Considering an internship or fellowship at HOPE International? To help you decide if spending a summer at HOPE is the next step for you, here are the answers to some of our most-asked questions:
Who is HOPE?
HOPE International (HOPE) is a Christian faith-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization investing in the dreams of families in the world’s underserved communities as we proclaim and live the Gospel. You can read more about our mission, method, and motivation here
We believe families in poverty have the God-given talents and skills to provide for their families. What they don’t have is a lump sum of money to invest in their potential—by paying school fees, saving for the future, or investing in businesses.
In obedience to Christ’s command to love our neighbor and make disciples of all nations, HOPE International provides discipleship opportunities, biblically based training, a safe place to save, and loans.
We offer these services through two models:
- Savings groups are groups of individuals who save their money together in partnership with the local church. As they build a secure sum of money, members often take out loans from their group to pay for household expenses or invest in businesses.
- Microfinance institutions are banks designed to serve entrepreneurs in poverty by providing loans, a safe place to save, and other financial services to help men and women invest in their businesses and provide for their families.
What’s the difference between an internship and a fellowship?
Internships are semester-based positions for undergraduate and graduate students of all disciplines. Fellowships are 9-to-12-month positions for experienced graduate students or business professionals.
What if I’m interested in multiple positions?
If more than one position catches your eye, feel free to apply for multiple!
What does the average day look like for a HOPE intern or fellow?
There’s no typical day! Interns and fellows might communicate frequently with the field, help organize and support events, or work primarily from an office setting. An average day will vary based on the role and where the intern or fellow is located. All our interns and fellows are trusted with challenging and meaningful projects and weekly responsibilities to give them a taste of careers in this sector.
Are there opportunities for interns and fellows to become staff members?
We love that quite a few HOPE staff members first came to HOPE through an internship or fellowship! However, a job is not guaranteed as a result of your internship or fellowship.
Does HOPE have internships and fellowships for non-business majors?
Yes! We have had interns and fellows with majors in English, social work, economics, international studies, foreign languages, and many more. Most importantly, we want individuals with the heart of a missionary, the mind of a businessperson, and the soul of a development worker.
What is HOPE looking for in candidates?
HOPE looks first for candidates who exhibit an active and vibrant relationship with Christ and demonstrate commitment to serving families who have been marginalized. An ideal candidate also has excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as international experience, specifically in developing countries. Finally, an ideal candidate is a lifelong learner—someone who gets excited by continually learning new things and is actively pursuing knowledge.
Are HOPE internships or fellowships paid?
We offer a living stipend of $500 per month to both interns and fellows. Some choose to raise funds to help cover additional living costs.
What is the support-raising process like for interns and fellows?
In the past, some have chosen to raise support for their internships or fellowships. If you choose to do this, HOPE assists you in this process, offering resources and support to help raise the funds you need.
What is housing like?
For in-person internships and fellowships, one housing option is staying in homes hosted by staff members or supporters of HOPE. Accommodations for interns and fellows will vary according to several factors, like time of year, funding, availability of host homes, and transportation needs.
Interested, or know someone who would be a good fit? You can find all our open internships and fellowships here. Applications for our summer 2023 term close on January 27, so apply today! We’d love to have you join the HOPE team.
