Human Rights Internships in Cambodia with Projects Abroad

  Cambodia

• Other Cities in Cambodia: 
Phnom Penh

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Ongoing, year round

Description: Our Human Rights internship in Cambodia is based in the capital city of Phnom Penh. The internship provides the opportunity to work alongside a respected humanitarian organization while gaining first hand experience in human rights law.

Interns must have completed at least three years of a related undergraduate degree and have an interest in human rights issues. Post-graduate interns with related degrees and relevant work experience are also encouraged to apply. Interns will need to commit to at least two months on a Human Rights internship in Cambodia.

Interning on a Human Rights Internship in Cambodia

Human Rights interns work with the Cambodian Confederation of Unions (CCU), headed by Mr Rong Chhun, the most well-known human rights activist in Cambodia. The CCU represents teachers and workers in Cambodia and aims to improve working conditions in the country. The CCU also focuses on social justice and the general respect of human rights.

The CCU was established as a partnership between the Cambodian Independent Teachers' Association (CITA), led by Mr Rong Chhun and the Free Trade Union of the Kingdom of Cambodia (FTUKC) led by Mr Chea Mony. Chea Mony is the brother of Mr Chea Vichea, an outstanding union leader and former president of the FTUKC, who was shot dead in 2004. The controversial assassination of the 'worker's hero' has inspired many people to continue Chea Vichea's work and fight for workers rights.

A law internship with Projects Abroad in Phnom Penh would be a valuable addition to your resume in the notoriously competitive world of Human Rights or International Development and might just secure you that lucrative first job once you graduate.

Your precise role will be determined by your background and level of interest in specific areas. Interns work under the supervision of the local staff and will be involved in a variety of tasks that include:

* Researching a variety of on-going local human rights issues
* Implementing new human rights projects
* Communication tasks including helping to translate press releases and statement letters
* Fundraising and networking
* Writing proposals in English and filling out grant forms

However long you join a project for you will need to be flexible, communicate well and work hard. Internships are demanding and must be taken seriously; you will be representing a professional organization. You may sometimes have deadlines and you may be asked to represent the organizations at rallies, private interviews, government meetings and other high profile events.

Highlights: The capital city of Cambodia is Phnom Penh, a vibrant and fascinating city that is located in the southern part of the country. Cambodia's total area is 69,898 sq. miles (181,035 sq. km), and the population has reached 14 million people. Besides the capital city, Cambodia boasts many attractions that include beautiful beaches, an exotic jungle to explore and the world famous gathering of temples in Angkor, all well worth a visit.

Our volunteers in Cambodia live in shared apartments rented by Projects Abroad. The apartments are modern, bright, and clean, and can hold about 10 volunteers at a time. One apartment is in the North of the city, in the same building as the local Projects Abroad office, and one is in the South. Volunteers will be placed according to where their placements are located to allow for the easiest commute.

This projects offers you the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Cost in US$: USD 4,395 and up

Experience Required: yes

interns must have completed at least three years of a related undergraduate degree and have an interest in human rights issues

Typical Volunteer: Projects Abroad volunteers are open minded, flexible and really want to explore the world.

Age Range: 16 andup

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Cambodia Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992