COVID-19 UPDATE:
We are happy to advise that the situation has eased and lockdowns and restrictions on travel are lifted – we will again welcome internship however ONLY for position of 3 months or more. If you are not available for that length of time please do not submit any application.
International Applicants –
Would you like to come to India and spend some weeks or months working with us on an internship basis? Who is it suited for? Students of (non-exhaustive list) development studies, environmental studies, finance and economics related to rural developing economy (eg on Colombo Plan)
Indian residents are also very welcome to apply. This offer does not only apply to International applicants. However for Indian residents, only internships of 3 months or more are available.
Internship for Indian residents includes food and accommodation.
We support all interns to get suitable accomodation in the nearby vicinity of the working premises.
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking international and Indian volunteers to assist us in our work. Our first criteria is that you must be committed to working in the social sector. If you are ready to really make change this could be the ideal place for you. The work is varied – you could work on our social media campaigns, create promotional and informational videos for us, design new and innovative systems to help the Indian farmers. We need willing and bright people who would love to jump in the deep end and really make a difference to the rural lives in India.
What can you help us with?
There are many possibilities… limited only by yours and our imagination!
Design systems to record and correlate results of our bore well recharge work – help us to create flow in our existing IT systems. Ensure that our computer systems are all up to date – clean and clear of any bugs.
Create systems that will record our work and keep us all on the same track.
If you are an engineering student perhaps you might like to review and design new or updated methods of water harvesting?
An aspiring trainer? Come and assist us to train our staff in teamwork and communication.
Love telling stories about interesting subjects – our work will provide you with multiple opportunities to tell the grass roots stories – both in written form and photographic or video.
As you can see there are multiple areas in which you could assist us.
Where would you be located?
Our office is in Hubli – a sprawling and busy city – not upmarket like Bangalore or Mumbai – but here you would have a real experience of Indian life. This is a central area of Karnataka – close to the tourist destinations of both Goa and Hampi. There is much to be seen here and our work takes us all over the state and beyond as we travel often to different areas of operation.
Do you provide accommodation?
Yes, we will make sure you have suitable accommodation. It will not be ‘luxury’ but you will be comfortable and within walking distance of the office.
Do you assist with travel expenses?
No, we cannot pay your airfares to India – however, internal travel expenses are covered. If you require assistance with booking cheap flights we can advise you on the process. And once you arrive either in Bangalore or Mumbai we will assist you to book your overland travel to Hubli.
What are the Visa Requirements for India?
Depending on your country of residence, the visa requirements for India are varied. We can assist you with advice in this area – and/or simply go to the VHS site in your country for more information.
What is the usual length of an internship?
Anything from 8 weeks to 12 months – visa requirements vary for different countries which creates some limitations on the length of time you can stay. A commitment of less than 8 weeks is not of value to SRDS as it takes some time to settle in and discover where you can best contribute. Of course the longer you stay the more value you add and the more deeply you will understand our work and how to really make a difference.
For Indian residents an internship of up to two years will be of most value to you and to our organisation. This will stand you in good stead for your future employment.
What would be your takeaway at the end of your internship?
- An experience that will stand you in good stead for your working life.
- Experiential learning on grassroots problems and suggesting solutions
- Travel to ecotourism hot spots to understand the culture and traditions of India
- An understanding and experience of the inherent generosity of the rural Indian people – learning that will stay with you for a lifetime.
- Be a part of the “Global Friends of Sankalpa” (GFS) Network – Linking beyond boundaries.
- This is what Adelaide Pope – Colombo Plan Scholarship Intern – placement August to October 2022 had to say about her three months with us.
How can I find out more?
To find out more please contact us – send your CV and state how long you would like to be with us. (NOTE – we do not accept interns for less than three months. A Skype conversation can be arranged with Shazar Robinson – volunteer at SRDS. To apply please fill this form.
Please note: There are no short summer intern positions available for students in 2022/3. Only placements of 3 months or more are considered.
