International Opportunities in Political Science

AFRICA: Human RightsFor years, we have had requests for a human rights placement, and I'd say, "Do you mean the detention, the torture or the killing part?" In other words, where there are gross human rights violations, it is usually dangerous to speak up.We are proud to finally have an excellent (and safe) human rights placement:work on civic education, training people about their rights; electoral and democracy building -emphasizing term limits to thwart leaders from becoming despots and Presidents-for-Life;criminal justice work  in the prisons or anti- corruption (which is a big deal throughout Africa).

MONGOLIA: Democracy Building, Policy Research & Anti-CorruptionMongolia a young democracy.For decades Mongolia aligned with Russia to protect itself from Chinese domination.When the Soviet Union collapsed, Mongolia was on its own to build civil society.This internationally recognized organization is doing important policy research and anti-corruption work.a. Help with policy and research" We need volunteers that can help us learn how to shape questions and analyze data."b. Monitor implementation of laws and contractsesp. access to information law and mining contracts because Mongolia is experiencing a mining bonanzac. Help in conflict of interests; anti-corruption; election monitoring or election finance

NEPAL: Conflict TransformationFrom 1994 to 2006, Maoist rebels fought to topple King Gyanendra and establish a People's Republic.More than 19,000 were killed in this civil war. Nepal is still healing from this conflict.Many of the Nepalis that fought as Maoists saw Maoism as a solution to Nepal's abject poverty.Like in Rwanda, survivors know who killed their relatives and have a hard time understanding the killing that occurred.Come help with community healing and mediation, teaching non-violent communication so that both sides may reconcile.

NEPAL: LawAfter centuries of monarchy, rampant corruption and a Maoist rebellion, Nepal's democracy was born in 2008.Come help promote good governance, and reduce archaic corrupt practices.Act as a watchdog in environmental conservation, consumer rights, women rights and child welfare.You do not need to be an attorney or law student but needstrong skills in legal research so you can help build the important cases.

PEACE BUILDING: Israel/ PalestineFounded by an Israeli and a Palestine activist, this organization has been devoted for decadesto informing regional and international audiences about events, key figures, attitudes and how peace can be forged.If you have a fascination for this issue; or in Political Science or peace building and are a strong writer, we need you!

MOROCCO: Sub-Sahara African RefugeesThe route between Libya and Italy has been closed off to African migrants and those fleeing jihadist violence in the Sahel.Now Africans seeking to enter Europe come through Morocco, aiming for Spain. Often they are stopped in Morocco.They face severe discrimination, and often do not have food, shelter or work so strong case work skills are needed.Essential that you be able to speak French.

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JORDAN: Women's Rights & Women's Political Participation - currently on holdIt is fairly hard to find women's empowerment programs in the MENA region,so this program in Jordan is breaking-ground as they help women with earning an income;shifts in social roles and in becoming more active members of their community.Come work with women to teach them their rights, leadership skills and how they can participate politically.As a monarchy,  NGO's and activists in Jordan can only push so far; so cultural sensitivity is required.

SRI LANKA: Pushing for Good Governance - currently on hold after Easter bombingsSri Lanka 's last 10 years read like a thriller.Twice now, Sri Lanka's electorate has essentially told Rajapaksathat they do not approve of the corruption, nepotism and the ruthlessnessdecimation of Tamil civilians that ended their civil war.This organization is doing fascinating work on good governance.At the village level, they are educating people about how to identifyand tackle problems in the community; and to coordinate with others.They are awakening people to corruption and fraud; and to monitor elections.This work in Political Science in Sri Lanka is again important as Rajapaksayet AGAIN tried to make another come-back.

Interested?

HOW TO APPLY

Please read NGOabroad website: http://ngoabroad.com/and then briefly answer Questionnaire and send with your resume to:info@NGOabroad.comThese are all volunteer opportunities.Seasoned professionals and students both needed.Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

WHEN TO APPLY

*People are already beginning to apply to volunteer in June, July & August.We send this first announcement in Oct or Nov for those that like to get a leap on their summer plans.We will send a 2nd, sometimes slightly revised, announcement in Jan or Feb.It is smart to finish application process by March so you have time to prepare to go to another country.Our volunteer programs do not just run in June, July & August - that is simply when the most people can go.Except primary & secondary schools that have school schedules to adhere to, most of our programs run year round.