Search for Common Ground (SFCG) Summer 2010 Internship

Deadline: February 15, 2010.

The Search for Common Ground’s International Internship Program is a summer internship program designed to encourage young people interested in pursuing a field in conflict transformation to gain invaluable field experience. The program is open to students (preferably at graduate level) and recent graduates in the USA and internationally, who are self-funded and available to work between 2 and 3 months from May 2010.

Founded in 1982, Search for Common Ground works to transform the way the world deals with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative problem solving. We work with local partners to find culturally appropriate means to strengthen societies’ capacity to deal with conflicts constructively: to understand the differences and act on the commonalities.

Using innovative tools and working at different levels of society, we engage in a pragmatic long-term process of conflict transformation. Our toolbox includes media production – radio, TV, film and print – mediation and facilitation, training, community organizing, sports, drama and music. We promote both individual and institutional change and are committed to measuring the results of our work. We strive to constantly increase our effectiveness through monitoring and facilitated learning.

In 2009, SFCG expects to offer around 10 international Internships. The complete list of internships will not be finalized until after the application deadline but will likely be from the following countries: Angola, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Liberia, Nepal, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Indonesia, and Israel/Palestine (based in Jerusalem).

Eligibility

To qualify for an International Internship at SFCG, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be enrolled full- or part-time in an accredited university, preferably as a graduate student. If you have completed graduate school within the past 12 months you may also apply.
• Preferably enrolled in a conflict resolution or peace studies, international development, Media & communication studies, Peace Journalism, or related field of study.
• Preferably be fluent in one foreign language (notably French, Portuguese, or Hebrew/Arabic) with good levels of written and spoken English.
• You must be self-funded.

Application

* Résumé/CV
* 1 essay – see page 1 of the application form for the questions your essay should address
* Completed application form.
* An Academic reference from your institution supporting your application.

In addition applicants with relevant research experience should submit a short sample of their work, including the methodology they used where appropriate.

To apply, please download the application pack.