Description

Intern in a microfinance institution in Africa. The field of Microfinance has received a lot of attention since Muhanned Yunus received a Nobel Prize after founding the Grameen Bank. Thousands of microfinance institutions (MFIs) provide financial services at the community level in Uganda, usually through Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs). SACCOs have had mixed results--a few have been very successful while others struggle to survive.

Interns in this program work in a SACCO with a successful track record. The first few weeks are spent working with the SACCO staff to get an idea of the day to day activities, the strengths of the organization and to determine what projects within the SACCO to pursue during the rest of the internship. Interns can pursue a wide variety of projects in collaboration with the organization including business skills development, developing business plans, microfinance education outreach and project monitoring and evaluation. Participants in the project must commit to at least six weeks. Past experience in banking, accounting, or financial services will be a real advantage.

Highlights

Uganda is the lush pearl of Africa on the northern shore of Lake Victoria where the Eastern African Savannahs meet the western rainforests. The natural wonders of the country include dramatic waterfalls, incredible wildlife including the last troops of mountain gorillas, and Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world. The people of Uganda are well known for their hospitality and warmth. Uganda ranks among the world's poorest countries and has little in the way of basic infrastructure such as electricity, running water, waste management and access to education and healthcare.

ELI works with local organizations based in Iganga District, about three hours east of the capital Kampala. Iganga town lies on the Mombasa to Kampala Highway--one of East Africa's major transportation routes. The bustling highway gives the false impression that the town is teeming with traffic, but just a few hundred yards from the highway, cars become a rare sight and quiet village life takes over.

ELI volunteers and interns have the rare opportunity to fully experience Ugandan life through living with host families and working in community based organizations.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Varies by duration. Contact us for details.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels.

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Entebbe and given a ride to Iganga where the projects are based

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a one to two day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Uganda, registration with local authorities, using transportation, and the culture of Uganda

In-country Staff Support: ELI's Uganda coordinator has years of experience working with Ugandan NGOs and international volunteers. He is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Participants stay with a local host family and experience day to day Ugandan family life.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide, American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001