About the Organization

SEDEJ (Servicios para el Desarrollo de los Jóvenes) is a non-profit organization providing support services to high risk youth and low-income clients across the greater Santiago metropolitan area and environs. The main current projects include: youth counseling and service centers; micro-finance and small business development support; and women agricultural worker safety and education. Many other projects of innovative social, political and development content have been undertaken. over the years.

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. A substantial amount of historical, project and activity documentation (written, video) has been built up, but little systematic effort has gone into analysis or assessments of this accumulated body of knowledge and experience.

Job Description

Sedej seeks interns to assist in building a useful database and documentation center for further collection and dissemination of practical information, materials, and guidelines. Interns could assist with fundraising strategies and events, preparation of materials for grant proposals, and for educating Chilean and foreign supporters on the work of the organization.

In addition, interns have the opportunity to accompany fellow workers to various project sites in order to gain a broader concept of the individual functions of each SEDEJ project. Interns will have direct contact with many specialists and others involved in on-going and previous projects.

Interns work with or under the supervision of senior management and project leaders, but will also be expected to be self-motivated and innovative in creating projects and generating measurable results. Interns with specific goals and objectives will be afforded a greater opportunity to contribute.

# of Positions per term

1

Start Dates

Any time

Duration of Internship

12 weeks minimum; 6 months preferred

Academic Background

Public policy, NGO management, international studies or other majors with pertinent preparation/experience. Masters level candidates preferred.

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 for as little as $125 per week for 20 hours per week. *this is highly recommended for students who have not lived/studied in Chile previously

Other Requirements

Good analytical and writing skills. It is recommended that interns bring their laptop with them.

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 $2,750 - $2,950. 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
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	$550-$650
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.

SEDEJ is located in the capital city of Santiago near the center (downtown). 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.

SEDEJ website

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

Information on Santiago

Santiago Tourist Information

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Kaydee