Are you a university student looking for a meaningful internship experience that is also fully funded? If so, you’ll want to check out the LPI Internship 2024 program. In this blog post, we’ll go over all the details of this unique opportunity, including who is eligible to apply, what types of internships are available, how to access funding, and more. By the end, you’ll have a full understanding of this fantastic program.
About the Program
The LPI Internship program was founded in 2019 by the LPI Foundation with the goal of promoting experiential learning opportunities for university students. Each year, the program fully funds a select group of interns to take part in 6-month internships at partner non-profits, social enterprises, and government agencies around the world.
In 2024, the LPI Foundation plans to fund 150 internship placements through this program. Interns will receive a living stipend to cover basic expenses like housing, food, transportation, and more while they complete their placements between June and November 2024. Additionally, flight costs to and from the placement location will be covered.
Internships are available globally, but placements have historically been concentrated in major cities like London, New Delhi, Nairobi, Cape Town, Beijing, and São Paulo. Organizations that host interns through this program are working on issues like sustainable development, public health, education access, clean water/sanitation, renewable energy and more.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the LPI Internship 2024 program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at a recognised university. Recent graduates (within 12 months of application deadline) are also eligible.
Be interested in working within the international development, social impact or non-profit sectors.
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Be authorised to legally work in the country of your proposed internship placement.
Be available full-time between June-November 2024 for your 6-month internship.
Have intermediate or advanced English language proficiency.
Be able to secure your own housing and travel to/from the placement location if selected.
Preference will be given to those with relevant experience, such as previous internships, volunteering, research or coursework related to the development sector. Citizenship is open to all nationalities.
The Application Process
Interested and eligible applicants can access and submit the application online through the LPI Internship program website starting October 1, 2023. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2024.
The application consists of the following components:
- Personal and educational information
- Relevant experience, skills and qualifications
- Motivational statement outlining interest in international development
- Resume/CV
- Unofficial university transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Â Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS scores)
After submitting, applications will go through a multi-stage review process:
- Initial screening by LPI program staff
- First round review by selection committee
- Finalist interviews in March 2024
- Internship placements and funding offers extended in April 2024
Applicants will be evaluated based on their relevant experience and qualifications, motivation, language abilities, and cultural adaptability. Interviews will assess communication skills and passion for the sector. The selection committee aims to choose a diverse group of highly qualified candidates each year.
Internship Placements
Once selected, interns are matched with organizations based on their interests, skills and the host organizations’ needs and available projects. A wide variety of placement opportunities exist under common impact sector
       Development
- Work with an NGO on community-driven renewable energy projects.
- Assist a social enterprise providing cleaner cooking solutions.
- Research sustainable agriculture practices for an international organization.
Public Health
- Support a health clinic or hospital on expanding access to care.
- Conduct epidemiological analyses for an infectious disease prevention group.
- Develop health education materials with a national ministry.
Education - Teach English or assist in a school classroom on an education initiative.
- Evaluate early childhood development programs for a nonprofit.
- Research education access barriers facing minority groups.
Environment - Help design reforestation strategies for an environmental consultancy.
- Analyze habitat preservation plans with a conservation non-profit.
- Create communications materials on water sanitation best practices.
These are just a sample of commonly offered internship opportunities. Interns can also propose their own placement project ideas matching their skills and interests. The program works to design meaningful positions that offer learning, growth and impact.
Funding and Support
Once selected, interns receive full funding support from the LPI Foundation to complete their 6-month placements. This includes:
- Monthly living stipend of $1500-2000 depending on location cost of living.
- Economy round-trip flight to or from placement country.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Pre-departure orientation and cultural training.
- Ongoing virtual support from LPI program staff.
- Certification of completion and letter of recommendation.
- Opportunity to participate in annual LPI networking conference.
No additional costs are incurred by the intern. The funding allows them to fully focus on their work without financial constraints so they can gain valuable experience. Host organizations also provide on-site supervision, mentoring, office space and additional local support.
Gaining Skills and Experience
The LPI Internship provides unparalleled hands-on experience within the international development field. Through meaningful, skill-based projects, interns gain:
Project management and implementation experience
Deeper understanding of global issues and how to address them
Knowledge of the operations and missions of international NGOs
Ability to apply classroom learning to real world problems
Leadership, teamwork and cross-cultural communication skills
Insights into potential development career paths
A professional network of mentors, contacts, and partners
Many past interns credit the program for launching their careers in areas like public health policy, sustainable initiatives, international education and more. Host supervisors also provide performance evaluations that strengthen interns’ resumes and applications to graduate programs. It truly sets applicants up for success beyond the placement period.
Next Steps
Are you ready to take advantage of this fully funded opportunity to build your skillset and kickstart your career in international development? Here’s what to do next:
- Mark your calendar – applications open October 1, 2023
- Start drafting your motivational statement and gathering recommendations.
- Research potential host organizations and placement projects of interest
- Brush up your resume and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria
- Set a reminder to submit your complete application by January 15, 2024
With dedicated preparation and a strong application, you can be one of the 150 selected interns for this life-changing experience. Good luck – we look forward to reading about your placement journey through LPI Internship 2024!
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