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SSI logoLiteracy Internship Opportunity in Botswana

SSI BotswanaOn a daily basis, singing resonates across the grounds of Stepping Stones International (SSI) and throughout the bustling village of Mochudi, Botswana. SSI participants are dancing, expressing belief in themselves and hope for what the future holds. Stepping Stones International (http://www.steppingstonesintl.org) is the foundation for this transformation and positive outlook.

SSI is a non-governmental, non-profit organization registered as a 501(c)3 in Utah. SSI provides an after school program to 200+ orphans and vulnerable adolescents (ages 12-18+) who have experienced abuse, inconsistent schooling and/or have been affected by HIV. An important aspect of SSI's mission is to improve participating teens' English literacy and thus improve their economic prospects. SSI is working to build and improve Botswana's developing education system. Interns and educators from the University of Utah have the opportunity to be part of this progressive, important endeavor.

Internship Description

English-Speaking Internship
This internship is administered by the Hinckley Institute at the University of Utah (http://www.hinckley.utah.edu/global-internships) and is designed to involve participants in critical social issues facing orphaned and vulnerable youth in the developing country of Botswana, Africa. Internships may focus on one of more of the following: literacy education, social work, law, business, or psychology. All interns, whatever their focus may be, will be immersed in a different cultural and educational system.

Intern candidates pursuing a literacy education experience must complete a pre-internship practicum with the University of Utah Reading Clinic in the College of Education (UURC) to develop a skill set for implementing a research-based reading intervention model (Next Steps or Higher Steps) in an international setting with second language learners. Previous teaching experience is helpful, but not required.

Pre-Internship UURC Practica:
EDU 5316 (UURC Next Steps, 1 credit, fall or spring)
EDU 5632 (UURC Next Steps, 3 credits, summer)
EDU 5321 (UURC Higher Steps, 1 credit, fall or spring)
EDU 5644 (UURC Higher Steps, 3 credits, summer)

Once in Botswana, students must complete 3-12 EDU or SPED 5960 credits through the UURC.

Internship Dates

Intern candidates interested in other areas of study (e.g., social work, law, business, or psychology) are encouraged to contact the Hinckley Institute to discuss possibilities with faculty in departments outside the College of Education.

Internship dates may vary and are flexible according to an individual intern's availability. The minimum commitment is 4 weeks, with a set maximum of 12 weeks (unless an extension or visa is obtained).

Fall Semester: September to December
Spring Semester: January to April
Summer Semester: May-August

Accommodations

Stepping Stones International (SSI) will arrange housing accommodations for interns. Pre-qualified families will house the interns. Housing is located to allow interns to walk or take transit for a five- to ten- minute commute to the Center. Most of SSI's families have hosted international students and are familiar with European and American cultural needs. An additional option is independent housing just outside the Center grounds reserved for SSI volunteers and interns.

Program Requirements

Minimum age of 18. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 must be met at the time applications are reviewed and sustained until departure. Course pre-requisites for a literacy education internship, as outlined above, must be completed before an application is submitted. Students must be in good academic and judicial standing with the University.

Application Process

Please submit the Hinckley online application before the deadline at http://www.hinckley.utah.edu/apply-now/ and then email the Global Internship Program Manager to set up an interview. During the interview you will receive more information on program specifics.

Pre-Departure Orientation

Students are required to attend a pre-departure orientation, which provides cultural and safety training and an explanation of academic requirements. Students also meet with the program manager upon returning from the internship. While in Botswana, interns will experience a two-day orientation which includes tours of SSI, meeting of staff and participants and familiarization with the local Mochudi community.

Travel to Host Country

Travel to and from the host country is the responsibility of the student. While students may be able to coordinate travel with other participants, students should expect to arrive in and return from the host country independently.

Funding

International interns are eligible to apply for the Hinckley Global Internship Scholarship offered through the Hinckley Institute. Information can be found at http://www.hinckley.utah.edu/intern-specific-scholarships/. The Hinckley Institute also offers a low-interest loan program found at http://www.hinckley.utah.edu/undergraduate-scholarships/. In addition to funding through the Hinckley Institute, scholarships are available through the Center For Learning Abroad http://learningabroad.utah.edu/.

Contacts

Courtney McBeth
Associate Director, Hinckley Institute &
Director of Global Internships for the Office of Global Engagement
info@hinckley.utah.edu
www.hinckley.utah.edu

Dr. Kathleen Brown
Director of the University of Utah Reading Clinic (UURC)
Kathleen.Brown@utah.edu
http://www.uurc.utah.edu

Megan Petersen
Intervention Specialist, UURC
meganann.petersen@utah.edu

 

          

 

Last Updated: 3/15/21