FAQ

What are we looking for in an internship applicant?
Food for the Hungry’s Internships are competitive.  We are seeking qualified applicants with a sound academic background, and who conduct themselves in a professional manner.  In the case of international internships, applicants need to be prepared to withstand the physical, mental and emotional challenges of living and working in a developing country.  Nevertheless, the most important criteria for the Internship program are personal attributes which will determine the success of the internship for the intern and Food for the Hungry alike.  There are six core attributes we look for in an internship applicant:

• Christian maturity
• Servant’s heart
• Humility
• Flexibility
• Life-long learner
• Team player

Who can apply?

Food for the Hungry internships are primarily designed for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent college graduates (within 1 year of graduation). Typically, the college student has a bit more flexibility, and as such, we have designed our internships to fit well in to the collegiate lifestyle.

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What skills or abilities could I utilize in my internship?

Research & Statistical Analysis
Video/Photography
Journalism & Media
Documentation & Report Writing
Agriculture
Teaching & Curriculum
Strategy & Financial Planning
Social Work & Psychology
Administration

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Do you require previous cross-cultural/job experience?

While having previous cross-cultural/job experience is a plus, it is not a necessity. We do value over-seas experience, particularly in third world communities, yet we are not looking for “experience junkies”, people bouncing from one short-term experience to another. Some of our international sites do require that you speak one of the local languages in order to be considered for the position. For example, you must be able to speak French if serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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What is a Student Life Recommendation?

A student life recommendation should come from your Student Affairs Office at school. We would like a general form letter from you school stating that you have not been on academic discipline or probation.

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What if I have already graduated? Do I still need faculty references?

Yes, even if you have recently graduated, we would still like for you to have an academic faculty reference.

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Can this internship apply toward school credit?

Students may pursue internship credit as a part of their academic requirements. Food for the Hungry will do their best to fill out appropriate paperwork required for course work. It is up to the student to take the lead on this endeavor.

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While at school, I do not have a church home. Can my campus ministry leader serve as my Faith Community reference?

We highly value being a part of a faith community while you are in school. However, we realize this may not take the “normal” church format while you are away from home. Therefore, if you have a relationship with a Campus Ministry Leader, this person may serve as your Faith Community Reference. This, however, cannot be a student peer-leader.

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After I have completed my application packet, what can I expect from Food for the Hungry?

Once you have completed the entire application packet, you will receive an email from our Placement Services Department stating that we have received all of your documentation. At this point, a staff member from Food for the Hungry will call you to set up an initial phone interview that helps us in our placement process. This call does not mean that you have been accepted into the program; rather it serves as an initial interview. If you move onto the next round of interviews, you will meet directly with the manager or country director. After the second interview, you will receive an acceptance or decline notice from Food for the Hungry.

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When will I hear if I am accepted?

It is our goal to have all placement notices or decline letters sent out one month after the application deadline. If you have not heard back from a Food for the Hungry staff member at this point, please feel free to contact us regarding your application.

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How many hours a week will I be working?

Interns generally work between 20 and 40 hours a week.

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Am I allowed to take time off during the internship program?

You may submit in writing a time-off request to the department manager. Such requests will be handled on a case by case basis.

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What will I do?

Food for the Hungry Domestic interns will get a first hand look at what it takes to run an international Non-Government Organization (NGO) stateside. You will have the opportunity to take on projects within a specific department (such as Short Term Teams, Artist Program, Child Sponorship, IT, Creative Services, Ministry Partners, Relief, Food Security, etc.) and see how it fits into the overall vision and mission of ending poverty worldwide. You will also participate in small group studies, meet weekly with a mentor, and build friendships among staff and fellow interns.

Food for the Hungry International Interns will work side by side our international staff while engaging community members on a daily basis. You will get hands on development experience as you interact with churches, leaders and families. It is our hope that you will have a rich learning experience as you are stretched in ways you never thought possible. Once on the field, you will explore how your skills and passions can be put to use in the on-going work of Food for the Hungry.

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How long is an internship?

Food for the Hungry Internships last between 2 and 6 months. Internship terms are based on an academic calendar, with fall, spring and summer opportunities. Fall and spring terms last 4 months and the summer term is 2 months. Students may also choose to combine a summer/fall or spring/summer internship term for a total of 6 months.

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Where are the internships located?

Food for the Hungry offers both domestic and international internship opportunities. Our domestic internships are based in Phoenix, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. International internships are available in Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Indonesia, China, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. At this time, we do not have placements available in Latin America. Some of our domestic internships do offer the opportunity to travel to a Food for the Hungry field site as a part of the internship experience.

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Do I get to decide where I go?

During the interview process, you will be able to express your top choices for placement opportunities. However, it is up to Food for the Hungry staff members to decide where your skills will be best utilized.

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Where will I live?

Domestic interns are required to secure their own housing during the internship term. Food for the Hungry will do their best to help provide you with names and numbers of individuals who are open to housing interns. International interns will be placed in either a Food for the Hungry guest house, home stay, or nearby hotel during the course of the internship.

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What vaccinations do I need?

Please go to the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.org) to see an up-to-date listing of required immunizations for international travel. Once you have been accepted to the program, you will also receive a list from Food for the Hungry on recommended vaccinations.

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Are internships paid positions?

Food for the Hungry internships are unpaid positions. You are responsible for your own monetary support. However, we will seek to make this an experience that both informs as well as transforms your life and your résumé through:
     - valuable, hands-on experience
     - seminars
     - retreats
     - conferences
     - small groups
     - one-on-one mentoring

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How do I pay for the internship?

Students may choose to raise funds or pay for the expenses out of their own pocket. Donations can be accepted through the internet or by checks sent to Food for the Hungry through the mail.

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How do I raise support?

Because Food for the Hungry is a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status, students have the opportunity to raise funds to help cover their internship budget. Students are encouraged to engage their family, friends, churches, schools, and local community in their fund raising efforts. In return, their supporters will receive a tax-donation receipt from Food for the Hungry. Previous interns have been very creative in their fund raising efforts: partnering with local restaurants, contacting their local newspapers, garage sales, speaking in front of small groups and local rotary club members. Many schools offer scholarships for students participating in non-profit internship programs. While it is up to the student to raise funds for their internship experience, Food for the Hungry staff members will walk with you, offering support and encouragement along the way.

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What is covered in the internship budget? What does my money go toward?

The cost varies, depending on the length of internship and the type of internship. For example, a local student who desires an academic internship has little or no cost, while a student who is coming to us for an international internship will incur living expenses and travel expenditures.

Costs include:

• in-city transportation
• international travel
• visas
• food
• housing
• immunizations (students may raise funds to be reimbursed for shots related to the internship)
• administrative costs

Cost does not include:

• entertainment
• personal travel
• personal expenditures
• gifts or souvenirs
• airfare to/from Phoenix

International internship costs vary depending on the field and the length of time the intern will spend on the field. They usually range from $3000 to $8000. Domestic interns based in Phoenix or Washington D.C. may raise up to $1650 per month to help cover living expenses listed above. Recent graduates with school loans will not be able to incorporate their loans into the internship budget.

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