Intern with Sustainable Boliva and CEDASOL

  Bolivia

• Other Cities in Bolivia: 
Cochabamba

Term: Throughout the year 

Description: The main goal of CEDASOL is to reach out to rural communities via programs of social and economic development, so as to enhance lives by way of renewable resources. By designing and implementing micro-enterprises, CEDASOL has the ability to improve the economic conditions of participants in rural communities, which are the poorest communities in Bolivia.

CEDASOL Programs:
Interns may participate in any of the following programs:

Ecological kitchens:
The goal of this program is to eliminate carbon dioxide in rural homes by installing ecological kitchens. Solar energy is a renewable resource with no cost, which permits the processing of food without the loss of nutrients. The development of solar kitchens, therefore, can help combat global problems such hunger, malnutrition, and mortality from causes rooted in contamination.

There are five different types of ecological kitchens, and when implemented, they can help families save up to 80% on fuel costs. The kitchens use a form of energy that is free, unlimited, and non-polluting, thus reducing health risks and also saving the time it takes to collect firewood. It is also important to note that eco-kitchens, and the use of alternative energy, protects the rural communities from the threat of deforestation.

PROALDE:
This is a program which focuses on creating micro-enterprises that can produce dehydrated goods. PROALDE was created to strengthen regional industry through the transferal of technologies and knowledge, along with the promotion of environmentally friendly practices. PROALDE incorporates social values into its structure by having developed communal micro-enterprises that strive toward improving the lives of both producers and workers.

The Education and Training Center:
The center was set up to provide the technical assistance and training programs for the equipment used in the aforementioned programs. It also provides seminars, talks, and workshops on renewable energies, related technologies, and micro-enterprises.

Highlights: Our primary objective is to provide Bolivian organizations with much needed human and financial resources while providing international travelers, students and professionals the opportunity to gain practical work experience through internships and volunteer opportunities in Bolivia.

For all individuals wishing to donate their time, Sustainable Bolivia offers free airport pick up, free orientation and city map, as well as 24 hour staff support. Additionally we provide low cost Spanish or Quechua language lessons, free internet access, unlimited free calls to US and select European landlines, family stay opportunities, private or shared accommodations and reduced travel prices to one of our sustainable ecotourism destinations. We also organize optional social and cultural activities in the evening and on weekends.

Qualifications:
- Beginner Spanish
- Motivated and eager to learn
- Interest in environmental issues, renewable energies, sustainable development
- Willingness to participate in field trips to rural communities
- Good social skills, team player
- A minimum commitment period of three months

Cost in US$: USD 550

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Bolivia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Sustainable Bolivia's Mission Statement: Sustainable Bolivia is a developmental institution headquartered in Cochabamba, Bolivia. With projects in the Andean highlands and the Amazonian lowlands, our primary objective is to assist local communities in the development of environmentally, socially and fiscally sustainable ecotourism programs. Through the promotion of sustainable tourism, language studies and volunteer placement, our mission is to provide the conscientious traveler a way to experience the immense natural and cultural wealth of Bolivia in a way that is non-intrusive and environmentally, socially and fiscally sustainable.