International Service Opportunities & Resources

International Service Related Student Organizations
Community Opportunities
Summer Fellowships
Additional Stanford Fellowships & Funding
Short-Term Volunteering Web Resources
Overseas Studies & Service-Learning
Post-Graduate Service Opportunities
Additional On-Campus Resources
International Service Books, Directories, and Haas Center Pamphlets

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Amnesty International
Contact: amnesty@service.stanford.edu; http://www.stanford.edu/group/amnesty
Amnesty International is a worldwide movement that works to promote the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In particular, Amnesty International campaigns to free all prisoners of conscience; ensure fair and prompt trials for political prisoners; abolish the death penalty, torture, and other cruel treatment of prisoners; end killings and "disappearances"; and oppose human rights abuses.

Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW)
Contact: http://eswprojects.stanford.edu
ESW's goal is to mobilize resources from Stanford and the surrounding area to provide practical, technical solutions to peoples in developing communities.

Project DOSTI
Contact: dosti@service.stanford.edu; http://www.stanford.edu/group/dosti
Project DOSTI seeks to educate the Stanford community about issues of South Asian culture and development. In particular, Project DOSTI provides students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful and sustainable services; gain a better understanding of a specific region of India; promote the sharing of cultures and ideas; and encourage personal learning and growth in a foreign environment. Project DOSTI teaches a spring course on "Perspectives on India" and sends volunteers to India during the summer.

Society of International Affairs at Stanford (SIAS)
Contact: sias@service.stanford.edu; http://www.stanford.edu/group/sias
The Society for International Affairs at Stanford works to promote awareness of international affairs on the Stanford campus and in our surrounding community through several activities, including speaker events, service activities, and Model United Nations. In the summer of 2003, for example, the Society for International Affairs at Stanford sponsored its first student trip to Haiti, where students lived with local families and experienced life in a developing nation. SIAS hopes to continue this trip as an annual event.

Southeast Asian Leadership Network (SEALNet)
Contact: http://www.sealnetonline.org/
The purposes of SEALNet are to create a network among native Southeast Asian students and people interested in developmental issues in the region, as well as to foster young leaders among Southeast Asians.

Stanford Association for International Development (SAID)
http://www.stanford.edu/group/said
There are two goals of the Stanford Association for International Development . The first is to build a strong and well-connected community of students, groups, and faculty involved in international development by strengthening communication links and integrating available resources. The second, to inspire innovative, conscientious, and practical approaches to the field of development. In particular, the Stanford Association for International Development organizes a series of informal dinners with professors and practitioners on development issues, as well as an annual on-campus conference on international development.

Stanford in Government (SIG)
Contact: sig@service.stanford.edu; http://.sig.stanford.edu
Stanford in Government is a non-partisan student organization dedicated to promoting political awareness and involvement on the Stanford campus. In particular, Stanford in Government organizes an on-campus program of political speakers and activities, as well as provides funded summer fellowships with public policy organizations and assistance for Stanford students searching for other summer internships.

Volunteers in Latin America
Contact: vla@service.stanford.edu; http://www.stanford.edu/group/vila
Volunteers In Latin America encourages individuals to become responsible members of the global community by promoting education about development issues in Latin America and supporting cross-cultural exchange throughout the Americas. Volunteers In Latin America is also committed to serving the global community by partnering with organizations in Latin America to advance sustainable development initiatives

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COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
There are numerous organizations in our regional and extended community working to address international-related issues. To explore possible organizations and volunteer opportunities visit these three sites:
Bay Area International Development Organizations http://www.baido.org;
Bay Area Progressive Directory http://www.bapd.org;
Volunteer Match http://www.volunteermatch.org

Virtual Volunteering
Consider approaching international service through virtual volunteering during the academic year. Virtual volunteering means volunteering from a remote location via mail, telephone, or the internet. You could volunteer with international service organizations around the world from your desk on the Stanford campus! International service organizations have needs that virtual volunteers can often fulfill. From researching for organizational articles and writing newsletters, to translating documents and tutoring underprivileged children through the internet, there are unlimited possibilities for virtual volunteering.

EXAMPLES OF VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING FOR A PUBLIC SERVICE ORGANIZATION

  • Conducting online research for grant proposals and newsletters
  • Translating a document into another language
  • Preparing information for an organization's website
  • Providing online mentoring for underprivileged students
  • Training other volunteers through online resources
  • Proofreading drafts of newsletters and other papers
  • Writing articles for reports and organizational literature

For additional information on Virtual Volunteering including resources for locating opportunities please click here.

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SUMMER FELLOWSHIPS

Haas Center Summer Public Service Fellowships
The Public Service Fellowship Program provides Stanford students with summer and post-graduate opportunities to engage in intensive, professional experiences that deepen their understandings of various areas of public service, while also allowing them to make important contributions to the organizations and communities in which they work. Fellowship application deadlines differ but most are during mid-winter quarter.

The following fellowships offered through the Haas Center can be used for service abroad:

  • African Service Fellowship – A joint program with the Center for African Studies, the program supports up to 5 students interested in working on social and economic issues in Africa. Applicants may propose their own placements or apply to several pre-arranged placements.
  • Donald A. Strauss Fellowship – Although this fellowship is not run directly through the Haas Center, the Strauss Foundation (www.straussfoundation.org) awards several $10,000 scholarships to students at select California universities planning to devote a significant part of their life to public service. The scholarship funds a service project proposed by 1-2 Stanford students each year; remaining scholarship dollars can be used toward the student's tuition, fees, books, room, and board.
  • Haas Summer Fellowship – The Donald Kennedy, William and Reva Tooley, and H. Michael Stevens Family Summer Fellowships provide up to 20 students with the support to develop and implement collaborative service projects with organizations addressing community needs.
  • Andrew Daher Fellowship – Named to honor a member of Stanford's graduating class of 1998, this fellowship is awarded to one Haas Summer Fellowship applicant who designs a summer service project related to the intersection of business or economics with public service.
  • Stanford in Government Fellowships – In conjunction with the Haas Center, Stanford in Government, a non-partisan student organization, offers 25-30 summer fellowships to provide students with meaningful exposure to the public policy process. Placements are pre-arranged with governmental and non-governmental organizations on the international, national, and state & local levels.
  • Stanford Pride Summer Fellowship – Offered jointly with the Stanford Pride Alumni Club and LGBT Community Resources Center, this fellowship promotes activism within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities by supporting internship opportunities for 1-2 students. Applicants may propose their own placements or apply to several prearranged placements.

For additional information, please visit the fellowships quick guide or contact the
Fellowships Program Coordinator:
Ilana Golin , fellowships@haas.stanford.edu

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ADDITIONAL STANFORD FELLOWSHIPS & FUNDING

For information on how to fund international service through a program independent of the Haas Center, refer to our guide on Funding Resources for International Service.

Overseas Resource Center at Bechtel International Center
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/orc/scholarships/scholarships
Bechtel International Center administers numerous international undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate fellowships. Some examples are as follows: Bundeskanzler Scholarship, Churchill Scholarships, Fulbright Scholarship, Freeman Asia Award, Gilman Scholarship Program, Luce Scholars Program, Marshall Scholarship, Mitchell Awards, National Security Education Program Fellowships, and Rhodes Scholarship. The website contains information regarding the details and application requirements for each scholarship award.

Center for East Asian Studies
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/CEAS
The Center for East Asian Studies administers a summer fellowship program to support Stanford undergraduates doing internships in China, Japan, and Korea. The purpose of the internship program is to provide highly qualified Stanford undergraduates an opportunity to tie classroom learning about East Asia with real world experiences in the region. Students will gain practical experience in international and local agencies, high-tech companies, media organizations, non-profit organizations, schools, museums, libraries, or government institutions. Applicants must have at least second-year competency in the relevant Asian language before starting their summer internship. Preference is given to students who are majors or minors in East Asian Studies and to those who have taken a minimum of three East Asian Studies courses.

Center for Latin American Studies
http://www.stanford.edu/group/las
The Center for Latin American Studies administers a summer fellowship program for undergraduate and graduate students wishing to undertake an internship in Latin America. Awards are $2500, and enrollment in Latin American Studies 165C: Pre-Field Research Seminar is required during the spring quarter. A limited number of summer savings offsets (financial aid) are available upon special application to the program.

Cultural and Social Anthropology
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/anthroCASA/programs/ug_handbook.html#grants
All Stanford undergraduates are eligible. In most cases, co-terminal masters students may also apply. Students with Anthropological training are more likely to be able to plan an appropriate project. In evaluating the application, heavy emphasis is given to evidence of Anthropological theory and analysis. Students design and submit, under the guidance of their CASA advisor, a feasible research project that can be completed within 2-3 months. Applications are available from the Student Program Coordinator.

Stanford Undergraduate Research Program
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/undergrad/urp
Through the Stanford Undergraduate Research Program, students can obtain funds for their research projects. Grants range in amount from $500 to $5000 and are available to all registered Stanford undergraduates in good academic standing for academic projects that will be completed before their bachelor’s degree is conferred. The Stanford Undergraduate Research Program encourages projects in all disciplines.

Stanford Institute for International Studies - Canadian Studies
http://siis.stanford.edu/docs/fellowships/shultzgrants.php
The Stanford Institute for International Studies provides grants to support research-related activities of advanced-level graduate and undergraduate students specializing in Canadian Studies. This program is intended to fill in the gaps between the availability of university and external funding for dissertation work.

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SHORT TERM VOLUNTEERING AND INTERNSHIP WEB RESOURCES
The following sites contain a variety of information on volunteering around the world. Many have searchable databases of organizations and opportunities. The organizations listed on these sites typically prearrange service-related opportunities for students in an international setting. Please note that many of these organizations charge a program fee for a variety of services. Students are advised to search as many of these resources as possible well in advance of their intended program start date.

Note that the Haas Center is providing this information as a resource for our students. We do not have direct experience with nor professionally endorse the programs and organizations listed on these websites. It is the responsibility of the applicant to do web-based research and speak with program representatives and former participants before applying. Questions to consider when researching an organization and deciding on an opportunity are included in our handout: Considering an International Service Opportunity.

Universal Giving [http://www.universalgiving.org/volunteer/]
International Volunteer Programs Association [http://www.volunteerinternational.org]
Volunteer Abroad [http://www.volunteerabroad.com]
Action Without Borders [http://www.idealist.org/volunteer/travel.html]
Building Bridges Coalition [http://wevolunteer.net/]
Quaker Information Center [http://www.quakerinfo.org/service/index.html]
One World [http://www.oneworld.net]
World Volunteer Web [http://www.worldvolunteerweb.org/take-action]
InterAction [http://www.interaction.org]
United Nations Volunteers [http://www.unv.org]
Summer Opportunities Abroad with BAIDO Memeber NGOs [http://www.baido.org/about/summerops.php]
Yahoo Directory of International Community Service and Volunteerism Organizations [http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and _Culture/Issues_and _Causes/Philanthropy/Community_Service_and_Volunteerism/International/]

International Workcamps
Workcamps bring together volunteers from around the world to work on various projects at sites throughout the world. Workcamps provide an organized service activity at very little cost to the participating volunteers.

For information on Workcampus visit these sites:
Council on International Educational Exchange [http://www.councilexchanges.org]
Volunteers For Peace [http://www.vfp.org]
Quaker Information Center [http://www.quakerinfo.org/service/workcamps.html]

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SAMPLE INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERING AND SERVICE INTERNSHIP RESOURCES
The organizations listed below have some type of Stanford connection (started by an alumni, etc.); Many additional organizations offering international service programs and internships can be found on the websites listed in the section above.

Note that the Haas Center is providing this information as a resource for our students. We do not have direct experience with nor professionally endorse the programs listed in this section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to do web-based research and speak with program representatives and former participants before applying. Questions to consider when researching an organization and deciding on an opportunity are included in our handout: Considering an International Service Opportunity.

FORGE
http://www.forgeprogram.org/
FORGE was developed as a mechanism to mobilize and harness the potential of youth as catalysts of social change. By creating a space for diverse youth to connect, collaborate, and innovate in response to a common cause - and by providing them with the tools and training to do so effectively - FORGE not only delivers sustainable immediate impact in African communities that need it most, but also empowers leaders of the future and unites them in pursuit of their vision.

Foundation for Sustainable Development
http://www.fsdinternational.org
FSD offers various international opportunities for students and professionals from around the world. Our largest program is our internship program in which interns volunteer with local nonprofit organizations in diverse areas of development. Our summer and year-round internship programs last eight weeks to a year. FSD also offers short-term service learning trips, volunteer programs, and study tours. To complement these volunteer and study experiences, all programs include homestays with local families that provide cultural and language immersion.

Learning Enterprises
http://www.learningenterprises.org
Learning Enterprises mission is to allow children in developing countries to access a wider world through interaction with individuals from other cultures and study of the English language as a tool for communication. L.E. sends energetic, creative volunteers to villages in Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia, Mexico, Mauritius and China to teach English for the summer. Volunteers live with host families and conduct free English language classes for children in rural communities. No program fee.

SEALNet
http://www.sealnetonline.org/
SEALNet's mission is to bring service to Southeast Asia and to promote the spirit of service leadership in the region. Through a common platform of service, they contribute to the development of future Southeast Asian leaders as well as young leaders from other parts of the world, and thus create trusted networks of students and professionals who are committed to each other and to ASEAN's regional progress. SEALNet sends teams to Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. While all of SEALNet's actions are defined by service and leadership, each project is designed to address the unique needs of the communities served.

Students for International Change
http://www.sichange.org/home/
S.I.C. is committed to limiting the impact of HIV/AIDS in northern Tanzania and to providing high-quality service-learning opportunities for future leaders in international development. We offer structured service-learning opportunities to students at selected American Universities and to motivated Tanzanian youth. These programs focus both on utilizing volunteer talents and energies in the fight against HIV, and on developing students as future leaders in international development.

Unite for Sight
http://www.uniteforsight.org
Unite For Sight empowers communities worldwide to improve eye health and eliminate preventable blindness. Volunteer Teams work with partner eye clinics in developing countries to provide eye care and eye health education programs. Additionally, vision screening and education programs are implemented worldwide by volunteers working in ninety chapters established at universities in North America, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Volunteers in Asia (VIA)
http://www.viaprograms.org
Volunteers in Asia is a private, nonprofit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to increasing understanding between the United States and Asia. Through a variety of programs based on the Stanford campus, Volunteers in Asia introduces the beauties and complexities of American and Asian culture to over two hundred students per year. These programs are devoted to exploring contemporary social issues in American society and aim to foster within students the skills they need to be international citizens and thoughtful leaders. While each of the programs varies in focus, each program encourages students to explore new cultures honestly and carefully through well-structured cross-cultural and service-learning program.

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OVERSEAS STUDIES PROGRAMS WITH SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Stanford Overseas Studies Program
http://osp.stanford.edu
Stanford Overseas Studies Program offers overseas study opportunities during the regular academic year in Australia, Beijing, Berlin, Florence, Kyoto, Oxford, Paris, and Santiago. Most of the Stanford Overseas Centers have various volunteer and internship opportunities in which qualified students can participate.

Amizade
http://www.amizade.org
Amizade encourages intercultural exploration and understanding through community-driven volunteer programs and service-learning programs. Service-Learning Programs offer undergraduate and graduate credit to students interested in challenging academic and service experiences with communities around the world.

International Partnership for Service-Learning
http://www.ipsl.org
International Partnership for Service-Learning offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, India, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Scotland, and Thailand. The program unites academic learning with substantive volunteer experiences and cultural exposure. Summer and academic year programs are available. Program fee. Housing is included in the fee.

University of Rochester Study Abroad Program
http://www.rochester.edu/college/study-abroad
University of Rochester Study Abroad Program offers fall, spring, and summer internships in Paris, Madrid, London, Brussels, and Germany. Students take several academic courses while working in fields such as business, law, social service, or museums. Program fee. Housing is included in the fee.

Boston University Study Abroad Program
http://www.bu.edu/abroad
Boston University Study Abroad Program offers fall, spring, and summer internships, along with courses, in New Zealand, China, Germany, Ireland, Israel, United Kingdom, Russia, Spain, France, and Australia in a variety of industries such as journalism and health. Program fee. Housing is included in the fee.

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POST-GRADUATE SERVICE-RELATED OPPORTUNITIES

Overseas Resource Center at the Bechtel International Center
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/orc/scholarships/scholarships
Bechtel International Center administers numerous international undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate fellowships. Some examples are as follows: Bundeskanzler Scholarship, Churchill Scholarships, Fulbright Scholarship, Freeman Asia Award, Gilman Scholarship Program, Luce Scholars Program, Marshall Scholarship, Mitchell Awards, National Security Education Program Fellowships, and Rhodes Scholarship. The website contains information regarding the details and application requirements for each scholarship.

Haas Center for Public Service - Dr. and Mrs. C.J. Huang Teaching Fellowship
http://haas.stanford.edu
Jointly administered with Volunteers in Asia (VIA), this program provides the opportunity for students to teach English in a rural setting in China. The stipend includes airfare, health insurance, travel to the VIA China Conference, and service project funding. Graduating seniors, graduate students, recent graduates or undergraduates taking time off from their studies are encouraged to submit applications.

External Programs Database
The Haas Center has created a searchable database that contains a collection of fellowships and other established service programs.

Career Development Center
http://cardinalcareers.stanford.edu/careers
The Stanford Career Development Center has a wide variety of resources to assist students in developing an international career or exploring the possibility of going abroad for other work-related purposes. The Career Development Center offers career counseling as well as an international careers website.

For additional resources on short-term (several weeks to several years) service opportunities see the Short-Term Volunteering and Internship Web Resources section of this page.

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ADDITIONAL ON-CAMPUS INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES

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INTERNATIONAL SERVICE BOOKS, DIRECTORIES, AND HAAS CENTER PAMPHLETS

Considering an International Service Opportunity?
Funding Resources for International Service
International Service Fair Participants – Winter 2007
International Service Fair Participants - Winter 2008

Available at the Haas Center

• Alternatives to the Peace Corps: A Directory of Third World and United States Volunteer Opportunities
• The Backdoor Guide to Short-Term Job Adventures
• The International Directory of Voluntary Work
• Teaching English Abroad: Talk Your Way Around the World
• Work Your Way Around the World
• Global Work
• How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas
• Work Abroad
• World Volunteers: The World Guide to Humanitarian and Development Volunteering (2003) Fabio Ausenda Editor, Erin McCloskey
• How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas (2002) Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZenega, Zahara Heckscher
• Vacation Work's: Teaching English Abroad (7th Edition) Susan Griffith
• Vacation Work's: Work Your Way Around the World (11th Edition, 2003) Susan Griffith
• Work Abroad: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas (2001) Clay Hubbs
• Worldwide Volunteering (2004) Roger Potter
• The International Directory of Voluntary Work (8th Edition, 2002) Victoria Pybus
• Alternatives to the Peace Corps: A Directory of Global Volunteer Opportunities (10th Edition, 2003) Jennifer S. Willsea

Available at the Career Development Center
• Jobs for People who Love to Travel
• International Workcamp Directory 2003
• International Directory of Voluntary Work
• Alternative Travel Directory
• Directory of Work and Study in Developing Countries
• Work Your Way Around the World
• Great Jobs Abroad
• Overseas Summer Jobs

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