Internship Program

Each semester, TBI accepts applications for internships, for which USD students receive academic credit. Getting involved with TBI is an excellent way for students to learn about the issues affecting the border region, and about the organizations and agencies that play a role in shaping border policy outcomes. TBI works closely with local and international government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other academic institutions that may be relevant to the future career interests of students. Find out more about current and past TBI interns by clicking here.

Student Eligibility

TBI accepts applications for internships only from USD undergraduate students who have less than 6 credit units of internship experience. Students are not required to be fluent Spanish-speakers, but preference is given to students who have stronger Spanish language ability. Applications are especially welcome from students with familiarity of the border and students who have experience managing databases and web-based applications.

Academic Credit

TBI student interns are eligible to receive 3 units of academic credit each semester, and up to 6 units of academic credit total. 40 hours of work is required for each unit of academic credit. Three academic credits correspond to approximately 9 hours of work per week. However, TBI gives preference to students who can committ 15 to 20 hours of work per week in order to maximize productivity for the student and the Institute. Students should work with TBI to tailor their workload according to their needs and schedules.

Duties and Requirements

Human Trafficking Internship - For Spring 2010 internships, TBI and the Not for Sale Campaign are collaborating on offering an internship involving the investigation and documentation of human trafficking cases in the cross-border region. An information session on this unique internship opportunity will be held on Thursday, October 8 from 12:15 to 1:15 pm in Room 253 of the Joan B. Kroc building. Topics that will be address at the information session include:

• Certification and training process
• Dates
• Internship expectations
• Counseling
• Other details

Applications for the Human Trafficking Internship are due by November 23, 2009 at the Trans-Border Institute's office in Suite 238 in the Joan B. Kroc building.

Standard TBI internship duties include, but are not limited to:

• Meetings and Events – Interns will promote, prepare, support, attend, and staff all programmed TBI events, conferences, and meetings.
• News Gathering – Interns will gather and summarize news articles for the Justice in Mexico Project’s monthly news report.
• General Office Support – Interns will provide general office support by performing clerical duties, managing the contacts database, preparing correspondences, etc.
• Training – Interns will attend at least three Instructional Design and Training sessions, including Excel, Access, and one web-based or graphic design program.
• Book Summary and Discussion – Interns will read a book on the US-Mexican border, write a 2 page summary of the book and key points, and discuss the book with staff.
• Interview – Interns will identify a prominent border scholar, activist, or stakeholder to interview. Interns will coordinate, record, and transcribe the interview. The transcript of the interview will be put online and interns will also make a presentation on the interview to the staff.
• Data Collection – Interns will collect, organize, store, and present data relevant to TBI’s main projects: Economic Development and the Justice in Mexico Project.
• Final Presentation – Interns will make a final presentation on their TBI internship experience highlighting the topics and themes that they learned about over the course of the semester.

Former TBI Interns - A list of former TBI interns by year.

Application Process

To apply for a TBI internship, please submit an application form prior to registration. Students may also contact TBI directly to ask questions or get more information about the internship program.

TBI Internship Application Form [ PDF (8.81 KB) ]