Sakharov Human Rights Internships

The Sakharov Program on Human Rights at the Davis Center offers internships and funding for qualified Harvard undergraduates seeking to work for six to ten weeks in organizations in Russia, Eastern Europe, or Central Asia whose activities contribute to the field of human rights, broadly defined.

Eligibility
Full-time currently-enrolled students at Harvard College who have an interest in human rights in this world area, and whose competency in the local language is sufficient to fulfill the terms of the internship. Depending on the particular placement and host organization, prior study of the local language may not be required.

Requirements
Internship applicants are expected to work with the Sakharov Program to identify an organization that matches his or her interests and skills. The Sakharov Program also strongly encourages prospective interns and host organizations to jointly formulate a contract which clearly sets out mutual goals and expectations.

Interns are required to work closely with the Sakharov Program to identify possible host organizations, clarify internship expectations, and discuss their individual internship placement timelines. At the conclusion of their internships, students will be required to complete a short questionnaire evaluating the internship program, and to write a five-page report detailing their experiences. Returning students are required to present their internship reports at a meeting in the fall.

Internship expenses (visa, airfare, room & board, incidental internship-related expenses) will be covered up to a maximum of $5,000 for an internship of six to ten weeks. Students must maintain a strict budget and, upon return, provide a documented account of how the grant was spent. If you anticipate internship-related expenses exceeding $5,000, be sure to apply for other funding sources. For example, see the Funding Sources Database, and the new David Rockefeller International Experience Grants.

Info Session: Tuesday, November 4, 6:00-6:45, CGIS South, S354 (attendance strongly recommended for all prospective applicants). Download handout with information on application process and sample placements.

Application Procedure
Interested students should submit the completed application to CGIS South, S030, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2009. Contact Donna Griesenbeck if you are not able to deliver the application on that date.

A complete application consists of the following:

• A completed printout of the Common Application for Research and Travel
  
• A statement of purpose, not to exceed 750 words
  
• A current resume
  
• A current official Harvard transcript (through the fall term)
  
• Two letters of recommendation, either included with the application in a sealed, signed envelope, or sent directly to the Davis Center, 1730 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138.
  
• A summary statement of foreign language skills and all previous international travel (destination, purpose, dates)

Finalists will be contacted to set up an interview before spring break.

Contact: Donna Griesenbeck, griesenb@fas.harvard.edu, 617.495.1194