Open Society Foundation: About, benefits, application
Are you interested in promoting public interest at the forefront of global policy? If yes, the Open Society foundation internship is the right option for you.
The program is widely available for undergraduate and postgraduate students from top public policy schools to get a tremendous experience in the ideas and practices of an open society. To learn how to apply for this internship, read this prose to the end.
About Open Society foundations
The Open Society Foundation is formally and previously referred to as the Open Society Institute. The foundation is an organization that supports civil society groups around the world. It proudly funds goodwill and aims to advance education, justice, independent media, and public health.
The Open Society Foundation is passionate about investing in the next generation of leaders and giving them what they need to pursue novel ideas. Their program covers a wide array of human rights and governance, including challenging inequalities through development and ownership, promoting fundamental freedoms, advancing approaches to ensuring transparency and accountability in a global context, and expanding public access to information.
Overview of Open Society foundation internships
The Open Society Internship was launched in the summer of 2013 when it partnered with Central European University’s public policy school. The foundation is designed to inspire fresh minds and capable practitioners through its clinical seminar in Budapest.
The clinical seminar lasts ten days at the Central European University’s public policy school. After the clinical workshop, selected participants will be launched into a six to eight-week internship program at a right and policy-oriented NGO chosen by the foundation. Through this internship, you will learn about rights and governance, including how to be a voice in your generation.
Value of the internship
The Internship program offered by the Open Society Foundations is fully funded. It fully finances travel costs during the clinical seminar. Also, it covers the cost of interning at any of the organizations posted. Likewise, you will be given a relocation fund and the funds to cover accommodation during your internship period.
Note that the stipends are comprehensive to include a per diem, as well as travel insurance, visa cost, and currency conversion fees. The Open Society Foundation will not cover any expense that exceeds the stipend allocated.
Benefits of Open Society foundation internships
The internship program at the Open Society Foundation is enriching as you will enjoy many benefits and advantages that outweigh any monetary value. The following are some of the benefits you can look forward to.
Training
- As an intern at the Open Society Foundation, you will receive training on topics that encompasses leadership, communications, Excel, grantmaking, financial analysis, field scanning, flexible funding, and organizational assessments,
Tuition fee reimbursement
- You will get a reimbursement of your tuition for language courses. Also, you will get funding for seminars, off-site courses, and conferences to help you develop into a professional in your area of interest.
Experience
- Interning at the Open Society Foundation allows you to gain experience in advanced education, justice, independent media, and public health. You can include these experiences on your CV to improve your chances of getting hired by employers later.
Eligibility criteria for the Open Society foundation internships
Notably, the Open Society foundation internships are only open and available to some institutions worldwide. So, applications can only come from students from selected universities. The universities that are eligible to apply are as follows:
- Harvard Kennedy School of Government
- Jindal School of Government and Public Policy
- Tsinghua School of Public Policy and Management
- Oxford Blavatnik School of Government
- University of Pretoria Centre for Human Rights
- Los Andes Alberto Lleras Camargo School of Government
- Boğaziçi University Department of Political Science and International Relations
- Sciences Po Paris School of International Affairs
- School of Public Policy at Central European University
And yes, if you are a postgraduate student in one of the universities listed above and are interested in applying for the internship program, you may need to contact your institution directly for the application form and guidelines for the internship position.
How to apply for the Open Society foundation internships
The following is the step-by-step guide to applying for the Open Society foundation internships.
Step one: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria
You must satisfy the most eligibility criteria above to be selected as an intern for the Open Society foundation internships
Step two: Provide your application documents
You must compile all documents that are needed and necessary to apply for the Open Society foundation internships. Some of the papers to provide include the following:
- Cover letter: Draft a convincing and compelling cover letter stating your experience and why you are an ideal candidate for the internship.
- Resume: Provide a resume with information on your educational qualification, experience, and other knowledge you think will be an added advantage for the Open Society foundation internship application.
- Transcript: You must provide an official or unofficial transcript from your institution as proof of your academic performance.
- Essay: Write a comprehensive essay on your interest in the Open Society foundation. Also, include your interest in contributing positively to their mission and purpose.
Step two: Visit their website
Go to the Open Society internship website to complete the application form and fill in your details. Note that the information you enter must be correct and legit.
Step three: Complete your application
Complete your application online by submitting your resume, cover letter, and other requested documents. Also, consult your institution’s Open Society internship office for the selection timeline.
Step four: Congratulations
If you are selected as an intern of the Open Society foundation, you may be contacted for an interview. Afterward, you can attend the clinical seminar in Budapest for ten days before leaving for your six to eight weeks internship program to intern in the right and policy-oriented NGO you are fixed for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a program officer at the Open Society Foundation make?
A program officer at the Open Society Foundation will earn an average salary of $64,218 annually. The pay for this job position is 2% lower than the average salary of a program officer in the United States ($66,065 per year).
Is the Open Society Foundation an NGO?
The Open Society Foundation is a grantmaking foundation that helps and supports civil society groups worldwide. The foundation partners with a charitable organization, the national democratic Institute.
What are the benefits of an Open Society?
An Open Society is an environment where rules can be changed to benefit the public, regardless of the differences in status, unlike a closed Society that stresses the hierarchy between different social groups.
What areas does the Open Society Foundation focus on?
The Open Society Foundation focuses on four areas: climate, justice, expression equity, and justice. The four elements are interconnected and essential for open societies to provide a good framework for what they do.
What is the purpose of a foundation in society?
The great purpose of foundations in any society is to fund programs that assist the less privileged and marginalized groups. Foundations also play a role in promoting social change and equity between people.
Conclusion
With the Open Society Foundation internship, you will gain profitable experience in justice, equity expression, climate change, etc. Now is the time to take hold of your future; take advantage of the opportunity; apply now.