Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Council on Hemispheric Affairs Internshipos

For more than 30 years, the Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA), a major tax-exempt, nonprofit, and nonpartisan national research and information organization, has offered internships in Washington in the fields of U.S., Latin American, and Canadian relations. These internships provide practical, entry level experience regarding a variety of political, economic, diplomatic, and trade issues. They also provide young scholars with excellent exposure to the policy making process. COHA seeks highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students as well as those who have already earned degrees. During its existence, nearly 1,000 successful candidates have interned in COHA’s Washington office.

COHA internships, which are available throughout the year, are entirely voluntary and are highly competitive (with summer positions being the most sought after). Schedules for the 18-week internships (14 weeks for the summer internships) can be arranged to meet the individual’s needs, although full-time and full-term applicants are given preference in the selection process. Interns play an integral role in COHA’s activities, which include the following: issuing statements and providing commentary to the print and electronic media; submitting articles on hemispheric issues to regional and national media; monitoring human rights and press freedom violations; promoting constructive U.S. policy initiatives; formulating viable alternatives that seek a diplomatic rather than a military solution to disputes; attending briefings by visiting Latin American dignitaries; and surveying legislation focused on social justice and the expansion of authentic democratic institutions.

Qualifications
Intern candidates should have some knowledge and/or interest in U.S.-Latin American affairs or international relations and should display impressive research and writing skills. Proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese is desired, though experience in journalism, English, or one of the social sciences may be substituted for the normal background requirements. Ideal internship candidates should be highly motivated and will be expected to show initiative and a capacity for innovation.

To apply, go to http://www.coha.org/internships/about-internships/coha-internship-application/