The Center for Latin American Studies has contacts with several local organizations in the San Diego area that have internship possibilities. For more information on how to receive credits for internships please contact clasintr@mail.sdsu.edu
Translation Internship at Federal Defenders of San Diego
Federal Defenders office in San Diego (FDSDI) is offering an internship program that offers students a specialized real world apprenticeship where they will apply their bi-cultural skills and gain practical insights toward becoming proficient working professionals.
TITLE: SPANISH/ENGLISH TRANSLATION INTERN DESCRIPTION OF
DUTIES: The Translation Intern will work in a legal office environment translating a variety of documents to be submitted to the Court in criminal cases.
HOURS: 8-12 hrs per week, 160 hrs credit Flexible schedule within the hours of 8 am to 6 pm M-F
QUALIFICATIONS: A high level of spoken and written Spanish and English fluency Bi-cultural background and education a plus Excellent comprehension and writing skills in both languages Word processing proficiency
INTERNSHIP COURSE INFORMATION: Independent study or course credit according to the specifications of each instructor or institution. Interns will learn about the responsibilities and operations of a legal office and will receive orientation on pursuing careers as court interpreters, translators, investigators, paralegals and/or attorneys. A letter of evaluation and recommendation will be provided, based on performance and a 250-500 word essay on how cultural differences are revealed in translation from the perspective of any academic discipline of interest to the student, such as law, sociology, literature, linguistics or anthropology.
HOW TO APPLY: Submit a résumé and letter of interest to Yolanda France, Chief Interpreter, to Yolanda_France@fd.org
DEADLINE: Open until filled each school term throughout the year
Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation representing indigent persons accused of federal criminal offenses. Our close proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border has a strong influence on our caseload.
Our staff currently consists of over fifty trial attorneys and sixty support personnel, many of whom are bilingual and bicultural. Our attorneys are assisted by highly trained and dedicated investigators and interpreters.
NBC Building
225 Broadway Suite 900
San Diego, California 92101-5030
(619) 234-8467
FAX (619) 687-2666
Mixtec Cultural Exchange Program: In San Diego
Tasks:
- Teach English or Spanish to Indigenous Mixteco Adults
- Provide tutoring and educational activities to Mixteco youths
This is a great opportunity to learn about the Mixteco culture, practice your Spanish, and gain practical experience in language instruction. No prior tutoring experience needed; this is a hands on learning experience for you and the Mixteco community.
Requirements: Must be available to teach on Tuesdays or Thursday evenings in Linda Vista from 5:30-8:30 and help with cultural workshops on two Saturdays over the course of the semester. Spanish preferred, but not required.
For more information, please contact Annika Adamson at clasintr@mail.sdsu.edu
Unaccompanied Minors Shelter Program: In El Cajon and Lemon Grove
- Teach life skills and provide educational and recreational activities to refugee minors while they await reunification with their families in the US or abroad.
- Learn firsthand about the experience of youths who have immigrated to the US alone, while helping them learn about American culture and practicing your Spanish Requirements
- Must be 21 years old
- Committed to working both fall and spring semesters
- Ability to speak Spanish is preferred, but not required
For more information, contact Annika Adamson at clasintr@mail.sdsu.edu or call 594-1103
Sea Turtle Conservation & Environmental Research in Mexico and Central America
Please see the Baja California Internships & Classes page for further information.
American Friends Service Committee
Tasks: Strategic planning for center activities, involvement in decision making and press conferences. Also participate in current research projects (including the environmental costs of the triple fence, High chases of border patrol and other Human Rights projects)
Requirements: Preferably bilingual and up to date with current immigration issues and policies.
Apply: Send resume and cover letter stating why you would like to be part of their organization.
Contact: (619) 233-411
Legal Aid Society of San Diego
Contact: Jason Turner (619) 262-5557 Ext.2638
San Diego Arts Media Center
Task: Marketing, office work, distribution
Requirements: Will be assigned according to major and interest
TV Channel 61 KGHB
Tasks: Production-editing, photography, operations-administrative, business
Requirements: Chicano/Journalism/Broadcasting
Contact: Armando Corral (858) 278-6161
Casa Familiar
Task: Depends on student's interest and availability
Contact: Andrea (619) 428-1115
U.S. Pretrial Services Internship Program
Tasks: Will be paired up with officer and part take in daily activities, a lot of computer work, participate with clients in custody and supervision of cases, learn the job of an officer, improve report writing and how to interpret criminal records.
Requirements: Good computer skills and drug screening
Contacts: Tammy Wiedling (619) 557-3414
Web Site: www.caspt.uscourts.gov
AIXA Quiros Latinos and Latinas in Action
Tasks: Community organizing and advocacy, leadership building, survey building, administrative tasks.
Requirements: Interest and preferably Spanish speakers
Contact: Aixa Quares (619) 283-9624
Website: www.midcitycan.org
Big Sister League Mentor Programs
Tasks: The intern would be responsible for recruiting/training/matching and supervising volunteers.
Requirement: Interest
Contact: Maryann Kissling (619) 297-1135
Environmental Health Coalition
Dedicated to the prevention and cleanup of toxic pollution threatening public health, and the environment in the San Diego/Tijuana region.
Requirements: 16 hours a week and at least 1 semester commitment.
Apply on line: www.environmentalhealth.org
Contact: (619) 235-0281
Latin American Studies prepares students for a wide range of career options, including
Successful careers depend on more than your degree, however, and every LAS student is strongly encouraged to do two things:
Living and studying abroad, together with the work experience of an internship in your area of career interest, greatly enhances your degree and your career options. A Latin American Studies degree is a good start, but to get to the next level you need more than a college degree. Study abroad and internship experiences will help you realize your goals.
To find out about the requirements of your career choice, and to look for a useful internship in your preferred area (including international internships), students are encouraged to get to know SDSU’s Career Services. SDSU’s
Career Services is located in Student Services 1200, but many of its services are accessible on the Internet. Career Services offers a wide range of services to current and former students, CSU and SDSU alumni, parents, faculty and staff. Information for current students can be found on the Career Services' Website, in particular at the current student section.
