Only 420€ per week!
International Relations Internship
Bangkok - Thailand
Use your academic knowledge and experience in a professional work environment to better your career path while benefiting the local community.
This program is ideal for those who are drawn to study international relations and are passionate to discuss and research real global issues such as human rights, globalization, humanitarian action, and international economic development. You will also have the opportunity to gain plenty of insight into the local cultural customs and traditions.
Program
Living
Bangkok
Thailand
Program Description
Our international relations internship offers you a valuable experience to hone your theoretical knowledge and skills, and gain an insight on international issues while working in an actual international work environment. You will be working for a variety of organizations; non-profit companies and NGOs, engaged with issues of international affairs and global importance, such as human rights, globalization, humanitarian action, and international economic development or private/public corporations that do business internationally. As an intern, your tasks may include assisting with researching on international policy, drafting and fact-checking reports, writing grant applications, assisting with public awareness efforts, and providing information on international issues to department you work in. You might also be required to organize special events, perform some administrative support work and conduct language training for other staff. In some cases working at project-based may be included.
Cultural Introduction
Not only will we guide you during your internship, but we will also introduce you into the local culture and customs. After all, you will be spending quite some time here and it is important to know about your surroundings!
During the first week, you will take part in an introduction/culture program where you will learn about the local culture, language and customs through activities such as cooking lessons, local handicraft making and excursions to iconic places.
Our programs are designed to immerse you as much as possible with local people and culture and to encourage cultural exchange between teammates to let you fully integrate you in your new surroundings.
What we offer
- Guaranteed internship placement with assigned project and a professional work environment
- Guaranteed English language speaking person in the working environment plus a local language when applicable
- Learning filled and meaningful internship/work assignments that are relevant to the intern’s field of study
- A predefined professional role
- Pre-internship personal learning goals and competencies assessments
- Guidance, Supervision and on the job training
- Guaranteed 25+ working hours per week (4 or 5 days a week, depending on the requirements of the intern’s educational institution)
- Frequent (bi-weekly/monthly) feedback and progress sessions with the hosting company/organization
- A proper (physical) workplace for the intern
- Welcome and pick-up at the airport
- Accommodation in an international environment with other interns and like-minded people
- A mandatory introduction week consisting of an intro into the local culture and customs as well as an introduction into the internship placement (academic)
- Minimum one meal per day provided (breakfast)
- Transfers between the accommodation and the internship placement
- 24-hour local support.
- 20 years of organizational experience worldwide
Aims & Objectives
The internships are set up to serve the needs of the intern as well as those of the host. Our primary objectives are: to help you gain as much experience as possible in your field of study through practical work and the second is to help you create work that will be valuable and beneficial to the organization as well as the local community. All in all, our internships are designed in a way where everyone benefits and only meaningful work is done!
Schedule
Monday to Friday
The schedule of the internship depends on the exact fulfillment of your role and other team members when applicable. Generally, you will work from Monday to Friday for at least 25 – 30 hours a week. However, from time to time, you might be asked to work during the weekend.
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: –
Maximum age: –
Minimum English level: Advanced
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: On Signup
Resume copy required: On Signup
Required qualification: Related background experience or field of study
Additional Requirements
- An established background in an affiliated field of study
- Proof of qualifications (if applicable) and CV/Resume and a copy of your passport sent by email to the local team at least two weeks before beginning the program
- Motivation letter including learning goals, expectations and specific placement requests from the intern
- Internship requirements from the educational institution (if applicable)
Additional Equipment
- Laptop
Location
The most populated city in Thailand is also it’s capital. With more than 8 million people, Bangkok is a mix of the old and the new; embracing the past and looking forward to the future. On a visit you will see old and opulent Temples and shrines that are absolutely magnificent. But what you will also notice is that this city is growing and new high-tech businesses are being encouraged to develop right here. Along with the old charm of the city streets and waterways, there are new transportation venues, western style malls and luxury high-rise buildings being built with Bangkok’s own uniquely Asian flair. You can get just about anything here that you can expect to find in any cosmopolitan and increasingly diverse international city. From the bustling street markets and luxury malls, to the high energy nightlife of Khao San road, there is something for everyone to enjoy during a visit to this vibrant city.
About the Accommodation
The rooms are all equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, private hot water showers and toilets, towels and television. Moreover, because the accommodation is located inside the Khao San Road area, it is only a short walk away to Bangkok’s most colorful and exciting backpackers heaven.
Food Arrangements
Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be served. The food will be typically Thai, cooked by locals and will be mainly vegetarian.
Facilities
All facilities that you could want are within easy access of our accommodation. There are ATMs and a 7/11 within 1 minute walk of the hotel. The guest house is located 100m from Khao San road, the busiest and liveliest backpacker’s hotspot.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
Bangkok, as the Thai capital, has so much to offer. Some of the highlights include (but are not limited to):
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the river and is one of the most impressive temples in Bangkok.
Wat Pho is situated on the opposite side of the river to Wat Arun houses a giant gold reclining Buddha. Rumour has it that you can get an excellent Thai massage here too!
The Grand Palace Bangkok’s most famous landmark and for 150 years the home of the Thai King is a must see.
Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is situated within the Grand Palace complex and is one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples.
Chatuchak Weekend Market If you love shopping then this is for you. Situated next to a beautiful park, the scale of this market is not to be underestimated! There are rows upon rows of stalls selling everything you can imagine. We recommend getting a market map (just ask when you’re there) to help you navigate this shopping maze.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Experience and haggle at this authentic Thai floating market or simply relax and enjoy a guided boat tour of the market.
Transportation
From this location we do not provide free transport to other locations.
Quick Facts
Name: Kingdom of Thailand
Population: 67 million
Capital: Bangkok
Language: Thai
Currency: Baht (THB)
Time zone: ICT (UTC +7)
Country Information
From trekking in the beautiful mountains of the north to enjoying the glorious beaches in the south and experiencing the hustle and bustle of the metropolis that is Bangkok, Thailand is certainly not a country that lacks variety.
Whilst it really is at the heart of Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, its cultural identity remains very unique. As the only country in Southeast Asia to avoid European powers, the Thai are proud to refer to themselves as ‘The Land of the Free’ and many tourists might also know it as ‘The Land of Smiles’ due to its friendly people.
Climate
The majority of the country is home to a tropical savanna climate which consists of wet and dry seasons of a roughly equal length. The climate can be divided into three distinct seasons:
- Dry season: November – end of February. During this period, precipitation is at its lowest but so are the temperatures. This said, ‘low temperatures’ are of course relative and the difference is not in fact very different at all in the South. It is only if you will be visiting the northern mountains that you might need to bring some warmer clothes as temperatures can fall as low as 5°C. This period is, not surprisingly, the most popular time to visit Thailand and tourism peaks around Christmas and New Year as well as Chinese New year. Flights and accommodation at this time can be more expensive.
- Hot: March to June. During this time Thailand reaches its hottest temperatures (as high as 50°C).
- Rainy: July – October. This is when the tropical monsoons begin to arrive, peaking in September. Although this is indeed rainy season, it doesn’t mean that it rains non-stop. Storms can clear up very quickly, but when it does rain, heavy flooding is not rare.
Culture
A significant feature of Thai culture is its primary religion: Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is supported by the government and practiced by an estimated 95% of its population. Thailand not only boasts tens of thousands of beautiful temples, but you will notice that a lot of Thai people have miniature Spirit Houses on their front yards because they believe that the household spirits live in them and they make offerings to them to keep the spirits happy.
Another feature of Thai culture is the wai greeting, which is essentially a slight bow with palms pressed together in a prayer-like manner to show respect. This can be compared to the Indian namasté. Things to know about this:
- The higher the hands in relation to the face and the deeper the bow, the more respect is shown.
- It is made before formally entering/leaving a house
- It can also be made as a sign of gratitude or apology
- You do not make the greeting to those who are younger than you unless you are returning the wai.
- The gesture is normally accompanied with the phrase “sawadee (krap/ka)” (“krap” if you are male and “ka” if you are female)
- A corporate wai (made by cashiers etc) can be returned with a smile or a nod
The major festival in Thailand is Thai New Year, known as Songkran. It is celebrated on the 13th-14th April of every year. It is a festival that concludes the dry season and involves a lot of water throwing!
Gastronomy
Thai cuisine is very nutritious and alongside its plentiful use of rice, it generally contains fresh vegetables and white meats like chicken and fish. Thai people love spicy food but do not fear if you do not, just say ‘mai pet’ when you order. However, the flavors are not only about the spice, as many people believe. Thai food can be slightly salty, sour and/or sweet, so there really is something to suit everyone’s palate.
Transportation
Transport in Thailand is very varied and there isn’t one ‘main way’ to travel. Buses dominate long distance journeys. Travel in thailand is cheap and even domestic flights are a worthwhile consideration for long distance journeys, especially with the expansion of low-cost airlines.
Taxis, tuk-tuks and vans are also common modes of transport, but tourists must be wary about being overcharged. If in doubt, always ask that the taximeter be switched on to avoid overcharging.
