Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in the world? Do you aspire to a career in international development and humanitarian assistance? If so, the Care Usa Fellowship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain invaluable experience and kickstart your journey towards becoming a global leader. CARE USA, a renowned international humanitarian organization, is dedicated to fighting global poverty and delivering lasting change in the lives of vulnerable populations. Through its comprehensive internship and fellowship programs, CARE USA nurtures the next generation of development professionals.
Domestic Internships at CARE USA: Your Entry Point to Global Impact
CARE USA’s domestic internships, based at the organization’s headquarters in Atlanta or various US field offices, serve as an excellent launchpad for students eager to contribute to meaningful projects. These internships are meticulously structured to provide undergraduate and graduate students with project-driven, hands-on professional experience. Interns are not just observers; they become integral parts of CARE’s initiatives, working alongside seasoned professionals and contributing to substantive projects.
Beyond the practical experience, CARE USA domestic internships emphasize professional development and networking. Interns benefit from comprehensive orientations and training sessions that delve into CARE’s rich history, its impactful vision, and its diverse programs. These sessions provide unique opportunities to connect with CARE staff, gain insights into different departments, and build a professional network within the organization.
Eligibility for Domestic Internships
To be eligible for a CARE USA domestic internship, candidates must meet the following essential criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be actively enrolled in a relevant undergraduate program (preferably Juniors and Seniors), a graduate program, or a post-graduate academic program. Recent graduates within six months of the posting date are also encouraged to apply.
- For international students holding student visas, obtaining appropriate work authorization from their educational institutions is mandatory.
How to Apply for Domestic Internships
CARE USA offers internship opportunities throughout the year, aligning with academic semesters:
- Fall Semester Internships: Recruitment typically occurs in August and September.
- Spring Semester Internships: Recruitment typically occurs in November and December.
- Summer Internships: Recruitment typically occurs in April and May.
Interested candidates can find and apply for available internship positions through the CARE USA Internship/Fellowship Career Site. New opportunities are regularly posted during the aforementioned recruitment periods. Applicants who have secured external funding or academic credit for their internship are encouraged to specify the financial support they can personally cover in their applications.
Overseas Internships and Fellowships: Immersive Global Experience
For those seeking a more immersive international experience, the CARE USA Overseas Interns Program provides a unique pathway. This program is designed for students in global development, global health, and related fields to gain invaluable international work experience within CARE’s country offices around the world. The program’s core mission is to cultivate high-potential future leaders in international development and humanitarian assistance by offering short-term, practical learning opportunities in diverse global settings.
The Overseas Interns Program, often referred to as the CARE USA Fellowship Program in its broader scope, goes beyond on-the-job training. Fellows benefit from a structured professional development curriculum offered through CARE Academy, CARE’s online university. This curriculum focuses on enhancing leadership and management skills through a blended approach of:
- On-the-job training assignments: Direct involvement in projects and initiatives within CARE country offices.
- Coaching: Mentorship and guidance from experienced CARE professionals.
- Formal training: Access to CARE Academy’s online courses and resources to develop specific skills and knowledge.
Placement and Opportunities in CARE Country Offices
The Overseas Interns Program meticulously matches successful applicants with assignments that align with their academic backgrounds and stated areas of interest. This matching process is ongoing, and applications are welcomed throughout the year. While most placements occur between June and August, opportunities may arise at other times of the year and can vary in duration.
It’s important to note that CARE prioritizes intern safety and security, placing interns only in low or moderate-risk locations. University-sponsored interns must provide a letter of permission to travel to their assigned location. Prior to commencing their assignment, all overseas interns must provide proof of health and evacuation insurance (which may be provided by CARE in some cases) and complete CARE Academy’s mandatory online safety and security course. Upon arrival in their country of assignment, interns receive a comprehensive security briefing from CARE’s safety and security focal point or a designated manager.
Eligibility for Overseas Internships and Fellowships (CARE USA Fellowship Program)
To be considered for the CARE USA Overseas Internship Program (Fellowship Program), applicants must fulfill the following essential requirements:
- Secure financial support from an academic institution or another sponsoring agency.
- Be legally authorized to work in the country of their internship location.
- Apply for and obtain their own appropriate visa for the country of assignment.
- Be enrolled in a relevant graduate or post-graduate academic program or have graduated within the past six months.
- Possess comprehensive medical coverage, including emergency evacuation insurance, for the entire duration of the internship (proof of insurance is required).
- Demonstrate proficiency in the language required for the specific internship location.
Ideal candidates for the CARE USA Fellowship Program will also possess the following desirable qualifications:
- Current enrollment in a graduate program in a field relevant to CARE’s mission and work.
- At least two years of professional work experience in a related field.
- Exceptional time management, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication abilities.
- Proficiency in a second language, particularly French, Spanish, or Portuguese.
- Adaptability and the ability to thrive in diverse, multicultural environments.
- A flexible and team-oriented work style.
How to Apply for Overseas Internships and Fellowships
To apply for the CARE USA Overseas Internship Program (Fellowship Program), interested individuals can search for and apply for available positions through the CARE USA Internship/Fellowship Career Site.
Application Requirements for all CARE USA Internships and Fellowships
A complete application for any CARE USA internship or fellowship must include the following documents:
- A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your experience and skills. Include names and contact information for at least three professional references.
- A compelling cover letter clearly articulating your specific programmatic and research interests and how they align with CARE USA’s work.
- For assignments that are writing-intensive, applicants should submit a relevant writing sample to showcase their communication skills.
Please be advised that due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive communication within 60 days of submitting your application, please consider your application as unsuccessful. Due to the application volume, CARE USA is unable to accommodate phone inquiries regarding internships and fellowships.
The CARE USA Fellowship Program and internship opportunities are your gateway to a rewarding career in international development. Apply today and take the first step towards making a meaningful global impact with CARE USA.
