Gain Valuable Skills Working in a Cross-Cultural Development Environment

What is an internship in the International Development Studies program?
In collaboration with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC), Calvin College offers a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in the field to prepare for a career in development work and to nurture a commitment to life-long service. Students register for IDS 359, Internships in Development, and earn 12 hours of academic credit.

Why should I participate in an internship in development?
Internships are invaluable for increasing skills and broadening knowledge by putting theory into practice. This type of field expereince complements your other cross-cultural educational expereinces and you will have demonstratable practical experience to list on your resume when applying for jobs. Finally, you can test your sense of calling by actually working in other cultures and in development. It is important to evaluate your gifts in a real cross-cultural setting, to understand and prepare for your future, or perhaps to avoid future heartache and costs by learning now where God is directing you.

Where would I go?
The CRWRC is currently working in over 30 countries around the world, providing students with the opportunity to work in a cross-cultural environment. Placements in the CRWRC home offices in the U.S. and Canada may also be available.

What would I do?
The CRWRC program coordinator, in consultation with the Calvin College Career Development office and the director of the IDS program, is responsible for job descriptions. Interns will be supervised and mentored by CRWRC staff and perhaps by development workers from CRWRC's partner organizations. Placements may include work in community development, micro-enterprise and business development, literacy and adult education, organizational capacity building, data gathering, basic health needs, disaster preparedness and response, refugee assistance and resettlement, local church-based development, and peace and reconciliation work.

How long does it last?
The internships take place during the fall and spring semesters and last approximately four months.

How much does it cost?
Students pay tuition for the 12 credits plus a program fee to cover all program costs. The student fees cover Calvin's administration of the program, travel to and from the field, visas, room and board, on-site visits by faculty mentors, and other incidental expenses. Costs to students will be the same regardless of placement location. CRWRC provides general liability insurance coverage, but students need to have their own medical insurance for overseas travel. Students are responsible for obtaining their own passport. This is an unpaid internship.

What are application requirements and how do I apply?
An application form is available from the IDS program director, Roland Hoksbergen. The application process includes an interview. The Career Development office is responsilbe for coordinating the screening process.

Because development is a broad field, students from any major may apply, but all students must be working toward a major or minor in International Development Studies. At the time of the internship, participants should have...

• junior or senior status,
• completed SOC 253, IDS 201 or SPHO 205, and IDS 355 or STHO 212,
• completed a semester program in a developing country
• appropriate language skills, and
• a GPA of 2.7 or higher

How should I prepare?
Prior to departure, interns will participate in an orientation program, approximately one week in length, organized by CRWRC.

Who should I contact for more information?
Prof. Roland Hoksbergen, Department of Economics and Business, is the program director.