Internship FAQs
Question: What does Global Aid Direct do?
Answer: Global Aid Direct Cares for people threaten by severe hardship, poverty, diseases and those victimized by political instability and natural disasters. The organization is a non-profit, charity, relief, and community development organization dedicated to seeking the welfare of people affected by poverty. In a situation where problems become increasingly unbearable, and where the survival of human life worth living is being threatened, Global Aid Direct’s concern is initiating programs for the under-served, disadvantaged and “at-risk” populations; addressing key issues which reflect community-wide needs and show promise of effecting systemic changes and impacting quality of life that will help them achieve fuller participation as contributing members of the community. Such programs are usually design to bring new dollars and job opportunities that will promote economic self-sufficiency for the effected population; improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources and delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters.
Question: How Do I Assess My Qualifications?
Answer: Interns are selected on a competitive basis. The following minimum qualifications are required: Enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate-level degree program in a development related field. Only those students who will return to their studies upon completion of their internship assignments are eligible.
Question: How Do I need to have a demonstrated interest in the field of development?
Answer: An interest in global mobility; adaptability to varied physical and other environments; a desire to work with and gain the confidence and respect of people with different language, national and cultural backgrounds and Respect for the principles of Global Aid Direct Statement of Purpose are required to be a Global Aid Direct Intern.
Question: Will I get financial sponsorship from Global Aid Direct?
Answer: Global Aid Direct does not pay for internships. The costs associated with the latter must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation etc.
Question: What is the duration of the internship?
Answer: For the internship to be worthwhile and effective, they will normally last no less than two months and no more than six months.
Question: When internships are offered and when is the deadline for application?
Answer: Internships at Global Aid Direct are on an on-going basis and are offered throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of units/offices to receive and supervise interns. There is no deadline for sending in your application form.
Question: Where do you offer internships?
Answer: Internships can be offered at Headquarters and field offices/ duty stations worldwide. In the application form, you should indicate your preferred sector and country of work. However, many of our offices do not provide internships on a regular basis and they often work in conditions which preclude the possibility of internships. For security reasons some offices cannot provide internships.
Question: What type of work do interns do?
Answer: This will depend on the requirements of the unit/office, your qualifications and interests. Most interns work on a project which will benefit both them and Global Aid Direct, in fields such as refugee protection (legal), international relations, administration, field work, etc.
Question: How do I send my application form?
Answer: Applications must be submitted through the online application link. Since not all offices outside Headquarters have access to the central database, it is recommended that, in addition to the online application, requests for internships be also submitted directly by separate mail with a covering letter to the field/branch office concerned.
Question: What is the duration of the internship?
Answer: For the internship to be worthwhile and effective, they will normally last no less than two months and no more than twelve months.
Question: When internships are offered and when is the deadline for application?
Answer: Internships at Global Aid Direct are on an on-going basis and are offered throughout the year, depending on the availability of meaningful assignments and the needs and capacity of units/offices to receive and supervise interns. There is no deadline for sending in your application form.
Question: Where do you offer internships?
Answer: Internships can be offered at Headquarters and at field offices worldwide. In the application form, you should indicate your preferred country of work. However, many of our offices do not provide internships on a regular basis and they often work in conditions which preclude the possibility of internships. For security reasons some offices cannot provide internships.
Question: What type of work do interns do?
Answer: This will depend on the requirements of the unit/office, your qualifications and interests. Most interns work on a project which will benefit both them and Global Aid Direct, in fields related to the organization work.
Question: In what functions do you hire interns?
Answer: Global Aid Direct internship program involves a wide spread of sectors: including professional categories such as Agriculture, health and education, human rights promotion, information and communication technology, community development, vocational training, industry and population. Other sectors include Social and Economic Policy, Gender Equality, Human Rights, Adolescent Development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Planning, Communication for Development, Public-sector Alliances & Resource Mobilization, Emergency Program, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, Child Protection, Education, Finance and Administration, Supply/Logistics, Information Communication Technology, and Human Resources. Click here for a detail list of preferred work assignments.
Question: How would you describe Global Aid Direct’s specialty or industry?
Answer: Global Aid Direct specialty areas include: Global Human Settlement; Poverty Reduction; International Development; Global Health; Humanitarian Relief and Assistance; Agriculture; Basic Childhood Education; Micro-finance; Environmental Sustainability; Nonprofit; and Primary and Higher Education; Water and Environmental Sanitation, Economic Development Community Development, public or business administration, etc.
Question: Who is eligible for your internships?
Answer: Internships are open to undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students, as well as recent graduates.
Question: Are non-United States citizens eligible?
Answer: Non-United States citizens are eligible given that they meet the US work authorization requirements.
Question: What does your internship prepare interns to do in the future?
Answer: Global Aid Direct interns gain practical experience in various aspects of International Development. An internship with Global Aid Direct prepares interns for successful careers working with various international aid organizations, international financial institutions, governments, and other non-governmental organizations.
Question: Who is eligible to apply?
Answer: You must be enrolled full- or part-time in an accredited university, either as a junior or senior in an undergraduate program or as a graduate or post-graduate student. If you have recently graduated, you are still eligible to apply for Global Aid Direct internships up to four months after your graduation date.
You must meet your school's requirements for participation (if applicable). Your school will be contacted to verify your eligibility. In order to be considered for an internship at any of our U.S.-based offices, you must be authorized to work in the United States. You will be required to submit verification of this prior to starting your internship.
Question: What is the procedure for cancelling or refusing the internship offer?
Answer: Selected applicants must notify the Internship Coordinator whether they will accept the internship or not, no later than two weeks after receipt of the written offer from the Global Aid Direct.
Question: Will I get paid for my internship services?
Answer: Unfortunately, Global Aid Direct does not pay its interns and cannot provide financial support to interns. All expenses connected with the internship will have to be borne by the intern or any sponsoring institution. It is strongly suggested that you contact external institutions, organizations, foundations that may offer financial support for Global Aid Direct internship.
Question: What kind of documents do I need to provide to the Internship Office upon acceptance of offer?
Answer: You need to send:
- Signed offer letter and the internship agreement (no later than 2 weeks after receiving the letter of offer);
- Medical certificate of good health;
- Proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan;
- Proof of enrollment in a degree program in a college (first or second university degree or higher) at the time of the application and during the internship. Students pursuing their studies in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages must have completed at least four years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of a degree.
Question: Do I need to have a health insurance plan?
Answer: You must have a valid health insurance covering your potential medical expenses in you assign country.
Question: What are my chances of employment at Global Aid Direct after the internship?
Answer: About 15% of Global Aid Direct interns are offered additional opportunities to work with the organization.
Question: Do I need a visa?
Answer: Visa requirements vary depending on the program location and on your nationality. If one is required, state that you are on vacation so that you avoid having to get a work permit.
Question: If I need a Visa, what type of visa do I need for a Global Aid Direct internship?
Answer: Global Aid Direct interns must have a valid visa. Most common is the non-immigrant visa ED (Education). Depending on your nationality and student status (for instance whether you are studying in your home country or abroad), this may vary. Please check with your country of interest (country where you want to do your internship) Embassy/Consulate in your country of current residence. Example, if you are residing in the United States and your country of interest for the internship is Liberia, visit the Liberian Embassy/Consulate in the United States for Liberian Visa information.
Question: Do I need a passport?
Answer: Passports are almost always required, and given the amount of time it can take to process a passport; interns should plan on securing passports at least 3 months before their program begins. Visas can take just as long to secure, so it is a good idea to apply for a passport as soon as possible. Your program details should specify any Visa requirements. If you are unsure, please feel free to contact intern@globalaiddirect.org to get more specific information.
Question: What is the medical certificate of good health?
Answer: medical document stating that you are in good health. There is neither a specific nor a required format. It does not have to be in English.
Copyright © 2011 Global Aid Direct. All Rights Reserved.
Join discussions on our wall and be in the loop for info on FB
Tweet and follow us. News, emergencies and useful information
Connect with and promote our activities on goggle plus
Connect with Global Aid Direct on YouTube to view videos
Internship
Volunteer
Protecting Dignity, Providing Hope, Economic and Educational Opportunities.
