WARA GRADUATE STUDENT SUMMER INTERNSHIP COMPETITION 2007-2008

WARA is accepting applications for the WARA Graduate Internship for the summer of 2008. This program is designed to encourage the next generation of Africanist scholars by supporting relevant experience in the region. WARA Internships provide round trip travel to West Africa and a stipend of $1500 to cover the cost of living for 6 to 8 weeks. This competition is open to US citizens who are enrolled in a graduate program and who plan to pursue a career in African Studies. Priority will be given to those enrolled in graduate programs at HBCUs and to those who completed their undergraduate studies at an HBCU.

Applicants should submit a statement of 4-6 double-spaced pages describing 1) the kind of internship they would like to carry out, including the field of activity (e.g., education, rural development, health, etc.); 2) the country in which they wish to work and the name of the host organization; 3) the contribution such an experience would make to their academic and later professional career; 4) their academic, linguistic and/or other background that prepares and qualifies them for this work; and 5) any previous international experience. Applicants who have already established contact with a suitable agency or institution regarding an internship will be given priority. In some cases, the West African Research Center (WARC) in Dakar, Senegal may assist selected interns to locate lodging and to identify an appropriate internship affiliation.

For those applying for the WARC Library Internship, your statement should focus on your specific skills and your objectives. This should indicate your particular areas of interest and expertise as well as describing your personal and professional goals for the internship.

In addition to this statement, each applicant must submit:
· Three (3) letters of reference from professors
· Resumé & proof of U.S. citizenship
· Both undergraduate and graduate transcripts (copies of official ones are acceptable)
· Letters of support from a hosting agency or institution should also be submitted if available
· A WARA grant application cover sheet (downloadable from website)

Complete applications will consist of one original and three copies of all materials (4 sets total) except letters of reference. Letters should be included in the application packet in envelopes sealed and signed by the referee. Letters of reference sent separately will not be considered.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY DECEMBER 1, 2007.

Upon completion of their internships, grantees are required to submit a detailed report of their work and findings. This report will subsequently be published in the biannual WARA newsletter.

Please direct inquiries and submit applications to:

WARA
African Studies Center
Boston University
270 Bay State Road
Boston MA 02215
Tel: 617-353-8902
Fax: 617-353-4975
Email: wara@bu.edu

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