Internships, Service, Volunteer, Research Assistantships, and Other Purposeful Travel

Many students find that working internationally is a great way to immerse themselves in another culture.  From Harvard-run programs to self-initiated opportunities, students have many options to consider!

OCS administers a number of competitive funds—many of which support projects lasting at least 8 weeks in duration—that may be used to support international internships, volunteer service, research assistantships and goal-related travel experiences. Students apply using one application - the OCS Grant for International Internships, Service, Travel, and Research Assistantships (deadline: February 10, 2012).  This grant is made up of several funds, including the David Rockefeller International Experience Grant, which is a need-based grant aimed at students who have not previously received Harvard international funding. David Rockefeller grants in 2011 ranged from $1,500 to $8,500 (depending on financial aid status). Also included is the Weissman International Internship Program Grant, for students who have obtained their internships independently and not through a structured program. Weissman Program awards are not related to financial aid status and grants range from $4,000-$6,000, depending on the project and cost of living in the host country.  Last year OCS funds partially or fully supported about 150 Harvard College students to pursue international internships, service, goal-related travel, and research assistantships.
Please note: This grant does not support independent or thesis research.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING

To be considered for OCS funding students need to

• Apply directly to all summer international internships, service organizations or research groups they are considering working with.  Application procedures and deadlines will vary.
• Complete the OCS Grant for International Internships, Service, Travel, and Research Assistantships Application via the online Centralized Application for Research and Travel (CARAT) and print the cover sheet, CARAT forms, and supplemental materials.
• If required, collect letter(s) of recommendation from Harvard affiliates.
• Bring all required materials to OCS (54 Dunster Street) between 9:00am and 3:00pm on the due date:  Friday, February 10, 2012. Early applications will be accepted in room 16 at 77 Dunster Street.

HELP SELECTING A PROGRAM

For help identifying organizations and brainstorming ideas students are invited to OCS drop-in hours from 1:00-4:00pm Monday-Friday at 54 Dunster Street.  Students may find the resources below helpful for getting ideas about international summer opportunities.

Harvard-Run Summer Internship/Service/Volunteer/Research Programs

• Harvard-run Summer Programs – This list is updated annually to give students an overview of the Harvard landscape of summer programs abroad.
• Harvard Centers and Institutes are a great resource for brainstorming different international opportunities you would like to pursue during the summer.

Independently Arranged Internship/Service/Volunteer Resources

• Crimson Careers (+UCAN + iNet) – Available only to Harvard students, this database provides access to domestic and international opportunities across a wide range of industries and geographic locations, including postings by Harvard departments and centers; iNet Internship Database, an Ivy plus internship database; and the UCAN Internship Database (listings from 21 schools).
• Peer-to-Peer Network – Explore what Harvard students have done for summer activities in the past.
• Going Global – Worldwide job and internship listings and information.
• U.S. Department of State: International Organizations and Internship Information.
• International Volunteer Program Association (IVPA) provides tips on how to find the right volunteer opportunity abroad for you.

Research

• The Office for Undergraduate Research Initiatives features many resources for finding and funding research opportunities abroad.

Other Resources

• Funding Sources Database identifies nearly 150 grants and fellowships across Harvard that support undergraduate projects overseas and in the US.
• Centralized Application for Research and Travel (CARAT) is an electronic cover sheet allowing you to submit the same application for one particular project to participating funding source(s).
• Harvard Worldwide is a portal for exploring Harvard’s many worldwide activities.
• Harvard Clubs and Shared Interest Groups (please note: these groups vary in purpose from social group to active alumni group, and should be contacted for information gathering, rather than for “placement” in a position)
• OCS Career Interest Areas – Resources and tips for securing opportunities in many career areas.
• Crimson Compass is an online database of Harvard University alumni who have volunteered to talk about their career experiences with students.