The PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP) consists of a careful selection of conceptualised inputs and field-based learning initiatives. After a detailed orientation to various

development concepts and approaches, within the Indian context, the interns are matched with their interests and learning needs, in different field settings to experience grassroot realities. A meticulously designed and closely supervised field engagement, a systematic review process ensures strengthening of perspectives, and building competencies required for field interventions. The experience also provides individuals with insights to assess their positive strengths and skills as well as zero in on specific areas for self-improvement.

The PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP) aims to provide students from across the world an opportunity to come together and learn about development realities of India. The processes will be of tremendous value in helping students expand their professional and personal horizons, while making a difference to the lives of people and communities. The interns will be provided the opportunity to launch their careers with practical insights and perspectives needed to become effective change agents. This programme acts as a bridge between the academic preparation of a professional and the practical challenges faced in field-based interventions. Valuable, real-world experience that accelerates preparation for a professional career is provided through the PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP).

Who can Apply

PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP) is a global internship programme and is open to all individuals desiring to integrate people oriented experiential learning in their skill sets for their career prospects and growth. The course is ideal for individuals who desire to expand their vision and horizons, who see development as a global issue and most of all for those who dream of living out experiences which mould and shape their very thinking and who wish to be integral part of the very process of the change they are initiating. It is an experience in a lifetime for many and an opportunity not to be missed.

The course is relevant to

• Students who have completed their Bachelors in Development Studies, Public Administration; Social work, Women Studies, Education, Environmental Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, Economics, Marketing, Risk Analysis, Finance, Technology Integration, Population Studies, Governance, Political Studies, Enterprise Development, Gender, Health, Environment, Psychology, History, Strategic Studies, Rural and Urban Planning, Programme Development, Research, Science, Cultural Studies etc to enhance career prospects based on their aspirations.
• Individuals taking a Gap year, students inclined towards a career in development work with a core understanding of people based needs and relevant experience, will gain immense value in opting for the course.
• Young Professionals who have recently been appointed or aspire to be in the Development Sector / Donor Organisations / International Bilateral / Multilateral organisations / Sustainability or CSR Departments / Marketing / Financial Services/ New Services or Product development / Technology Companies etc. This programme will form a bridge to help individuals understand theory and link their practical orientation in the field to concepts of development work in a relevant manner prioritizing on people based needs.

Course Credits

• The Internship is a graduate certificate programme, equivalent to 11 credits (each credit is equal to thirty hours of work).

Certification

• On successful completion of the course, a certificate will be awarded to the individuals.

Duration

• The Course is scheduled between September- October every year for a maximum of 25 students.

Objectives of the internship

• To strengthen understanding on concepts of participatory development and democratic governance, with specific reference to the Indian context
• To provide exposure to grassroots realities, in the rural and urban settings, with a focus on participation by citizens and communities in development and governance interventions
• To strengthen insights and develop skills on participatory methodologies and tools, which include participatory research, participatory training, participatory monitoring.
• To understand and appreciate broader contexts of other stakeholders, like government agencies, donors and local self governance institutions, while participating in existing field projects
• To facilitate cross-cultural learning on development issues as well as other areas of inter-personal growth and learning
• In addition to the above, each intern will be assisted to create mutually agreed upon individual based learning objectives, in consultation with the Internship Coordinator within the parameters of the PRIA International Internship Programme (PIIP).

Curriculum and structure

The internship includes three modules, spread across 8 weeks.

Module 1 : Conceptual Insights and Cultural Orientation

Period: Week I Location: PRIA, Delhi

During this module, the interns are part of classroom teaching, wherein through participatory teaching methodologies, they revisit as well as strengthen understanding on:

• Concepts of development: meaning and relevance of participatory development and participatory research
• Concepts of gender in a development framework, customised orientation of issues of gender sensitivity
• Concepts of local self governance and inclusive citizenship
• Participatory approaches and methodologies
• Orientation and preparation for different aspects of field work

Cultural Orientation will include orientation to Indian context: socio political realities, economic conditions, cultural values and norms, preparation for entering into small and medium towns and villages

Module 2 : Field Work

The Field Work Module will be from Week II-Week VII. It will include internship at two different field sites/locations and a week long debrief intervention at Delhi. This will thus provide the interns with exposure to different geographical locations and development themes.

Field Site 1

Period: Weeks II-IV Location: Field Sites

During this module, the interns are placed in field location (Field Site 1) and will get exposure on development themes, which include:

• Issues related to the functioning and strengthening of local self governance and civil society building
• Field based interventions on sectoral issues including education, natural resource management, tribal development, citizenship issues, etc.

The interns are placed in teams of two or three persons in specific field based projects of PRIA and its partners, in different States of India. Prior consultation with the intern will assist in deciding the field projects.

Debriefing

Period: Week V Location: PRIA Delhi

The Field Work Module will include a week of debriefing session at PRIA, Delhi. This week will be a stocktaking week, wherein the interns will critically review their fieldwork experiences in Field Location 1 and document the same. They will receive additional conceptual insights and clarifications, and will also be briefed about Field Location 2.

Field site 2

Period: Weeks VI-VII Location: Field Sites

During this period the interns will be placed in Field Site 2 and will get exposure to new set of development themes.

Module 3 : Consolidation of Learnings

Period: Week VIII Location: PRIA, Delhi

During this module, the interns get an opportunity to consolidate their field experiences by:

• Revisiting key conceptual, philosophical and methodological aspects within the perspective of their field experience
• Writing a dissertation or Field report ( about 8000 words)
• Presentations of field insights and learnings to subject experts and practitioners for feedback

Indicative Themes

Fee structure

The fee for the internship is:

USD 2100 / INR 94,000 (per intern)

The fee amount covers the cost of professional inputs in the classroom and supervision in the field.

In addition it includes the following expenditure:

1. Cost of stay (double occupancy) for the entire period of internship

In Delhi the interns stay in the hostel facilities available within PRIA campus. In the field sites, safe and modest accommodation is provided.

2. Travel, to and fro, to the field and within field sites

This will include economic mode of transport (i.e. train/bus).

3. Food (for stay in Delhi).

When on the PRIA campus, all meals will be provided to the students. However, the interns will have to bear the cost of food during the fieldwork period (5 weeks duration). Approximate cost of food in the field would be US$8 per day.

Note: The intern will not receive any allowance for the internship period. A minimum of 5 interns need to apply in order for this internship to run.

To apply for the Internship Programme, download the application form and email it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Last date of receipt of Application Form is: June 15, 2012.