Policies and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Summer Field Placement
How does the MPA-DP summer field placement differ from the regular internship required of other MPA students at SIPA?
The MPA-DP program places students in partner organizations working in developing countries, where they work in an integrated, multi-sectoral development project. Students work in close collaboration with skilled practitioners, community members and faculty coordinators. Students do not simply apply for positions as with regular internships, rather the MPA-DP program supports students to design and implement projects in collaboration with their partner organizations.
How long is the summer field placement?
Students are required to work at their field placement project for at least 10 weeks.
Where are students placed? Can I choose the location of my summer field placement?
Students are placed in a variety of organizations across several countries.
During the summers of 2010 and 2011, the first two cohorts of MPA-DP students worked in the following projects:
Millennium Villages Project |
(Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Mozambique) |
Earth Institute Advisory Project |
(Timor-Leste) |
BRAC |
(Bangladesh) |
Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation |
(Cambodia) |
During the summer of 2012, the program is expanding to several other projects at sites in Ghana, Guinea, Rwanda, Chile, Haiti, India, Indonesia, and Bhutan. For more information about the types of projects MPA-DP students have undertaken in the past, please visit the Student Blogs section of the website.
Is the summer field placement program funded?
The MPA-DP program administration aims to provide all students with some funding support for the Summer Field Placement program. The total expense for each student varies depending on the project and region. In the past, students’ airfare, accommodation and basic living expenses have been covered by the program. The funding for the 2013 Summer Field Placement is yet to be determined.
What are the living conditions of the summer field placement? Will I be placed with other students?
Every site and project is unique. Student teams are selected based on the experience and skills of students and the needs of the partner organization. Some students are assigned to individual projects, but most students work in teams of 2-4. Students typically rent local accommodation or stay in modest guest houses.
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