IIP Placements in Latin America and the Caribbean
| Argentina | Ecuador |
| Bolivia | Guatemala |
| Brazil | Mexico |
| Chile | Nicaragua |
| Costa Rica | St. Lucia |
| Dominican Republic | Venezuela |
ARGENTINA
Center for Implementation of Public Policies (CIPPEC)
CIPPEC is a private, non-profit organization that strives to create a more just, democratic, and efficient state in Argentina to improve Argentine citizens' quality of life. Its work focuses on helping to solve some of the country's greatest challenges: deterioration of education and public health, scarce access to justice, weak political institutions, corruption, and fiscal insolvency. Previous interns have worked on the Justice Program, which focuses on improving citizens' access to the justice system to improve civic education and human rights. Intern responsibilities may include research on related public policy issues. Knowledge of Spanish is essential.
Institutional Reform Undersecretariat
A branch of the Argentine Cabinet, the Under Secretariat aims to strengthen the relation between State and Civil Society in order to propose the institutional reforms necessary to develop a governable, transparent, legitimate, and efficient democracy. The Undersecretariat offers an internship to a qualified Princeton undergraduate in either of two areas: (1) the Citizen’s Audit Program (CAP), which has as its general goals the provision of an informed opinion about the quality of democratic practices in municipalities that will contribute to the formulation of a local public matters agenda to expand democracy and the constitution of local civic forums in each of those municipalities; or (2) the Implementation of Participatory Policies Area (IPP), which involves issues related to transparency with an emphasis on access to public information. In both areas, interns will be able to get in touch with the beneficiaries of both policies: local communities for CAP and federal public officers for IPP. Good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended. View a Powerpoint presentation (.pdf) by a past intern.
Villa Ocampo Project
Located in the San Isidro area of Buenos Aires,Villa Ocampo is the former residence of Victoria Ocampo’s family and the meeting place for Argentine and foreign intellectuals in the 1940s. The complete restoration project of the house and its gardens, as well as the works and photographs of the Ocampo family, began in 2003 and it is considered one of the most interesting cultural projects in Latin America. The Project is under the auspices and technical supervision of UNESCO, to which the property was willed “to host permanent workshops, research centers or programs, or projects related to film, television, theater, music, literature, translation, or new forms of expression or communication.” Students interested in participating in the Project will conduct extensive research and therefore must have good command of Spanish and good knowledge of Latin American literature and culture. The selected intern will be responsible for conducting some research on the Project before the start of the internship.
BOLIVIA
Asociación Arte y Cultura (APAC) and the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Five orchestra members/voice students have the opportunity to work in Bolivia in 2010 as interns. Interns will teach young students, mostly beginners, within the social project of the Association for the Arts and Culture (APAC) and the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Santa Cruz. Interns will attend rehearsals and concerts with the Youth Symphony Orchestra and travel to different cities with the orchestra for, for instance, concerts in the capital of La Paz or Tarija. Voice students especially will have the opportunity to travel to the famous Missions of Chiquitos where--based on the old Jesuit tradition--indigenous people perform in string ensembles and choirs. All interested students will stay for at least one week in the Missions and teach young, indigenous musicians. Students can choose to stay the complete period in the Missions. Non-musicians may apply if they have good knowledge of web design, web sales, and computer network technologies to support the fast growing demands in the office of APAC and the Orchestra. Good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended.
Association of Financial Institutions for Rural Development (Finrural)
Located in La Paz, Bolivia, this organization assists small regional agencies with management and evaluation of their microfinance programs. It has a strong emphasis on accountability and on developing methods of measurement of the programs' impact in their respective areas. Projects in which interns participate are different each year but generally include training, technical assistance to small local business, and web page development. Good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended.
Child Family Health International (CFHI)
CFHI provides service learning in international health for medical and pre-medical students. Students wishing to learn about health care systems in other countries, especially among underserved communities, will find the clinical rotation programs of particular interest. Interns work alongside local physicians and explore primary care, rural health, and traditional medicine. Four placements for qualified Princeton undergraduates are available in 2010--two in Mexico, part of the Cultural Crossroads in Health theme, and two in Bolivia, focused on pediatric health. Rotation schedules will be sent to the selected interns prior to arrival. Good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended. Note: The CFHI program fee, which covers accommodations, meals, orientation, etc., will be covered by the IIP in its entirety. Interns are responsible for their air fare. Extensive program details are available in the Office of International Programs. Please make an appointment. View a Powerpoint presentation (.pdf) by a past intern.
BRAZIL
Internships in Brazil are offered as part of the Princeton Summer in Brazil Internship Program, presented in partnership with the Princeton Club of Brazil.
EZLearn
EZLearn is an e-learning start-up based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. EZLearn aims to revolutionize the way people learn English in Brazil through building online learning communities. EZLearn works in the areas of online education and social networks. Its first product is MeuInglês. Interns may conduct strategic analysis to define new products and market requirements; evaluate and explore strategic opportunities for the organization; work closely with the technology department to build new products that suit market demands; help implement web-marketing and advertising strategies; and develop and present research findings. Preferred qualifications include experience in analytical and critical reasoning and the use of analytical tools such as Google Analytics; a knowledge of internet business and technology; strong communication, team work, and presentation skills; an ability to deliver under a pressured timeline; and a passion for education. In 2010 two placements will be available. View a Powerpoint presentation (.pdf) by a past intern.
Fulbright Commission/Education USA
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 to promote the mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. It has given more than 255,000 grants for studies and research to Americans and foreigners from more than 150 countries. In Brazil, the program has awarded more than 5,500 grants for more than 50 years. EducationUSA centers actively promote U.S. higher education around the world by offering information about educational opportunities in the U.S. and guidance to qualified individuals on how best to access those opportunities. Interns will contribute to administering opportunity grants, a program for underprivileged students at the undergraduate and graduate level that finances the admissions process so that they stand a chance to apply to U.S. universities. Interns will also assist through corresponding with students and will participate in presenting at pre-departure sessions for outgoing students, and in outreach efforts through giving testimony about studying at a U.S. institution. Students interested in international education and especially learning about different cultures are encouraged to apply. In 2010 two placements will be available.
G5 Advisors
Founded in 2007, with offices in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, G5 advisors is a leading investment banking boutique that specializes in advising companies, institutions, and individuals in the most complex strategies and investment decisions so they can reach their strategic and investment goals. G5 advisors is a leading advisor in areas of Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Restructurings, Wealth Management, Asset Management, and Private Equity. Its business model is based on intellectual capital, with global vision and institutionality, while aligning itself to the needs and realities of the Brazilian market. Interns will work closely with either the Mergers and Acquisitions team or the Asset Management team on a specific project to be determined. This internship is ideal for students interested in business, finance and strategic planning. Portuguese and/ or Spanish speaking skills are recommended.
Gávea Investimentos
Gávea Investimentos is one of Brazil’s largest independent asset management companies with a proven record in financial management in international and local financial markets. Gávea is affiliated with the Harvard Investment Company. It has three business lines: 1) hedge funds, 2) wealth management, and 3) illiquid investment strategies. Arminio Fraga, Gávea's founding partner, was the president of the Central Bank of Brazil. Gávea has offices in Rio de Janeiro and Sau Paulo. This internship is ideal for students interested in economics and finance, particularly in the Latin American region. Previous interns have developed and presented specific research topics in the area of macroeconomics on issues of interest to the investment process of Gávea. Portuguese knowledge is recommended.
Institute for Studies on Religion (ISER)
Since the early 1970s, ISER (the Institute of Religious Studies) has been an active player in the field of Brazilian NGOs and civil society organizations, remaining faithful to its mission of promoting development with social justice and environmental responsibility. Headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, ISER works within a framework that combines high-level research with realistic plans for action. ISER's most frequent partners are other NGOs, local governments, universities, agencies dealing with religion or social development, and churches. More recently, ISER has also deveoped projects with private companies seeking to practice "responsible business." ISER's permanent objectives are to encourage exchanges, to incite different social groups to participate in both public and private policies which ensure rights, and to strengthen civil society organizations. The hallmark of ISER lies in the defense of fundamental values, in participatory democracy, and in religious and political pluralism. ISER is currently involved in four key areas: Strengthening Civil Society Organizations; Public Security and Human Rights; Environment and Development; and Religion and Society. In addition to working in the aforementioned areas, ISER operates a data-processing center and a center for monitoring and evaluating our programs. Candidates must have a good knowledge of Portuguese.
Instituto São Fernando
Instituto São Fernando (ISF), a public policy NGO based in Rio de Janeiro, supports programs in elementary education, the environment, and cultural heritage in both the private and public sectors. ISF is working on creating a Public Policy Center in Vassouras, a town between Rio and São Paulo, that is to be constructed by 2013. The role of the Public Policy Center will be to work in partnership with institutions and academic departments in Latin America, U.S., Europe, and Asia, to gather Brazilian and international scholars, government officials, and philanthropists around specific themes in a setting that permits academic reflection. Internship responsibilities will mostly focus on establishing and maintaining partnerships for the Public Policy Center and on a business plan that is currently under development. This internship would be ideal for students with interests in public policy, education, government, international relations and agro-forestry. Fluency in Portuguese would be an asset, but is not mandatory.
MMD/Matizar Filmes
MMD is the digital media arm of Brazilian award-winning film production company Matizar Filmes. While Matizar Filmes works on developing and producing documentaries, feature scripts, and television programs, MMD aims at constructing multimedia platforms and formats for internet and portable devices. Projects currently under development include a Twitter-like social network geared towards nighttime entertainment, an innovative Web 2.0 task management system for accomplishing long-term goals, and a highly interactive sitcom for pre-adolescents. MMD is accepting interns in the following three areas: 1) Innovation and Project Development: Interns will be responsible for conducting research and participating in activities related to the modeling of product development. Such activities are related to designing and specifying the user experience in interactive products and platforms, defining internet wireframes and describing functionalities and working with a multitask team and third party companies. Skills in research, programming, design, writing, and editing would be an asset. 2) Technology: Interns will be responsible for conducting research and participating in activities related to web based and mobile software development. Such activities involve programming in both client and server side languages, such as html, javascript, flash, php, and asp. Skills in computer programming and design would be an asset. 3) Production: Interns will be responsible for conducting research and production in activities related to documentaries and television programs. Skills in photography, design, research, script-writing, and editing would be an asset. For all areas, a knowledge of written and spoken Portuguese would be helpful but is not required. Also, students with interests in film, computer science, communications, digital media, and journalism are encouraged to apply. All MMD placements are in Rio de Janeiro.
Project Lab
Project Lab--Project Management Center of Competence--is a private company focused on consulting and training in the field of project management. With offices in Rio and São Paulo, the company is the official distributor in Brazil of the world leader training company based in Minneapolis, RMC Project Management Inc., and is a Global REP (Registered Educational Provider) of PMI (Project Management Institute). A growing, innovative business, Project Lab seeks to develop new products and approaches to position themselves better in the competitive market in the field of Project Management. Project Lab offers interns the opportunity to explore new business opportunities in the real world. The interns will have the opportunity to see how a business works, is organized, and develops its strategies. Princeton students may join any of the following working groups: business process design, auditing processes and procedures, marketing plans for new products and competition analysis, for a period of eight weeks between the months of June and August. Successful candidates will have inquisitive, creative minds; initiative; strong academic backgrounds; entrepreneurial spirits; the desire to contribute ideas in the areas of marketing, internet tools, productivity, and business process organization; good communication skills; and the ability to work independently. This internship is ideal for students interested in business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and internal process development. Portuguese and/or Spanish speaking skills and computer skills are recommended.
Rio Leadership Institute (ILRIO)
ILRIO is an action oriented think-tank that promotes innovative collaboration to address key development challenges. Its focus for 2009 is education. The intern will work directly with ILRIO’s directors (including two Princeton Alumni Association officers) and also help implement a project in Latin America for the Clinton Global Initiative, a partner of the institute. The job requires support with case writing and structuring forums for top business and political leaders.The ideal candidate will have strong writing and organizational skills. Working knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese is desirable.
CHILE
Acción Emprendedora
Acción Emprendedora (AE) seeks two entrepreneurial individuals interested in Latin American development to assist in strategic and operational needs for a fast-growing Chilean non-profit organization dedicated to breaking the chains of poverty through promoting and improving entrepreneurship. AE functions on a proven three-step development model for training and enabling microentrepreneurs-- teaching business fundamentals, supporting and consulting businesses, facilitating access to credit--and interns will work on projects that touch on one or more of these processes. AE’s interns have made a strong impact at AE over the past few years. From strengthening alumni networks, to interviewing micro-entrepreneurs for pilot programs, to microfinance research, all summer associates will work with Chilean entrepreneurs and produce valuable deliverables towards AE and/or AE’s business units. The position will require collaboration with the Chilean employees of AE, other undergraduate and MBA interns, our micro-entrepreneurs, and others. Interns must be self-motivated, independent workers who are proficient in Spanish and able to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. The majority of internships are carried out in Santiago, but there may be opportunities to work in Valparaíso or Concepción, as well. This placement is ideal for students with interest in entrepreneurship; Latin America and Latin American development, economic development, microfinance, finance, economics, engineering, business, and management. Good knowledge of Spanish is required.
Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
ECLAC (the Spanish acronym is CEPAL), headquartered in Santiago, Chile, is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. It was founded for the purposes of contributing to the economic development of Latin America, coordinating actions directed towards this end and reinforcing economic relationships among the countries and with the other nations of the world. Intern responsibilities in prior years have included quantitative analysis on the GDP growth for Latin American countries, editing economic reports, and research on socioeconomic statistics. Good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended. View a Powerpoint presentation (.pdf) by a past intern.
COSTA RICA
Bioversity International
Bioversity is the world's largest international research organization dedicated solely to the conservation and use of agricultural biodiversity. Three placements are available at Bioversity: one at the headquarters in Rome, Italy, one in Benin, and one in Costa Rica. Specific internship responsibilities will be announced soon and in the past have included retrieving and assessing agro-biodiversity practices as climate change mitigation tools and support for the development and production of Geneflow Magazine. The ideal applicant would have a combination of writing/communications skills and science background. This internship is made possible thanks to a grant from the Princeton Environmental Institute.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Solidarity Center
The Solidarity Center is a non-profit organization that assists workers around the world in their efforts to build democratic and independent trade unions. Its members work with unions and community groups worldwide to achieve equitable, sustainable, democratic development and to help men and women everywhere stand up for their rights and improve their living and working standards. A unique internship program is offered to motivated Princeton sophomores and juniors interested in international social, labor, and human rights issues. The sites for 2010 are to be finalized, but are tentatively scheduled for Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, and Thailand. These placements require good research and writing skills. Note: The placements in the Dominican Republic require advanced Spanish skills. Interested students should attend a specific meeting on the internship that will be occur sometime in the fall, and will be presented by a Solidarity Center representative.
ECUADOR
Orquestra Sinfonica de Guayaquil
The Guayaquil Symphonic Orchestra is one of the largest concert halls in Ecuador, with a 1,600 seat theater. Each week they offer one concert free of charge, and they are currently working on audience development projects with local public schools. Their organization offers interns the opportunity to learn about music and music program administration and to attend the daily orchestra rehearsals. The Orchesta also has a position for an intern in the technical area of light effects and stage management. All interns are welcome to participate freely in all activities and projects. This internship is ideal for students with background and/or interests in the arts, music, arts management, theater management, and/or cultural development projects. Spanish skills would be an asset, but they are not required.
GUATEMALA
Clinica Familiar Luis Angel Garcia (CFLAG)
CFLAG is a project of Asociacion de Salud Integral (ASI) a non-profit organization in Guatemala. It was established in response to discrimination and poor clinical services that PWAs received in the public hospital system in Guatemala. Since 1988, it has offered HIV testing, counseling, medical care, and services to PWAs. It is located in one of the country's largest public hospitals. Other CFLAG activities include research and diagnostic services, including outpatient clinical diagnostic procedures such as biopsies and bone marrow studies. The selected intern will have the opportunity to create his or her own research project, which does not need to be strictly clinical, biomedical, or scientific nature. Also, the intern will have access to patient interactions to include in his or her research. This project should be thought out carefully prior to the start of the internship. Students who apply should make an appointment with IIP Director Luisa Duarte-Silva to review medical prerequisites. In addition, applicants must submit an additional essay with their application that describes the research project they intend to carry out under the supervision of a Princeton faculty member. This internship is ideal for pre-med students with Spanish skills.
Fundación Centro de Servicios Cristianos (FUNCEDESCRI)
FUNCEDESCRI is a non-profit ecumenical foundation that promotes food security and sovereignty and the support of integrated and sustainable development of the rural communities of Guatemala. They work with 56 indigenous Mayan communities (Quiches, Ixiles, and Q'eqchis), which live in the northwest sections of Guatemala. The work of FUNCEDESCRI is organized into three target areas: Nebaj and Cunen, located in the department of Quiche, and Campur, located in the department of Alta Verapaz. FUNCEDESCRI seeks to promote the solidarity of the poor with the poor by means of the promotion of human development: promoting the technical training and the whole formation of men and women with the goal of helping them to develop their full potential to contribute to a just and inclusive society.Interns will work on projects in one or two of the following areas: argo-industry, food nutrition and security, educational material preparation and translation, electrical maintenance, writing proposals and program evaluation. This internship is offered in partnership with Princeton in Latin America.
MEXICO
Child Family Health International (CFHI)
CFHI provides service learning in international health for medical and pre-medical students. Students wishing to learn about health care systems in other countries, especially among underserved communities, will find the clinical rotation programs of particular interest. Interns work alongside local physicians and explore primary care, rural health, and traditional medicine. Four placements for qualified Princeton undergraduates are available in 2010--two in Mexico, part of the Cultural Crossroads in Health theme, and two in Bolivia, focused on pediatric health. Rotation schedules will be sent to the selected interns prior to arrival. Good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended. Note: The CFHI program fee, which covers accommodations, meals, orientation, etc., will be covered by the IIP in its entirety. Interns are responsible for their air fare. Extensive program details are available in the Office of International Programs. Please make an appointment.
Fortaleza de la Mujer Maya (FOMMA)
FOMMA, located in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, began as an organization centered on playwriting as the principal educational medium for women and children in indigenous communities. It is run entirely by Maya women and has experienced significant success in promoting literacy. Some of FOMMA's projects use the original plays, now translated into Spanish. The organization has also extended its educational activities into problems of health, domestic violence, bilingual education, childcare, etc. Princeton interns have participated in FOMMA training workshops, stage design, and literacy projects since 2002. Good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended.
Fundacion Idea
Fundacion Idea is dedicated to designing and providing information on policies that might generate conditions that would allow Mexicans to overcome poverty and inequality. Fundacion Idea is dedicated to identifying barriers and challenges to economic development, rigorously analyzing and utilizing best practices at the international level to recommend appropriate policies to eliminate them and also producing research studies in the areas of education, economic development, and social protection. Intern responsibilities will include conducting quantative analysis, interviews and focus groups, and assisting through internet research, writing reports and analyzing statistics. In addition, the intern may research possible projects and grants with international organziatonis such as the World Bank, the UNDP, and the Inter-American Development Bank, among others. Spanish skills are helpful.
Mexican Institute of Family and Population Research (IMIFAP)
IMIFAP is a Mexico City-based NGO, founded by a small group of professors and students of the Faculty of Psychology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in 1985 as a center for teaching, research, and consulting in the fields of public health, population, and individual and community welfare. Its activities focus on the areas of sexuality and nutrition education; micro-enterprise development; addictions, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS prevention. For pre-med students, internships are available in the research and evaluation departments; for other students, internships are available in resource development and microenterprise development departments. Specific work responsibilities and suggested skills include: (1) Evaluation: Applicants must have strong statistical analysis and writing skills to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data; and (2) Resource Development: Applicants must have excellent writing and communication skills. IMIFAP will assist interns in finding accommodations. This internship is offered in partnership with the Program in Global Health and Health Policy and can be used for completion of the GHP Summer Research Requirement (please check the appropriate box on your application).
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
PAHO is an international public health agency that works to improve health and living standards of the people of the Americas. It enjoys international recognition as part of the United Nations system, serving as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization and as the health organization of the Inter-American System. Improvement of drinking water supplies, adequate sanitation, and increased access to health care for the poor are top priorities. Its program efforts focus on correcting inequality, taking into account decentralization and change of state functions; showing that health has a role to play in the success of other sectors; and showing how attention to health affects other aspects of human development. Good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended. This internship is ideal for students interested in environmental science, infectious disease, border health issues, medical anthropology/ sociology, public health, or medicine. This internship is offered in partnership with the Program in Global Health and Health Policy and can be used for completion of the GHP Summer Research Requirement (please check the appropriate box on your application).
The Solidarity Center
The Solidarity Center is a non-profit organization that assists workers around the world in their efforts to build democratic and independent trade unions. Its members work with unions and community groups worldwide to achieve equitable, sustainable, democratic development and to help men and women everywhere stand up for their rights and improve their living and working standards. A unique internship program is offered to motivated Princeton sophomores and juniors interested in international social, labor, and human rights issues. The sites for 2010 are to be finalized, but are tentatively scheduled for Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, and Thailand. These placements require good research and writing skills. Note: The placements in the Dominican Republic require advanced Spanish skills. Interested students should attend a specific meeting on the internship that will be occur sometime in the fall, and will be presented by a Solidarity Center representative.
NICARAGUA
Witness for Peace
Witness for Peace (WFP) is a politically independent, nationwide grassroots organization of people committed to nonviolence and led by faith and conscience. WFP’s mission is to support peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas by changing U.S. policies and corporate practices that contribute to poverty and oppression in Latin America and the Caribbean. The 2010 internship program will focus on bringing the economic roots of migration to the national immigration policy debate. Responsibilities may include: Researching the economic policies in Nicaragua that force Nicaraguans to migrate away from home to look for work and writing an article about the research; Helping to develop educational tools on the Roots of Migration in Nicaragua for use in WFP’s delegations program and grassroots advocacy work; Monitoring the immigrant rights debate and building relationships with organizations working in the U.S., Mexico, and Nicaragua; Publicizing WFP’s Roots of Migration materials with immigrant rights organizations; Posting updates on the Roots of Migration campaign to the People Transforming Policy blog and WFP Facebook page; Updating the WFP website as needed; Other projects as needed, based on the intern’s interests and skills. Spanish skills are an asset. Interns will gain experience in online organizing and communications strategies for policy advocacy.
ST. LUCIA
Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI)
Located in St. Lucia, this inter-governmental agency of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is responsible for environmental management, with a specific focus on environmental health. Its mandate includes the provision of technical and advisory services to the 16 member states of CARICOM. Interns will work on projects related to one or more of the following areas: cleaner production and consumption, waste management, environmental impact assessments, environmental audits, sustainable development and natural resources management, and environmental health. Specific responsibilities may include website and database development; technical research; field sampling; laboratory analysis; assisting with technical presentations and workshop logistics; and writing reports. The main language in Saint Lucia is English although many St. Lucians also speak French and Spanish. This internship is made possible thanks to a grant from the Princeton Environmental Institute.
VENEZUELA
Provita
Provita is an NGO based in Caracas, Venezuela, with field projects on environmental conservation in various parts of the country. Some projects involve research on sustainable development for rural communities. Interns will be involved in analysis and gathering of baseline data of flora and fauna and will work on the development of an eco reserve and ecotourism. The last week of the internship will be spent in Caracas, based at IVIC (Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas), producing a (required) written document related to the internship and/or Provita's projects on the island. Initial training will be mainly in English, but a good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended. This internship is made possible thanks to a grant from the Princeton Environmental Institute.
