Application Deadline: February 15, 2010
The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) and the Business Development Center, Jordan (BDC) are pleased to announce a new collaboration to bring graduate students from APSIA member schools to Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to work as intern consultants to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), non-profit organizations, and quasi-governmental organizations. Internships are for the summer 2010 for a preferred minimum of 10-12 weeks and are open to students of all nationalities enrolled at any APSIA full-member school. Those interested in pursuing a year-long internship post graduation are also encouraged to apply.
The Business Development Center is a Jordanian non-profit organization contributing to economic development and a better life for all Jordanians by helping Jordanian enterprises realize their full potential, creating more jobs and higher incomes, and preparing them to compete successfully in regional and international markets. As a regional and national resource, the Center also launches business development service initiatives and facilitates multiple donor economic development projects. Established in 2005, the BDC is the successor institution to the USAID-funded, $27 million economic development program, the Jordan-United States Business Partnership (JUSBP). As such, BDC inherited the hands-on knowledge, networks and experience gained during JUSBP's seven years of firm-level assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan.
The BDC will act as a bridge between the host organization, on the one hand, and the intern and APSIA, on the other hand. APSIA will work through the BDC to connect interested students with internships that match the students' interest and skill-sets with the organizations' needs. Final intern selection will be determined by the host organization. The BDC will facilitate travel and accommodation arrangements for the interns and act as a conduit between the host organization and the intern should any problems arise during the internship period. The BDCwill also assist interns with obtaining the necessary visas and transportation during the course of their stay in Jordan.
COMPENSATION
Host organizations will provide interns with a housing allowance and a living stipend while in country. Housing stipends will be in the range of $350/month and living stipends around $500/month. However, final amounts could vary depending on the host organization. BDC will provide free, informal Arabic language training to interns placed with host-organizations in Amman, Jordan (similar opportunities may be possible elsewhere on a case-by-case basis). Interns will be responsible for covering the cost of their visa and their transportation to and from Jordan.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Students interested in pursuing an internship opportunity in Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar should submit via email a cover letter, personal statement, and resume. The personal statement should be no longer than two (2) pages and address why you are interested in an internship in Jordan (or the Gulf), what types of organizations you would prefer working with, and highlight the skill-sets you can provide. For more information and/or to submit your application via email, please contact
Leigh Morris Sloane
Executive Director
APSIA
Email: Sloane@apsia.org
Tel: 301-405-5238
DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted by the APSIA office and reviewed by the BDC through February 15, 2010. The BDC will make initial selections of candidates who they determine would be appropriate matches for their host organizations. Host organizations will conduct phone interviews with selected candidates and make the final selection(s) around March 31, 2010.
