C.D.I.P. APPLICATION CHECKLIST1

Community Development Internship Program

Tulane University

Caroline Richardson Building

New Orleans, LA, 70118

Tel: 504-862-8629; Fax: 504-862-8678

E-mail: intern@tulane.edu or cuba@tulane.edu

Dear Student,

Thank you for inquiring about Tulane University’s Community Development Internship Program. This is a credit-bearing internship where volunteers live with a family in rural Ecuador, Mexico, or semi-urban Cuba, while working side by side with community members on grassroots development projects. By participating in the program, you will not only contribute to a better life for a poor community, but will also have the opportunity to make lasting friendships both with the host family and their community. Not only will you be a valuable and welcome contributor to the project, but through helping others, you will also improve your Spanish skills and gain a greater understanding of the challenges facing developing countries. In addition, such an experience can not only enrich your life, but also better prepare you for a career or further study in development and community service-related fields.

Project assignments are available in the areas of public health, agriculture, construction, reforestation, animal husbandry, micro-enterprise development, data collection, and other fields. These projects are designed, developed and implemented by the beneficiaries themselves. While project opportunities change as new ones come on line and others are completed, every effort is made to match interns' interests with their assignments. Following this letter is a Project Description Bulletin which discusses in more detail the specific assignment areas available.

The program is a challenging one, designed for people who are adaptable, want to live in a rural environment and who appreciate the reality of the underprivileged. As you will be fully immersed in the host culture, at least two semesters of Spanish, or their equivalent, are necessary for admittance into the program.

Starting dates for the program are flexible, and terms of service can range from six weeks to a semester or year. The program is geared not only for students, but also for people taking a leave of absence from school or work as well as those seeking to better prepare themselves for entering careers or graduate school. By registering for one to two independent study courses in conjunction with this program, students may gain from three to six university credit hours. Those doing so will prepare a written assignment on one or several aspects of their field work. In addition, their performance will be evaluated by the program director. Students applying for the program must have a GPA of at least 2.5 on a four point scale. Many students may also fulfill their community service requirement through participation in this program. Please note that the minimum age for the program is 18. For the Cuba program, the program is three weeks and interns must be enrolled, degree-seeking students.

For the six week program (and three week Cuba program), the fee is $3,400, which includes field work, three credit hours, three meals a day, lodging and health insurance. For six credit hours, the total cost is $3,600. Without airfare or credit, the cost of the program is $2,700. These prices are subject to change based on contingencies and do not include in-country transportation, except for that to and from the site and programmed excursions. Please inquire concerning fees if students are interested in a longer period of service.

Enclosed with this letter is a complete application packet containing application, personal statement, medical, housing and recommendation forms. All of this information may also be accessed via our website listed at the top of the first page. Please note that space is limited, so please return your application as soon as possible so we may best accommodate your placement request.

Thanks again for your interest in our program. It is a fabulous opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a disadvantaged community. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any questions concerning the program.

Sincerely,

Ana López, Ph.D.
Program Director

PROJECT DESCRIPTION BULLETIN

Introduction

The Community Development Internship Program offers technical assistance internship opportunities in the areas of public health, data collection, construction, reforestation, micro-enterprise development, agriculture and animal husbandry. Placements are in rural communities in the coastal region of Ecuador and several Mexican states, as well as in semi-urban Cuba. The populations of these communities generally range from 300-5,000 inhabitants. Each intern lives with a family that has been carefully selected and is eager to participate as host in the program. As an intern, you will be completely immersed and integrated in the host culture and Spanish language. Most, but not all, of the families have running water and electricity and offer interns their own room. Every effort is made to accommodate the preferences of the intern in terms of project type, location and homestay environment.

Before offering an overview of the project areas, it is important to note that all placements share certain activities. Most importantly, all interns work directly with community members on projects which they have designed and are implementing. In addition, excursions to places of cultural or historic interest, such as ruins or museums, are included in all of the assignments. Interns also spend one to two days a week working directly with a foundation or organization representative. This may include visiting other communities and projects as well as administrative activities.

In addition, interns often participate in community meetings which examine rural needs or evaluate past or ongoing programs. Participants may also attend selected training courses and assist in the design of new projects. The goal is to provide the intern with a broad-based understanding of the process of grassroots development at both the organizational and operational levels. Finally, for participants enrolled in the program for academic credit, a portion of your time may be dedicated to your field research and paper preparation.

If you have questions concerning the program, please contact the program director, Dr. Ana López, at the above address.

Project Areas

Below is a description of project areas in which assignments are offered. Please note that as new projects come on line and others are completed, the information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

Public Health

Public health projects are concentrated in the town and surrounding region of Pedro Vicente Maldonado, Ecuador. With a population of about 3,500, the town is about two hours outside of Quito. Project areas include health education, potable water, sanitation, leadership development, patient care, database management and seminar organization.

Construction

Interns provide assistance in the construction of homes, warehouses, community centers, and farm buildings. In addition to physical construction activities, interns may also assist in the budgeting of construction costs, materials requisition and experimenting with alternative construction technologies and materials.

Reforestation and Environmental Preservation

Interns provide assistance in reforestation projects in areas suffering deforestation. Activities include working in tree nurseries, tree planting and tending as well as pre- and post-site surveys and evaluations. Most of the Cuba assignments are in this area.

Agriculture

Depending on during which part of the agricultural cycle the intern arrives, agricultural projects may involve the following activities: caring for plants in the nursery as well as planting, tending, harvesting and storing crops. Examples of crops being cultivated include vanilla, coffee, peaches, chilies and tomatoes. In addition, interns may work on the construction, maintenance and operation of irrigation systems and crop storage facilities.

Animal Husbandry

Interns provide assistance in the inventory, feeding, herding and care of farm animals such as chickens and goats. In addition, they may assist in the preparation and storage of animal feed as well as the construction and care of fences and feeding and watering facilities. Usually, these projects are related to the following project type:

Micro-enterprise Development

Interns provide technical assistance to small, often female-run businesses and also farmers in the following areas: market analysis, feasibility studies, accounting, cost of production, inventory of goods, marketing, and other transfers of business skills.

Administration/Data Collection

In most projects, the administrative activities include assisting community members inventory their productive resources, recording and analyzing production levels, calculating production costs, and developing balance sheets. Data collection may be for baseline or feasibility studies or project design or evaluation.

Community Development Internship Program

Tulane University

Caroline Richardson Building

New Orleans, LA., 70118

Tel: 504-862-8629; Fax: 504-862-8678

E-mail: intern@tulane.edu

http://intern.tulane.edu

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

NAME: _______________________

SSN: _________________________

______ APPLICATION

______ $500.00 APPLICATION FEE

______ PERSONAL STATEMENT

______ MEDICAL CLEARANCE FORM

______ CURRENT OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT

______ TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

______ PHOTOCOPY OF THE FIRST PAGE OF YOUR PASSPORT

______ HOUSING FORM

TULANE UNIVERSITY

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

APPLICATION

Return to: C.D.I.P., Caroline Richardson Building, Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA., 70118

Application fee: $500.00 Deadline (Summer Only): Every year on May 15.

Please submit with this application, two (2) letters of recommendation, a current official transcript (if you are a student), a statement of purpose, your housing agreement and a medical statement for insurance purposes.

Identification

Name: _______________________________ SSN: ____________________

Sex: M ____ F ____ Present Telephone: _________________________

Email: __________________________ Valid Until: _____________________

Present Address: ________________________________ until ____________

City: ___________________ State: ____________ Zip code: _____________

Permanent Address: _____________________________________________

City: ___________________ State: ____________ Zip code: _____________

Permanent Telephone: ____________________ Date of Birth: ____________

Parent’s name (if student): ________________________________________

Place of Birth: ___________________ Country of Citizenship: _______________

Are you a Tulane University student? _____ YES ______ NO

If yes, in what division are you enrolled? ____________________

What is your major? _____________________________

Placement Questionnaire

For which program are you applying? ______________________________

Are you a student? _____________________

Education: ____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

How many semesters of Spanish have you taken, and/or what was your score on the ACTFL exam?:_____________________________________________

Please relate your experience in community development and/or developing countries (please use additional sheets if necessary): _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Special Skills: _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Interests: _____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Any special considerations when being placed with your host family (vegetarian, allergies, etc.): _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Additional comments:

Tulane University

Community Development Internship Program

Return to: C.D.I.P., Caroline Richardson Building, Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA., 70118

I certify that the information contained in this application and its supporting documents is complete and accurate, and I understand that the submission of inaccurate information or the omission of information may be sufficient cause for denial of admission or termination of enrollment.

Signature: ___________________________________ Date: _____________

Tulane University

Community Development Internship Program

Return to: C.D.I.P., Caroline Richardson Building, Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA., 70118

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Please type or print and submit this form as part of your application packet.

Name: ___________________________ SSN:__________________

Please describe your purpose in undertaking this internship and how it relates to your personal and/or professional development. Please also discuss what you hope to gain from this experience and what you feel that you can contribute to your host community.

Tulane University

Community Development Internship Program

Return to: C.D.I.P., Caroline Richardson Building, Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA., 70118

MEDICAL CLEARANCE FORM

Name: ______________________ SSN:__________________

Please have your physician sign this form and return it as part of your completed application packet.

To the physician:

The individual named above is applying to Tulane University’s Community Development Internship Program. During their time of service they will be living with a family in a rural area of Ecuador/Mexico/Cuba while working on a community development project. The purpose of this form is to certify that the applicant’s physician is not aware of any medical reason why the applicant should not participate in this program. Medical reasons not to participate include but are not limited to preexisting conditions which could jeopardize their health during their stay in Ecuador/Mexico/Cuba.

I, _____________________________, M.D., do hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge __________________________is in sound physical health and otherwise fit to participate in Tulane University’s Community Development Internship program.

Signed: ___________________________ Date: ___________________

Tulane University

Community Development Internship Program

Return to: C.D.I.P., Caroline Richardson Building, Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA., 70118

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Applicant: You must submit with your application two (2) letters of recommendation. Please complete this section and give this form to the person whom you have asked to recommend you. When the person returns the letter in a sealed envelope to you, include it with your other application materials.

Name:_________________________________ SSN:___________________

Recommender’s name:___________________________________________

Recommender’s title:_____________________________________________

Recommender: Please type or print. This recommendation will remain confidential and will be used by the Community Development Internship Program only in its procedures relative to admission. When you have completed the recommendation, please enclose it in an envelope, seal it, sign it across the seal and return it to the applicant.

How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? __________________________________________________________________________

Please write candidly and analytically about the applicant’s qualifications and potential to participate in an overseas community development program. In describing such attributes as motivation, adaptability, intellect, Spanish language skills and maturity, please discuss both strong and weak points. Specific examples are more useful than generalizations.

_____________________________________________________________________

Please continue on back.

Tulane University

Community Development Internship Program

Return to: C.D.I.P., Caroline Richardson Building, Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA., 70118

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Name:_________________________________ SSN:___________________

Recommender’s name:___________________________________________

Recommender’s title:_____________________________________________

How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? _____________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Please continue on back.

Tulane University

Community Development Internship Program

Return to: C.D.I.P., Caroline Richardson Building, Tulane Univ., New Orleans, LA., 70118

HOUSING STIPULATIONS AND REGULATIONS

HOUSING STIPULATIONS:

1. Our primary intention is to assist our interns so that their experience may be a constructive and pleasant one. The personnel of the C.D.I.P. will always be ready to assist, counsel, and guide participants and housemothers with housing issues which may arise.

2. MEALS

Three meals a day are included with the homestay.

3. LAUNDRY

Laundry service is also provided as part of the homestay.

4. MONETARY TRANSACTIONS

The C.D.I.P., through our host organizations, makes all contractual and financial transactions with the housemothers, including the days before and after the official arrival and departure dates, as well as the periods between sessions. Participants who are within the C.D.I.P. housing system during one of our programs and wish to continue with the housing service for the following program agree to pay in full for the additional days one week before the end of the program in which he or she is currently enrolled. No refunds will be made if the participant arrives later than the official date on which the program begins.

HOUSING REGULATIONS

1. Once interns enroll in the C.D.I.P. program, they are financially committed to pay for their homestay for the duration of the program. No refunds will be made on the housing or other fees except for leaving the program due to illness. No refunds will be made in case of cancellations prior to or after the students’ arrival.

2. VALUABLES

We recommend that participants do not bring valuable items or jewelry . Neither the C.D.I.P. nor the housemothers are responsible for the loss of valuables in the homes or elsewhere. We recommend that interns arrange with their housemothers a safe place to keep their money, documents or similar items.

3. ROOMS

The participant is required to keep his/her room tidy. He/she is also expected to pay for any damage to his/her room or any other part of the house in which he/she lives. Participants are not permitted to have food in their rooms.

4. Any damage within the household where the intern is assigned, even if accidental, will be charged to them.

5. LAUNDRY

Participants may not use the housemother’s washing machine, dryer or iron.

6. TELEPHONE

The telephone is the property of the housemother, and as such, it is her right to impose the rules for its use. No telephone calls may be made or received after 10:00 P.M., except in emergencies.

LONG-DISTANCE CALLS:

LONG-DISTANCE CALLS ARE NOT PERMITTED FROM THE HOMES EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF EMERGENCIES. In order to prevent any problems, we suggest that interns anticipate and schedule their long-distance calls prior to their departure to Ecuador/Mexico/Cuba. In many cases, there may be only one telephone in a village. You will be furnished with relevant contact information before your departure.

7. VISITS

Participants may not have company before 8:00 a.m., nor after 10:00 p.m. Company must be received exclusively in the living-room of the house. The intern under no circumstances may have company of the opposite sex in his/her room.

8. CURFEW

Interns may arrive home not later than 12:00 A.M. on weekdays and not later than 2:00 A.M. on weekends. In special cases, they must notify the housemother beforehand.

9. KEYS

Interns who were given a key or keys to the entrance doors of their assigned residences should be extremely careful with them. In case of loss or theft, the housemother will need to change the locks for safety measures and the intern will be charged for it.

10. CHANGING RESIDENCES

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY INTERNS CHANGE HOUSES WITHOUT THE PREVIOUS AUTHORIZATION OF THE C.D.I.P. OFFICE. Changes of housing are only authorized when strictly necessary. At least 15 days before a change is to be made, students must fill out a special form which must be approved by the program director and must inform their housemothers of their plans to move. Participants who do not adhere to these procedures may be automatically dropped from the housing system and/or program and will have two days to vacate the home. No reimbursement will be made in this circumstance.

11. DISCIPLINE

Under no circumstances may alcoholic beverages or drugs be introduced into the homes, nor may parties be organized without the authorization of the housemother.

THE C.D.I.P. RESERVES THE RIGHT AT ANY TIME TO DISMISS ANY INTERN WHOSE CONDUCT RENDERS HIS OR HER PRESENCE IN THE PROGRAM UNDESIRABLE.

Please keep a copy of these housing stipulations and regulations for information and/or consultation.

I HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND ACCEPTED THE ABOVE HOUSING STIPULATIONS AND REGULATIONS.

SIGNATURE DATE

NAME OF PARTICIPANT

(PLEASE PRINT)