São Paulo – An association that works to raise awareness of the Palestinian-Israeli issue is accepting registrations for an internship program in the two countries in January and February next year. The Brazilian-based Education Network for Human Rights in Palestine/Israel (FFIPP) sponsors an annual exchange program to the region, including a program for participants to learn about Israel and Palestine, and volunteer work at partner organizations in the region. Registrations will be accepted until August 8th.
The program targets graduate or postgraduate students, and recent graduates above 18 years old with good conversational English skills. During the initial guidance phase, the students will attend meetings and pay visits in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah and Hebron, as well as visit refugee camps and settlements near Jerusalem. This first stage will last approximately ten days. Afterwards, each will spend one month working at a partner organization in Israel or Palestine. According to information from the FFIPP website, applicants can also register only for the initial guidance phase.
The organizations where the internships will be undertaken range from women’s rights social movements, farmers’ unions, Bedouins’ rights associations, music and theatre projects, human rights organizations, environmental development, organizational development, and research projects on law, journalism, urban planning, social sciences and others. The choice of where the internship will take place will be based on local needs and student profiles.
The program is designed to give students an opportunity to discover a geopolitical scenario by themselves, and gain experience in their fields of study, according to the FFIPP. The organization has worked in Brazil since 2012, with support from the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations. It is a private non-profit association established under civil law for social-educational purposes. Aside from spreading information, raising awareness, and promoting exchange, with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the FFIPP conducts research on the region, holds conferences and exhibits, and supports other organizations.
The internship program costs US$ 1,700. The sum concerns lodging for the duration of the program, plus lunch and transportation during the first week. Transportation and food costs for the remainder of the internship are borne by each student. The cost for participating in the initial guidance phase only is US$ 1,000. Air tickets are not included. The organization provides support for the students selected to raise funds via events, the internet and other means.
The selection process has two stages. The first entails the filling of an entry form and submission of a resume in English, alongside proof of payment of the entry fee (R$ 30, or US$ 13.5). In the second stage, selected students will undergo an interview, after which the final shortlist is issued. Registration opened on May 13th. The students selected for the interview will be announced on August 13th, and the final shortlist will be released on September 3rd. Also in September, on the 27th and 28th, a preparatory meeting will take place. Early this year, 21 participants have travelled via the program.
For additional information and registration, go to:
http://ffipp-brasil.org/ (in Portuguese)
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
