Why should I pay to gain an internship placement through IPS?
IPS is unique in its approach to internships due to the team’s extensive experience in the region, The Branch Foundation’s vast network of grassroots organisations and their ability to tailor placements to maximize both intern and host organisation satisfaction. This facilitation process and intellectual property does come at a cost. Therefore, IPS has priced the internships at a fair level for both the work the team undertakes and the intern’s opportunity to gain valuable in-field experience. The amount paid to IPS is purely an internship facilitation fee. It does not include any other costs that the intern will incur, such as airfares, visa expenses, insurance and living costs. These are the responsibility of each intern.
Where does my internship placement fee go?
The internship placement fee goes directly to The Branch Foundation. The sum total of each fee is split between our general donation pool (which helps to support our existing projects), general operational costs of The Branch Foundation, and the operational/administrative costs involved in facilitating the internship placement. This includes the personal service that comes from tailoring each placement to best fit the passion and interests of the intern, as well as the needs of the host organisation. Also included is an orientation meeting with a member of The Branch Services Team upon arrival in Thailand, as well as an exit interview at the end of your placement.
How long does the internship matching process take?
The length of the process depends highly on the flexibility of both the intern and potential host organisations. We will do our utmost to ensure the facilitation process takes as little time as possible from our end.
How can I raise the money for the expenses I will incur during my placement?
The Branch Services Team will provide all accepted interns with a Support Pack before departure. In this Pack, the intern will find a full list of fundraising tips and guidelines.
How much money should I budget for living costs?
Overall, everyday costs in Thailand are lower than Western countries. However, an individual’s budget for living costs is determined by the nature and location of your placement, so we are not able to provide a general estimation before you apply. When you are accepted, and have began the process of being matched to a suitable host organisation, these costs will become clearer and easier to estimate.
What In-Country support will be available for the duration of my internship?
The Branch Services Internship Placement Service tailors all internships to best suit the interests of each intern and host organisation. However, we understand that it is beneficial to be able to talk through any worries or concerns, so we offer telephone and online support/ advice for the duration of the internship.
What happens if I am taken ill during my internship?
IPS strongly recommend that all interns take out comprehensive travel insurance, which will allow the best treatment access to medical treatment. In order to minimise the risk of illness, the Branch Services Team advises that the intern visit their local physician before departure to ensure all the necessary vaccinations required for your time abroad.
What support do I receive on completion of my Internship?
After the successful completion of the internship, the IPS Team, in collaboration with the host organisation, will provide the intern with a reference and performance review. The IPS Team will also provide the intern with an exit interview and assistance with their CV development.
Will this help me get a job in the International Development Field?
Although completing an internship facilitated by The Branch Services Internship Placement Program may not necessarily lead to a permanent job offer, the skills and experience that the intern will develop throughout the placement will serve to greatly enrich their CV, and make in individual a more desirable candidate to future employers.
Follow the link below to a article in the Careers section of The Guardian, which highlights how important overseas experience is when seeking a job in International Development:
