How to Apply
We are accepting applications for all programs Fall and beyond. THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR ALL FALL PROGRAMS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO AUGUST 1ST.
Applications for all programs are accepted on a rolling basis. Early applicants receive priority; therefore we advise that you submit your application prior the application deadline. Please refer to the 2008 program start dates for information on 2008 application deadlines.
See below to download an application, view application prerequisites, and read about the timeline of your application.
To see some of the project work interns are doing in the field now and to get a general idea of day to day life in the field, check out our Blog.
To apply for any of our programs in East Africa and India, you must use the English Version of the application.
If you are applying for a Latin American program, you must use the Spanish Version. Please note that FSD is not currently accepting new applications for our Ecuador and Peru programs. To learn more about these programs, visit the Ecuador and Peru country pages.
____________________________________________________________________APPLICATION FOR INTERNSHIPS, PROCORPS, AND SHORT-TERM VOLUNTEERING
Click here to download the Application in English - for East Africa and India programs. Click here to download the Application in Spanish - for Latin American programs.
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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply for any of the programs above, the following documents must be completed and delivered to FSD. Please refer to your application for full instructions on applying.
- Application
- CV/Professional Resume (in Spanish for Latin America Programs)
- Personal Letter of Reference
- Application Fee
Applications are in Microsoft Word format. Please type both the application and your CV/Resume in Word and email both documents as an attachment.
Email these documents to: info@fsdinternational.org.The Personal Letter of Reference and Application Fee should arrive within one week of your application.
PREREQUISITES
We welcome citizens from all countries. Programs are competitive. Acceptance into our Internship, ProCorps, and Short-Term Volunteering programs is based on the following criteria:Short-Term Volunteering
Applications will be accepted on a case-by-case basis only. Please contact FSD directly for more information about applying.
Internship Programs
Minimum Requirements
- 18+ years old
- Conversational Spanish for all Latin American locations
- 9-week commitment for summer programs
- 16+ week commitment to working in host community
- Past university coursework in fields related to FSD
- Past work, volunteer, or field experience, which demonstrates initiative and leadership
- Basic understanding of what grassroots development entails
- Experience with cultural and economic diversity
- Genuine respect, patience, and curiosity toward cultures in the Global South
- Acceptance that the impact of your work may be more humble than you originally envision
- Ability to sustain a 40-hour work week for the full length of the internship
ProCorps Programs
Minimum Requirements
- Professionals or retirees with 7+ years of experience
- Conversational Spanish for all Latin American locations
- 9-week commitment for summer programs
- 16+ week commitment to working in host community
- Thorough understanding of grassroots development principles
- Experience with cultural and economic diversity
- Ability to sustain a 40-hour work week for the full length of the volunteership
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Apply
Submit Application, Application Fee, and Letter of Reference. You will receive an email from FSD within 48 hours confirming receipt of your application materials.
Acceptance
FSD will immediately begin processing your application upon receipt of the required application materials. Within seven to ten days, FSD will contact you to confirm or decline your acceptance to the program.
Confirmation
If you choose to accept, you will have seven days to confirm your participation in the program. To confirm, you will submit a signed contract, release form, and passport copies, along with a Confirmation Deposit. The Confirmation Deposit is $300. Please note that your deposit is credited toward the total amount due for your program. Upon receipt of your confirmation materials, FSD will set up a time for your telephone interview.
Interview With FSD
This 30 to 60 minute interview is the opportunity to further clarify for us your goals, ensure that you understand our expectations of you during the program, address questions or concerns, and assess your language skills if applicable. Your participation in the program is contingent on the interview.
Your Site Team abroad will use the information gained from the interview to finalize your host organization placement. The Site Team will match you with an organization that expresses a need for your skill set and abilities and that best aligns with your interests, experience, language level, and time commitment.
Final Host Organization Information
Five to seven weeks before your program begins, FSD will send you information about your finalized host organization placement. This will include additional details about the activities you may be involved in, as well as information about past FSD Intern and Volunteer projects with that organization.
If FSD is unable to place you with a host organization in your area of interest, we will let you know as early as possible, and you will receive a full refund of your deposit.
Balance Payment
Your final balance payment is due to FSD 45 days before your program begins. Please note that all contributions towards your program fee are tax deductible.
It is your responsibility to secure you flight, all vaccinations, and take care of all Visa preparations. We suggest you do so at least four weeks before departure.
Please see your host country’s page on the FSD website for important guidelines when purchasing your flight. FSD also lists reliable resources for information about Visa and vaccination requirements on each country’s page of our website.
Proof of Insurance and Additional Program Information
FSD will send you your Proof of Insurance Card for your limited medical and evacuation insurance as well as additional information about the FSD program four weeks before the start of the program.
Host Family Information
Two weeks before your departure, you will receive host family information and final reminders from your FSD Site Team abroad.
Pre-Arrival Check-In
One Week Prior to Arrival. We recommend that you contact your FSD Site Team abroad to confirm flight information and to address any of your last-minute questions or concerns.