy for peripherally urban seasonal agricultural workers (mothers of children), particularly regarding hazards of pesticide use, supported through a Bread for the World grant.

# of Positions per term

2 interns at any time

Start Dates

Any time

Duration of Internship

10 weeks minimum, more preferred

Qualifications

Academic Background

Interns with academic preparation/backgrounds in social work, sociology, psychology, anthropology, health education or economics. Interns with additional secondary interests and abilities in areas such as arts, sports, English teaching, computers, and education will find opportunities to apply these also.

Skills/Experience

Previous experience studying/working in Latin America highly preferred.

Language Ability

Must have completed 4th year university level Spanish or equivalent (including study abroad). Intensive Spanish refresher/upgrade course can be arranged in Santiago prior to internship (prices started at $125 per week for 20 hours/weeks). *This is highly recommended.

Other Requirements

Please submit a Spanish version of your cover letter and resume with your application.

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.

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
Host Site Fees	$98-$140*
International Travel	$1200-$1400
Visa Fees	$100*
Recommended Immunizations

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	$190-$350
Food	$150
Local Transportation	$75
Recreation	$50
Personal Expenses	$50

Compensation

None

Additional Expense Information

Interns will receive assistance in locating suitable, safe and convenient housing. There are options to live with a homestay family, rent a room in a home or apartment or to rent a furnished apartment. Generally, rents run from about $190-$350 per month depending on the option, locale, etc. [a shared apartment is between 130.000 CLP and 150.000 CLP per month]. There is a one-time fee charged by a local agency to arrange housing and to assist with any issues that arise during your stay. The cost is $98 for interns staying for one term and $140 for two terms.

Interns should budget $550-$650 per month for rent, food and living expenses. Students planning to travel extensively on weekends or go out frequently should budget additional funds.

The Chilean Government charges a one-time $100 reciprocity tax upon entry into Chile.

Additional Information

The main office of SEDEJ is located in the capital city of Santiago near the center (downtown). There is also an office in El Monte, just outside of Santiago. There are about 8 million people living in Santiago. It is a modern, urban environment with ease of transportation via the metro and buses. There are many activities in the area from museums and nightlife to shopping and extreme sports.

More information on SEDEJ is available on their website: SEDEJ website

Read IE3 Blog - regional director's visit to Santiago de Chile

Information on Santiago

Santiago Tourist Information

Read Former Intern Reports:

Kanako

Peter