Description

The Youth Center internship will expose you to some of the problems experienced by the Aboriginal population. Now 150 years after the colonial period, one of the many problematic legacies of colonization includes the Aboriginal dispossession of traditional lands. These people, among humanity's oldest cultures, have been forced to the fringes of society. Unemployment, alcoholism and poor diets run high in the Aboriginal population. These Aboriginal children drop out of school at a rate ten times higher than other children. The incarceration rate for Aboriginal men is many times that of the rest of the population. The Youth Center dedicates its efforts to supporting these children with literacy, social and recreational programs that will help them work towards a brighter future.

The memories of massacres remain fresh here, as do the current experiences of institutionalized racism. Australian Aboriginal people were only counted as citizens in 1967. Up until the early 1970's, Government agencies continued to take children away from their parents. One witnesses the history of conquest. Scratching the surface reveals a society that existed prior to invasion, and allows one to enjoy the triumphs of a people who have faced nothing but oppression.

Job Description:

The Youth Service acts as a bridge between families, schools and Government Departments. It provides both a place of refuge, and a support structure to help with homework and improve literacy. As an assistant with the Youth Service, you will first get to know your clients through existing programs. The Youth Service organizes work typical of many youth service centers. Their programs include: engaging children in various activities, storytelling, teaching sports, and offering both after-school tutoring and a shoulder to lean on.

You will then have a chance to design and run your own program. Past interns have designed projects focusing on art, crafts, sports, a video club and a hiking trip. You will become an instant celebrity in this role, with an opportunity to truly impact these children's lives.

Availability and Requirements:

The best qualifications for this position are an avid sense of humor, a love of children, and the ability to play in the dirt. Additionally, Australian law requires anyone working with youth to provide a police background check.

As your internship gets underway, the social and economic problems endemic to the Aboriginal population will become apparent. However, daily contact with the preteens and teenagers is a real eye opener. You will find that the Aboriginal culture is alive and well among these young people. This internship will challenge your western conditioning of adult and child roles.

Highlights

* Work one on one with Dr. David Adams, a cultural anthropologist and respected author
* Academic credit available
* Letter of Recommendation on completion
* Career and academic advising available

Qualifications

* Applicants must be 18 years old or older
* We accept GAP YEAR students through college graduates
* Positive attitude
* 20 - 40 hours per week

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,895.00 and up

Program Fees Include:

Housing, Internship setup, Airport pickup, Pre-trip reader, Office support

Salary/Pay

Unpaid positions. We charge a fee to set up the internship and provide housing

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

7 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Institute for Cultural Ecology's Mission Statement

The Institute for Cultural Ecology was founded on the conviction that visits to exotic destinations imply a commitment to cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Our programs match the interests, academic goals, and passions of the participant to premier host organizations and researchers. Once you connect with a place and its people, they become a part of you. Forever.

Year Founded

1999