Global Studies Experiential Internship (GSEI)
The GSEI is a 4 to 6 month project-based internship at St James Research Centre ) in Falkirk, Scotland in which students will work collaboratively to solve real-world challenges in the areas of community strengthening, child protection, human trafficking, and the commercial sexual exploitation of children.
Housing is available, if desired, on a first come first served basis at the rate of 100 GBP per week.
Program Elements:
1. Project Design: Participants will work as a team according to the goals, tasks, deliverables, and expected outcomes of the project assigned. Previous projects include the development of a girls' empowerment curriculum for the Nepali context, the design of a community-based approach to help at risk girls in Mexico, creation of media content to raise awareness and educate, Thrive curriculum for boys, and more.
2. Mentorship and Guidance: Each participant will be assigned an experienced mentor and/or advisor to provide guidance throughout the program. Mentors will offer support, monitor progress, and provide feedback on project work as well as facilitate reflections and help participants extract valuable learning from their experiences.
3. Group Discussions and Sharing: Group discussions will be hosted to allow participants to share their project experiences, challenges, and successes to encourage peer learning, cross-pollination of ideas, and a supportive community atmosphere.
4. Community Engagement: Participants will be encouraged to engage with the local community to contribute and build meaningful connections. This may involve organizing community service activities, cultural exchange events, or networking sessions with professionals in relevant fields.
5. Personal Development and Reflection Time: Participants will have dedicated time to engage in personal development activities. This can include self-directed learning, pursuing personal interests, or engaging in creative projects to allow for flexibility and individual exploration.
6. Final Presentations and Showcases: A culminating event will be organized during which participants will showcase their projects, present their learnings, and celebrate their accomplishments. Stakeholders, mentors, and community members will be invited to attend and provide feedback.
7. Continuous Program Improvement: Participants will be encouraged to provide feedback for ongoing program development and adaptation.