Development Challenge Internships
Jeremy Chen '11 (right) working on the Kalahari Transect in western Botswana as part of the 2010 internship program.
The Internship Program offers research training through mentored internships and independent field research projects throughout the summer months.
Through this program, Princeton undergraduates interested in sustainable development can work on a variety of projects with faculty-led research groups, local and international NGOs, and academic, government and industry enterprises.
Student contributions can be as diverse as establishing a school library in Ghana, designing and building wells in remote African communities, investigating the impact of rainfall on vegetative biomass and soil, gathering data on the movements and habitat use of the endangered Grevy’s zebra, to creating educational materials on water issues in the developing world.
Students from more than two-dozen academic departments participate in the internship program each summer. Assignments stretch from the familiar neighborhood of Princeton University to far-flung villages worldwide. Such experiences may provide guidance into the selection of junior or senior independent research projects and inform future academic study or career choice. See examples of past internship assignments. Participating students receive an award to defray the cost of living and international travel for the duration of the internship, usually eight to ten weeks.
Students interested in exploring and expanding their knowledge of complex environmental problems related to sustainable development are encouraged to apply. Information sessions are held during the fall semester.
