About the Organization

The Robert and Sara Rothschild Family Foundation is a non-profit family foundation that builds libraries in small villages in Botswana as a donation to the Government and people of Botswana. To date, seven have been built and there are plans to build 13 more within the next 7 years. The Government of Botswana provides books and staffing for the libraries. The Rothschild Foundation Libraries are special libraries which incorporate the latest concepts of community and cultural integration into the libraries as part of community development.

Job Description

Interns will help facilitate construction and or work in libraries that have already been completed to facilitate community usage.

Depending on their skills and interests, they may work on the construction site, alongside building contractors. Tasks may include ensuring work is done according to specifications, supervising construction workers, and assisting with construction.

Interns may also work with the local community to form a library committee that will operate the library upon completion of construction. Those with a background in library science or a related field may also work with currently functioning libraries on library programming and management.

# of Positions per term

1

Start Dates

Winter or spring 2012.  Consult IE3 Africa Regional Director for availability in later terms

Duration of Internship

Six months is prefered to experience the entire construction process, but one term (12 weeks) is also possible.

Academic Background

4th year student in construction engineering, communication or library science preferred.

Skills/Experience

Applicants in construction engineering should have some design experience in improving or modifying a current design; especially, in adapting to a particular environment.

Language Ability

English. Willingness to learn local Setswana language.

Other Requirements

Applicants must be culturally sensitive, comfortable living without creature comforts (ie. television) and be adventurous eating local foods. Experience living away from home for an extended period of time is a plus. Applicants must be comfortable living in a hot, dry climate.

Applicants should be creative and have excellent people skills, an outgoing personality, the ability to be assertive when necessary and a willingness to do any task at a job site including using a broom. Must be willing to occasionally work more than 8 hours a day and on weekends.

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

The IE₃ program fee is $3450 for the first term for both in-state and out-of-state students and $1000 for each additional term, regardless of credit earned. You do not pay tuition for the term(s) you are abroad. 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	Approx. $2000
Visa Fees
Recommended Immunizations	$440

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing
Food	$300-$400
Local Transportation	$150
Recreation	$100
Personal Expenses	$100

Compensation

The Robert and Sara Rothschild Family Foundation is able to provide funding for interns with financial need. Funding amounts will be determined on a case-by-case basis but may include airfare and an in-country stipend.

Additional Expense Information

Basic accommodation will be provided.