
Why can’t I apply if I’m over 30?
The internship program is funded by and the University Council and these are the ones that set the guidelines for the business. It is they who set the age limits. For general program guidelines, read here.
Do I have to have a college education to apply?
No, the Future Earth wants a breadth of interns with many different experiences. An experience that we perceive to be of importance is involvement in associations.
Do I have to be involved in any aid organization?
No, we see all association work as a merit. It can be in the equestrian club, the football club, the political youth association or the role-playing club.
What are your costs?
Future Earth is paying for travel, any visa costs, insurance, reimbursement for vaccinations (up to SEK 2,000) and food and accommodation abroad. You are responsible for food and living during the education. The cost of food and accommodation at Biskops Arnö is about SEK 4,000/month.
If you make holiday trips while abroad, you have to cover these costs yourself.
Will I cook my own food?
It is different from placement to placement. In some places you cook your own food, while in others you get the food cooked.
I’m a vegetarian, is it suitable?
Vegetarian and vegan food works. However, one should be aware that the supply of vegetarian food in South America is limited, but in India there are no problems at all. At all locations, you have to be prepared that local food is served and that it is what we base the remuneration on. It is also not usually a problem with allergies, but it is important that you tell us about it and that you take responsibility yourself during the internship
Hur finansieras praktiken?
The Swedish agency for international development cooperation agency, Sida, finances the program through the internship program via the University Council.
We are seeking grants for the internship program at the University Council through Forum Syd. You can read about the program on the University Council’s website: www.utbyten.se. The Swedish aid authority finances the program through the University Council.
Do I get any salary?
No, it’s an internship. On the other hand, Future Earth is responsible for your costs for food, living and traveling. Private costs during practice such as traveling on weekends and if you do something during your vacation you will have to take care for yoursel.
Do I need to have my own equipment such as a computer and camera?
Each trainee group (2-3 trainees in each group) has access to at least one computer and camera during internship.
When will I leave?
It depends on whether you go out in the fall or spring. If you go out in the fall, you will start with an education at Sida and at Bishop’s Folkhögskola from the end of August to the middle of October. Thereafter, you departure takes place.
When leaving in the spring, you will take a preparatory course in January and then leave in February.
Who decides which organization I will go to?
After you are accepted, you will find out which continent and organization you are placed with. We customize placement according to your prior knowledge and the one you travel with.
Do I have to know any languages?
We have Spanish/Portuguese requirements if you are going to Latin America. English is required for internships in India. Of course, it is an advantage if you know the local languages like ladakhi, tamil, guarani or kichwa, but it is not a requirement.
I have done internships at another organization, can I apply for internships with you?
If you previously went as an intern funded by UHR, you cannot apply again. If you have done another type of internship, for example through your education, you can apply.
What will I learn?
You will gain insights into how small organizations work to improve conditions for people. In practice, how to work in Swedish development cooperation and how to translate the experience into an information work in Sweden. In addition, you will have invaluable experiences on a personal level and get to know very knowledgable people. Read Anna Ioannou’s post Everything makes a difference (Swedish).