CIDP Field Practicum Information

As a part of the capstone requirements for the Masters of Science in Community & International Development, students take part in CIDS680 Field Practicum where they do an internship or practicum that co-ordinates with the student's research project and/or concentration. This course requires a minimum of 720 hours at a local, national, or international organization/project. The Field Practicum is one of the most critical elements of the program's curriculum as it assists students in the process of building expertise by providing an applied practical component to the theoretical knowledge acquired in classes.

FIELD PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Before Registerring

The student must complete the following pre-registration requirements and be approved by the program director in order to receive instructor approval when registering in the CIDS 680 Field Practicum course.

• Have completed one semester in the program with a minimum of two courses.
• Meet with program director to discuss procedure, sector of interest and place of internship. This will assist us in determining the appropriate mentor for his/her internship. The student selects the organization/project/agency with guidance from the advisor. It is the student's responsibility to arrange and secure an internship with the chosen agency/organization. The internship should be related to the student's research project topic and align with the sector they intend to work in after graduation. The Research Project CANNOT be the same job as your Field Practicum.
• Secure a place of internship and turn in the 3 (4) Field Practicum Application documents listed below. Student should not start internship until paperwork has been completed and approved.

Field Practicum Application Documents

1. Complete the "1.1 Internship Agreement" form. This is an agreement between place of internship, the student, and the program director. The student also lists the Learning Objectives which states how this particular field of work ties in with their focus. We only accept an internship that has this form signed by supervisor, student and program director.
2. Submit the "Hiring Letter". This is a letter from the place of internship stating when student will be hired and what type of tasks will be assigned.
3. Fill in the "1.2 Justification form" A rationale for choosing this particular organization/country (written).
4. International Students only: Visit International Student Services webpage to learn about and fill out the "CPT Authorization" form.

To register for CIDS 680, students must email the three (four) documents listed above to the program director at raveloha@andrews.edu (cc cidp@andrews.edu) by the specified deadlines:

2. During Internship (when registered)

When registered in CIDS 680 Field Practicum course the student must do the following in the list below. Use LearningHub to access more information and all requirements, and to submit the forms.

• Monthly turn in the "2.1 Internship Monthly Report". Student reports on hours interned and reports on Learning Objectives met that month. Cannot get credit for past hours worked when not registered in CIDS 680 course. Keep track of total hours using the "3.1 Completed Hours" form, and submit at the end of each semester inter.
• Keep track of Learning Objectives met by using the "3.2 Learning Objectives Checklist".
• Regularly communicate with assigned internship mentor.
• Work towards completing the minimum of 720 in-field hours (approximately 6 months at 30 hours per week) even if it takes more than one semester. 
• Do a self-assessment presentation at the end of the semester if 720 hours have NOT been completed. See guidelines for this on the LearningHub course. Arrange a date and time to present by contacting CIDP's administrative assistant at cidp@andrews.edu.
• Meet with advisor before the end of the semester he/she is currently enrolled in to discuss re-enrollment in CIDS 680 if the objectives and/or hours are not met. 

3. Completion of Internship (when registered)

The internship is completed when the student has completed the course requirements and corresponding forms. Details of requirements and deadlines are found on the LearningHub course. These forms and requirements must be completed in the specified order and are necessary to successfully complete the internship:

1. Met a minimum of 720 internship hours and turned in the "3.1 Completed Hours" form
2. Met five out of seven internship objectives. Submitted the "3.2 Learning Objectives Checklist".
3. Submit "3.3 Evaluation of Student Performance in Internship" form
4. Successfully pass the final internship presentation. Use the form called "3.4 Internship Presentation Guidelines" to prepare for your final presentation.

NOTE: Full instructions for this course are found on the LearningHub for those who have registered in the CIDS680 Field Practicum course. You must turn in your forms on the LearningHub.

1.1 Internship Agreement

For Student and Supervisor
This document contains a Learning Objectives, Memorandum of Understanding, and Addendum section. It outlines the objectives and expectations for the internship, an official agreement between the Community & International Development Program and the agency/organization in which the student will complete internship requirements, and a commitment to responsibilities by the student. Must be submitted to CIDP before registering in CIDS 680.

1.2 Justification of Internship

For Student
This form describes how your internship is related to the humanitarian and development field. Must be submitted to CIDP before registering in CIDS 680.

CPT Authorization

For International Student
This document and process is requred by International Student Services who will do a paid internship. International students must not start their off-campus paid internship until this document is approved. Must be submitted to CIDP before registering in CIDS 680.

2.1 Internship Monthly Report

For Student
Student uses this form to report on hours interned and Learning Objectives met each month. This form must be submitted on a monthly basis. Refer to LearningHub for deadlines and submission.

3.1 Completed Hours

For Student
This form helps student keep track of their hours completed. Student should add to this form each month and semester and will be turned in the final semester enrolled in this course. Refer to LearningHub for deadlines and submission.

3.2 Learning Objectives Checklist

For Student
Use this form to keep track of Learning Objectives met. Add to this form and submit at the end of each semester enrolled. Refer to LearningHub for deadlines and submission.

3.3 Evaluation of Student Performance in Internship

For Student and Supervisor
This form will be used by the agency/organization employee who is assigned as internship supervisor. Upon completion of the internship, this form should be completed and submitted. Refer to LearningHub for deadlines and submission.

3.4 Internship Presentation Guidelines

For Student
These guidelines assist students who have completed their internship in preparing to present their experience to a faculty panel. Refer to LearningHub for deadlines and submission.

Internship & Employment Opportunities

Click to find a list of organizations that offer internships and jobs.