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I really had fun at the animal park in Auckland. My job was to showcase some of the animals for the visitors. We handled domestic animals like lambs and goats which the kids really liked. But we also got to show off the iguanas and work in the butterfly garden. My supervisor was really nice and had amazing experience working in different zoos. I liked meeting people from around the world. It was a fun experience and I recommend it to anyone who likes animals.
The best part of my experience in Hawaii was undoubtedly being able to engage with the girls I worked with one-on-one. While I met with the girls in a group of 10 to run the program every day, I had opportunities to spend time with them individually before and after. I still keep in contact with the majority of the girls through e-mail, and their continued eagerness to discuss some of the very topics we covered in the “Smart Girls” program I ran proves to me the importance of mentorship. I also can’t emphasize enough how wonderful the staff the way. They went out of their way to invite me along to do activities with them- trips around the island, picnics, etc. Having done other internships before, I also appreciated how much responsibility they gave me. I was encouraged to design my own program and club activities, not simply instructed what to do. I really think that being able to take such initiative as a college intern is unique.”
Travel to Honolulu to experience island living in the Pacific and impacting the education of children’s lives. As the world’s population grows and the country’s economy fluctuates, the quality of a child’s education becomes increasingly important. A quality education opens doors of opportunity for young people as well as enriches an individual’s mental ability and perspective. In Hawaii, education is extremely important. In the past, people have left the islands in search of opportunity. Consequentially, Hawaii is making an effort to improve its school system and teaching quality, improving the opportunities offered in the Islands. Interns have the opportunity to participate in this endeavor.
Rich with an eclectic mix of cultures and communities, Hawaii has undergone enormous change in recent history. With the population and the natural environment coping with the ebb and flow of the tourism industry and the economy, Hawaii’s values and customs have remained strong. Family unity, love, and cultural heritage remain important Hawaiian identifiers throughout the island chain. Teachers get a peek at several different facets of the community in Hawaii. Especially in urban settings, low family incomes often affect a child’s nutrition, health, even domestic safety. These are some of the challenges teachers confront in the classroom. Working in education, interns will have the opportunity to experience the importance placed on family and the spirit of Aloha, or love.
Teaching Assistants integrate into the community, sometimes referred to as “Auntie” or “Uncle” by students, and become the mentor of dozens of children while watching their growth over time. This is a matchless opportunity to impact young lives.
Job Duties
As a Teaching Assistant, interns will be assigned to a teacher and a classroom. When working with younger children you have the opportunity to create your own lessons plans and serve in the same capacity as a teacher. Most classes include at least fifteen students from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and most are from lower socio-economic communities. However, the community and local government have contributed to the facilities of the local schools. Most classrooms have a computer, sufficient supplies and reading materials.
Interns will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with a teacher to share responsibilities of the classroom. You will help plan lessons, assign and correct assignments. Additionally, you will act as a tutor, offering private attention to students on difficult coursework. You will assist in physical education, sometimes organizing your own activities and games for the students. Past Teaching Assistants have even conducted Story Time.
Minimum Length of Stay: Minimum 4 weeks
Additional Requirements
Please submit along with your application a resume or acceptable equivalent, indicating any relevant knowledge or skills. Please also provide a brief essay (one page or less) indicating: the source of your interest in this position, what you hope to contribute to the programs indicated, and what you hope to learn or experience through your internship
Domestic violence and battering pose serious threats to women. Unfortunately, abusive situations too often remain isolated within the domestic sphere. The magnitude of this problem remains largely beyond the public eye, not receiving the attention it warrants. Between 2 and 4 million women are victimized by domestic violence each year. Battered women account for nearly three times the number of annual emergency room visits than car accidents. 1,500 to 2,000 women die annually as a direct result of injuries sustained from battering. Many children in homes in which domestic violence occur witness abuse and suffer secondary psychological effects, including aggressive behavior and depression. Male children who witness abuse are more likely to become abusers themselves as adults, continuing a cycle of violent behavior.
The Hawaii State Attorney General’s Office estimates that between 1992 and 1998, approximately a quarter of the state’s murders qualified as domestic homicides. Work with a nonprofit organization that focuses on domestic abuse education, prevention and victim support. This organization operates two shelters in O’ahu, one in the city of Honolulu, that provide safe spaces for abused women and their children. The shelter coordinates numerous support services, including: lodging and food, crisis and individual counseling, support groups, referrals, tutors for children unable to attend school, a domestic violence hotline and community support groups.
Job Description
Interns will contribute thirty hours per week to the completion of tasks and projects assigned according to their skills, interests and experience with domestic violence issues. Those willing to commit to longer time periods will be given more responsibility. Interns have the opportunity to work on the hotline, coordinate activities for the shelter’s children, interact with clients, act as assistant to an advocate or shelter worker, and contribute to the client education program and shelter newsletter. All interns and volunteers will complete a comprehensive training that introduces them to the work and clientele of the shelter.
Availability and Requirements
Positions available year-round.
Internships are available to individuals with a background or displaying an interest in the areas of women’s advocacy, counseling, therapy, human services, anthropology or library science. Some experience with domestic violence issues is helpful. This placement requires stable, mature and committed individuals.
Minimum Length of Stay: Minimum 6 weeks
Additional Requirements
Please submit along with your application a resume or acceptable equivalent, indicating any relevant knowledge or skills. Please also provide a brief essay (one page or less) indicating: the source of your interest in this position, what you hope to contribute to the programs indicated, and what you hope to learn or experience through your internship.
Past interns have worked in traditional daycare settings. They are assigned to work with 3 to 6-year-old kids to facilitate all aspects of the student’s day. Kids move through different stations throughout the day. There is an art station where they paint and do handicrafts; a play area where they can build sandcastles and play tag; a clothes station where they can dress up and try on new things. It’s a high energy environment that allows you to meet the kids that make up the community.
Past interns have created reading programs and tailored them to the needs of the children. Help plan field trips and supervise children on the excursions.
We encourage host organizations to give our interns the ability to create and share their areas of expertise. You will be challenged to come up with some of your own original ideas on how to best help the children.
Skills and Attributes
Job duties include:
Your dedicated efforts are needed to help improve the literacy rate among inner city families in Honolulu. The primary goal of this program is to help parents with low-level literacy skills to become more active in their young children’s learning. A major focus of the program includes reading, and other educational / recreational activities to help develop reading and motor skills. Meanwhile, parents are brought into the process as well. Parents are encouraged to see themselves as the child’s first teachers, and receive the skills and the confidence they need to feel comfortable in this role.
Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, surrounded by high-rise buildings and a bustling business district, is a section of low-rent government housing. This housing project experiences its share of social and domestic problems. To combat some of the social ills felt by children in the project, this non-profit organization has rented out a unit and turned it into a community center. Interns in this project are asked to wear a number of different hats, all in the interest of helping the children. Many of the children in the center are neglected at home, and are, therefore, incredibly appreciative of any attention offered by staff. Here, there is a real opportunity to impact young lives.
There are an estimated 154,000 functionally illiterate adults in Hawaii (19% of the adult population). In the residential area covered by this program, the rate is an astounding 32%. Consider the implications for adults that cannot complete job applications, read warning labels, vote, or play a role in their children’s education. Statistics are clear and disturbing, drawing direct links between illiteracy and social problems, such as welfare, poor job performance, substance abuse, domestic violence, teen pregnancy, and crime. Improving literacy skills is an important first step towards improving the quality of life for many affected Hawaii residents. This is grassroots social advocacy with special emphasis on the children.
This is a great way to gain insight into Hawaii’s diverse culture. The children tend to come from Philippines, Hawaiian, Samoan, and other Pacific Island groups. You will hear Pidgin English from both the children and the parents
Adedicated, mature, and caring attitude is needed for this challenging internship placement. Situated on the outskirts of Bangkok is a place that gives hope to children with disabilities. This non-religious organization, established in 1987, aims to train disabled children and their families to become more self-sufficient and to function well in society. In addition, the group assists the Thai government in developing a disabled care system, which is severely lacking in this country. The operations of this organization depend upon its volunteers and donations–the intern’s tasks will be divided between caring for disabled children in a government-built facility and in a daycare center, depending on the daily needs. In addition, the intern will be involved with a halfway house, helping disabled children to continue living with their families by providing educational assistance and support. Through this very demanding position, you can make a significant difference in the lives of these children.
Location
Nontaburi is the perfect base for exploring both the city of Bangkok and the surrounding countryside. The local area has an excellent transportation system, and for a small bus fare you can reach the center of Bangkok. The Northern bus terminal, which runs routes throughout the entire country, is less than a half an hour ride away; the airport is also conveniently nearby. Once in the center of Bangkok, you will find restaurants that not only serve wonderful Thai food, but also cater to every taste. Back in Nontaburi, rural areas, temples, and shopping malls are easily accessible. You will also be close to the Chao Pharaya River, where the floating markets are the perfect places to purchase bargains.
Job Description
The position offers a real hands-on experience in care provision as you help to care for mentally and physically disabled children at a facility servicing approximately 500 children. You will be assisting the other staff members in various areas, such as playing with the children, helping the children with their exercises, office work, cleaning, and cooking. Most of the staff is somewhat proficient in English. Therefore, this will be an opportunity for you to learn Thai as well as teach the staff and children some English. The management will require additional input and skills in the workings of their administrative office–this is a great opportunity for developing daycare management and organizational skills. Interns are expected to work Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm. This internship is ideal for those wishing to pursue a career in the professions of nursing, social work, occupational therapy, and all caring professions.
Availability and Requirements
Position available year-round. Applicants must have patience and sensitivity in dealing with culturally different approaches and attitudes toward the handicapped. Experience with disabled children is preferred, but not necessarily required.
Accommodation
Rented accommodations will be provided with basic cooking facilities: a rice cooker, gas ring, and a water boiler. Apartments are basic and comfortable. Once again, Bangkok will offer you your choice of affordable cuisine. Previous students have eaten out almost exclusively.
Minimum Length of Stay
4 weeks
Additional Requirements
In your brief letter of intent on the IGS Application form, please be sure to indicate the source of your interest in this position, what you hope to contribute to the program indicated, and what you hope to learn or experience through your internship–this letter of intent will be distributed to internship providers. In addition, be sure to submit a resume or acceptable equivalent indicating any relevant knowledge or skills.
This is an internship for those interested in disability services development. Founded in 1966, the organization provides paid work for over 50 disabled people, who produce and sell handicrafts at the office site in Bangkok. Affiliated to the International Goodwill Organization and funded by Royal patronage under the National Council on Social Welfare, this organization provides support and runs public awareness campaigns. Interns will be assisting disabled people by tutoring them in English. Interns may also teach crafts, thus aiding in the development of marketable skills for the centers’ charges. By gaining training and skills, disabled persons will be better able to earn a living and support themselves, and therefore integrate into mainstream society. The program has been very successful to date, having already enabled many people to move into better jobs.
Location
Central Bangkok is a busy, noisy, and exciting city. Absolutely everything you want–shops, restaurants, Internet cafes, etc.–are within a short walking distance from the office and your apartment. There are also a lot of markets and cheap day trips you can make around Bangkok–everything is relatively inexpensive in Thailand! Buses run close by, so you can explore the surrounding villages or beaches on your days off.
Job Description
The position will entail helping to care for over 50 mentally and physically disabled people with the other administration staff. Applicants should have a genuine interest in either disability services and/ or English language tutoring. There will be scheduled classes where you will lead a group in teaching Basic English communication skills. You must be patient and compassionate–your students will be quite shy at first and it may take some time for you to become a familiar and friendly face. Interns will play a crucial role in fostering independence among disabled persons, giving them an opportunity to help themselves. The experienced and caring staff will provide support to interns regarding any difficulties they may encounter as they adjust to the position.
Interns must have energy and enthusiasm to learn as the workload can be heavy as you assist in all areas of the business. Interns receive some supervision and training from experts in all facets of web design, desktop publishing, and running a small business. For someone looking toward a career in web design or toward starting a business, this is an ideal experience.
Availability and Requirements
Position is available year round.
In your brief letter of intent on the IGS Application form, please be sure to indicate the source of your interest in this position, what you hope to contribute to the program indicated, and what you hope to learn or experience through your internship–this letter of intent will be distributed to internship providers. In addition, be sure to submit a resume or acceptable equivalent indicating any relevant knowledge or skills.
Accommodation
Rented accommodation is provided with basic cooking facilities: a rice cooker, gas ring, and a water boiler are included. Apartments are basic but comfortable. Eating is no problem as in Bangkok–there are restaurants on virtually every block, and in the center of the city you’ll find absolutely anything you want, from burgers to noodles. You may even develop a taste for the local spicy cuisine.
Minimum Length of Stay
4 weeks