The Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange

Washington, DC (Spring, Paid)

 

Intern/ Advocacy Coordinator

On-campus interviews will be held on October 22.  If you are interested in applying, you MUST CONTACT INTERNSHIP DEVELOPMENT AT X1671 BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH and have posted your resume, cover letter and writing sample on PirateLink!

Organization Description

The Alliance is an association of nearly 80 non-governmental organizations comprising the international educational and cultural exchange community in the United States. Its mission is to formulate and promote public policies that support the growth and well-being of international exchanges between the peoples of the United States and other nations.  To fulfill its mission, the Alliance staff and its membership engage in advocacy and policy work in Washington, most frequently with Congress and with the Department of State. Because its member organizations span the breadth of the U.S. exchange community – encompassing programs for high school and university students, scholars, and professionals – the Alliance functions as Washington’s only collective policy voice for international exchange programs.  The office is small (only four staff), busy, and very informal.  Typically for a small staff, we place a high priority on teamwork.  The office is located near DuPont Circle, roughly a mile north of the White House and within 1.5 blocks of a Metro station.   

Internship Responsibilities

The first six months of the year are the busiest time in the legislative cycle.  The intern will be supervised by the Executive Director and Assistant Director, and his/her responsibilities will include the following:

  • Lead responsibility for organizing the Alliance’s annual Advocacy Day in February.  Advocacy Day brings approximately 100 Alliance members from across the U.S. to Washington for meetings with their Congressional representatives.  The intern will work with Alliance members to confirm their participation and respond to questions, make Congressional appointments, and organize many of the logistical elements of the day.  He/she will actively participate in the Advocacy Day events.
  • Coordinate additional Congressional meetings.  Following Advocacy Day, the Alliance staff and Washington-based members undertake a series of Congressional meetings with the staff of key legislators.  The intern would  manage the meeting process, securing appointments and lining up Alliance members to participate.  The intern would also attend the meetings.
  • Attend/report on Congressional hearings.  Spring is hearing season in Congress, and the intern will have the opportunity to attend hearings involving figures such as the Secretary of State and the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.  On occasion, the intern will have the opportunity to prepare brief, journalistic reports of the hearings to be circulated to the Alliance membership.
  • Organize/attend membership meetings.  Alliance members meet in various configurations to share information and determine strategy on selected issues (e.g., Congressional appropriations, visa policy).  The intern will assist in the preparation of these meetings as well as attend them.  He/she will also have opportunities to attend coalition meetings with organizations the Alliance works with on a variety of issues.
  • Internet research.  On a daily basis, the intern will scan leading newspapers, websites, and blogs for articles of interest to the Alliance staff and membership. 

Duration of internship

Spring semester; January-May (exact dates to be determined by SWU academic calendar).  This internship can be completed as part of the Washington Semester Program offered through Southwestern.  Students are eligible to receive up to 12 hours of academic credit for participating in the program.

Hours per week

Typical workweek is 35 hours, with a 9-5 workday including one hour for lunch.  As required by Southwestern, intern will have one day off per week for academic work.

Stipend

$2000 stipend for the semester.  Depending on student need and preference, can be paid in increments during the internship.

Required/Preferred Qualifications of Intern

Juniors or seniors preferred, but exceptional sophomores will be considered.  The internship requires strong writing, computer, and organizational skills and attention to detail.  Applicants should have an interest in politics, international relations, or both.  International exchange experience a plus.

On-Campus Interviews

Interviews will be conducted on campus by the Director of the organization.  On-campus interviews will be scheduled in advance from those applications received.  The interviews will be held at Southwestern on Wednesday, October 22,  2008.  If you are interested in applying, you must contact Career Services at x1671 AND POST YOUR RESUME, COVER LETTER AND WRITING SAMPLE ON PIRATELINK! For more information about this opportunity, please contact the office of Internship Development at x1671 or via email to krugerm@southwestern.edu.  For assistance with your resume, please contact our office as well.