As an intern, you will apply your classroom knowledge in a professional setting. The greatest internship value comes from access to industry knowledge and experience. An internship will add to your qualifications and increase your confidence as you prepare to seek future employment.
At this time, internships related to Community Health Education, Public Health, and Non-Profit Organization and Management are available. In partnership with Heartprint, an Australian non-profit operating in Cambodia, Kindredhouse has developed several projects; dental hygiene, maternal/child health, food safety, toilets (open defecation-free program), and clean water.
If selected for this program it will be because we believe you have the skills to contribute to Cambodia’s development, as well as the dedication, flexibility, maturity, and resourcefulness to handle the challenges of living in one of the world’s poorest countries. Your experience and efforts will help inform the direction of what we hope will be a long meaningful presence in Cambodia.
As a Volunteer Intern, you will meet many new interesting people, maybe learn a new language and culture, partake in local celebrations and customs, and experience many other thrills. Along with all of the excitement of being a Volunteer Intern comes frustrations, language barriers, bouts of loneliness, and days when things just do not work out as planned. Your patience will be pushed to its limits at times. But if you come with an open mind, a warm heart, and a good sense of humor, you will do well. You will develop resiliency skills that will serve you throughout your life.
Kindredhouse has high expectations and many policies and regulations that govern your stay in Cambodia. For the most part, Kindredhouse policies and regulations are designed to help ensure your safety and security while serving. They are also designed to protect the integrity and reputation of Kindredhouse and honor the service of volunteers. You should consider carefully—both before you come and during any preparation and training—if you are willing to accept all of the challenges and rewards of being a Kindredhouse Volunteer Intern.
“The success of your experience resides with you.”
We can say with confidence that the success of your experience resides with you. Kindredhouse is committed to providing the best administrative support we can, but this is only one piece of the equation. The most accomplished Volunteer Interns view themselves as responsible for the outcomes of their experience and take responsibility for making the most of their assignment and navigating the challenges. You will need to be creative, persistent, flexible, and willing to adapt both to Cambodia and to the projects. Kindredhouse will look to you to be as independent and as self-reliant as possible. As you read this welcome book, which is designed to give you a better picture of what lies ahead, you must consider whether Kindredhouse/Cambodia is right for you and whether you are right for it.
CORE EXPECTATIONS FOR KINDREDHOUSE VOLUNTEER INTERNS
In working toward fulfilling the Kindredhouse mission of promoting health and friendship, as a Volunteer Intern, you are expected to do the following:
1. Prepare your personal and professional life to make a commitment to serve abroad for the term set forth
2. Commit to improving the quality of life of the people with whom you live and work and, in doing so, share your skills, adapt them, and learn new skills as needed
3. Serve in Cambodia under conditions of hardship if necessary, and with the flexibility needed for effective service
4. Recognize that your successful and sustainable development work is based on the local trust and confidence you build by living in, and respectfully integrating yourself into, your host community and culture
5. Recognize that you are responsible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your personal conduct and professional performance
6. Engage with host country partners in a spirit of cooperation, mutual learning, and respect
7. Work within the rules and regulations Kindredhouse and the local and national laws of the country where you serve
8. Exercise judgment and personal responsibility to protect your health, safety, and well-being and that of others
9. Recognize that you will be perceived in your host country and community as a representative of the people, cultures, values, and traditions of the United States of America and Kindredhouse
10. Represent responsively the people, cultures, values, and traditions of your host country and community to people in the United States both during and following your service
Please contact us for more information about upcoming internship opportunities.