IFP International Rescue Committee

Begins: 1 Jun 2009
Ends: 31 Jul 2009
Supervisor: Mark Johnson
Required course: Peace Building and Development

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides students a unique opportunity to work on emergency education and youth protection projects in different IRC country sites. Internships will be designed to contribute to the needs of specific country programs and introduce students to the fields of child protection and emergency education within the humanitarian assistance sector. Internships aim to enhance the academic, work, and life experiences of students as well as to build up a pool of qualified candidates upon which IRC can draw when placing people in jobs overseas.

Past summer country sites have included Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Chechnya, Indonesia, Jordan and Nepal. We do not yet know the summer 2009 sites. We may not know the sites by Oct. 27 when IFP applications are due, but you should go ahead and submit an application. For this reason, and because the IRC program is so competitive, you must pay close attention to your second choice IFP country program.

Eligibility: The IRC IFP is our most competitive. It has fewer placements (three to six in past years) and many applicants. The IRC will screen applications, and choose to interview a few finalists. They look for past overseas work and living, and substantive work or internship experience. If you do not have prior overseas experience, it is, honestly, not worth applying. The program is not open to non-GPIA students.

IRC Background: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation, protection, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. At work in 25 countries, the IRC delivers lifesaving aid in emergencies; rebuilds shattered communities; cares for war-traumatized children; rehabilitates health care, water and sanitation systems; reunites separated families; restores lost livelihoods; establishes schools; trains teachers; strengthens the capacity of local organizations; and supports civil society and good-governance initiatives.

An orientation at the New York office will introduce students to IRC's mission, guiding principles, operations, key partners, and country program logistics. For more information on the organization and its programs, visit the IRC website.