International Rescue Committee 2010
Ends: 20 Aug 2010
Supervisor: Mark Johnson
Required course: Program Development and Project Management
Concentrations: Conflict and Security, Governance and Rights
Program Description:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides students a unique opportunity to work in a post-conflict and development setting with one of the world's leading humanitarian aid agencies. Students are selected by the IRC and placed in one of their field country offices to work on variety of projects, including youth and adult education, teacher training and curriculum development, child protection, communications, advocacy, grant and report writing. Internships will be designed to contribute to the needs of specific country programs, and aim to enhance the academic, work, and life experiences of students.
Past summer country sites have included Ethiopia; Aceh, Indonesia; Jordan; Kenya; Liberia; Nepal; Chechnya, Russia; and Sierra Leone. We do not yet know the summer 2010 sites, and likely will not know the sites by Oct. 19 when IFP applications are due, but you should go ahead and submit an application. In fact, the selection process can be long, involving much uncertainty which can carry into Spring semester. For this reason, and because the IRC program is so competitive, you must pay close attention to your second choice IFP country program. In addition, the IRC requires a three month commitment.
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.
The IRC application requires three references.
Information Mtg: Thursday Oct. 8 5pm-6pm, Room 618
The Spring Course requirement for this IFP is Program Development Project Management (PDPM).
Faculty Coordinator: Mark Johnson
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.
This is not the official website for the Graduate Program in International Affairs. This is a student-run site maintained and run independently of The New School. The official site can be found here