IIP Placements in Bolivia
Bridges to Prosperity
Location: Cochabamba, Bolivia
Bridges to Prosperity provides isolated communities with access to essential healthcare, education, and economic opportunities by building footbridges over impassible rivers. By working within the local context and training local technicians, their programs aim to develop locally appropriate designs, which can be economically and safely replicated. The ideal candidates for this internship would have experience working in rural areas of the developing world and experience in basic construction and masonry skills. The interns will be expected to train and work on a cable-suspended bridge project, approximately 60 meters in span. The project will be under the guidance and, when necessary, supervision of the Bridges to Prosperity Program Manager. Candidates with an academic background in Civil Engineering are encouraged to apply. Interns should be prepared to live and work in a rural area, lacking electricity and running potable water. Basic speaking capabilities in Spanish are strongly desired. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.
Child Family Health International (CFHI)
Location: La Paz and Tarija, Bolivia
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. IIP placements are available in Mexico as part of the Cultural Crossroads in Health theme, and in Bolivia, focused on pediatric health. Rotation schedules will be sent to the selected IIP interns prior to arrival. Good knowledge of Spanish is highly recommended. Two placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns. Note: The CFHI program fee, which covers accommodations, meals, orientation, etc., will be covered by the IIP in its entirety. IIP interns are responsible for their airfare. Extensive program details are available in the Office of International Programs. Please make an appointment.
Fundación Progreso **NEW**
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Interns have the opportunity to get actively involved with Fundación Progreso projects, work directly with the community, and gain knowledge of the culture, the surroundings, and the people. Visits to local areas in and around Cochabamba will be expected in order to get in touch directly with the targeted social group of the organization. The internship gives students the opportunity to work directly with the local culture and create possibilities for social entrepreneurs in the area; allowing the local population to build a stable future for themselves and their communities, directly contributing to economic development in the country. The intern will be given several contacts in the area and from that will be able to explore and interview local business owners while learning about their various endeavors. The students will travel locally and interact directly with people and then create presentations that will be given to the Foundation's executive and decision makers. The student will be able to experience the inner workings of an innovative nonprofit organization, a nascent impact investment fund and social entrepreneurs, while experiencing firsthand direct economic growth of the country. Students interested in social entrepreneurship, international development, economics, and politics are encouraged to apply. Proficiency in Spanish is required; fluent Spanish is preferred. Three placements have been created for International Internship Program (IIP) interns.