Internships in Kenya
The SOTENI Bridge Program (student internships) is designed to train volunteers to work in rural and urban settings in Kenya , where they will learn to provide essential HIV/AIDS prevention services, especially to AIDS orphans. The interns also learn about the rich cultures of Kenya while sharing their own gifts, experiences and insights.
SOTENI’s goal is to enable interns to be AIDS-prevention advocates in both Kenya and their home countries.
Above all, the program demonstrates the principle of Interdependence. Interns work side-by-side with Kenyans to achieve the goals set by the four Villages of Hope.
The first step in securing an internship is to submit a resume (curriculum vitae). Also, to help us get to know you better, please respond to the statements below. We are open to ideas from you about how to best use your skills, energy and resources.
Please complete the following statements.
- I want to work with SOTENI because:
- I would like to spend my hours doing:
- This experience would help/transform me because:
- I bring these qualities/experience to the position:
- My availability for volunteer work with SOTENI is:
(Please indicate period you are available, how long you are interested in volunteering/interning, and indicate if you are interested in working in Kenya or the United States.)
A $25 non-refundable application fee must accompany the answers to the above questions and your CV. Please include contact information with your response. SOTENI will confirm by e-mail receipt of your application. An interview by phone or face-to-face may be requested. SOTENI, a small non-profit organization, is not able to offer paid internships in most cases. To intern abroad you must be at least 18 years of age.
Requirements
- Enthusiasm
- Commitment
- Responsibility
- Flexibility
- Kindness
Major Steps in Process
- Prospective intern submits application letter with resume to SI with non-refundable application fee
- SI reviews application answers and resume
- SI interviews applicant by phone or face-to-face
- SI finalizes dates and cost of internship
- Applicant returns signed of Letter of Agreement and deposit
- SI orients intern in Cincinnati
- Intern departs for Kenya
After acceptance:
Expectations for Interns Working in Kenya
- Undergo orientation at SI Headquarters. During this period, the intern will learn more about SOTENI history, strengths and limitations
- Take one large box of donations to Kenya
- Learn the basics of AIDS prevention strategies
- Learn essential skills for functioning in Kenya villages
- Report to SOTENI Kenya staff on the progress of their projects and work while in Kenya
- Write and submit a detailed report, toward the end of experience, to SOTENI International and SOTENI Kenya on projects and work, outcomes and experience
- Complete and return an evaluation form on the internship program
- Participate in debriefing in Cincinnati
- Be an ambassador for SOTENI organization and mission, as personal time allows
Fees
Fees are based on your length of stay. Here are a couple of examples.
6-week internship -- $2,050 plus airfare
3-month internship -- $3,750 plus airfare
Note: These are approximations. Actual
figures may vary due to cost fluctuations.
Responsibilities of Intern
- Fees – the total covers international airfare, SOTENI administration, training, supervision, housing and food
- Letter of Agreement (submitted with deposit)
- Transportation to and from Cincinnati
- Necessary immunizations
- Visa
- Insurance (as intern decides may be necessary above provided travel insurance)
- Personal items -- toiletries, bottled water, souvenirs, entertainment
- Personal communication by telephone, e-mail, post, etc.
Responsibilities of SOTENI International
- Orientation and training vis-à-vis international development, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, community mobilization, epidemiology, cross-cultural experience, and other pertinent areas
- Housing and food while in Cincinnati for orientation and debriefing
- Travel arrangements to Kenya and travel insurance
- Overall supervision of all activities related to internship
Responsibilities of SOTENI Kenya
- Room, board, and hospitality during work in Kenya
- Orientation and training of vis-à-vis Kenyan history, culture, politics and anthropology; local HIV/AIDS epidemiology; safety and other pertinent areas
- Supervision of all activities related to work while in Kenya
- All work-related transportation
Please contact us for more information.
