University Internship Placement Service

Social Service and Voluntary work permit positive transformation and give the opportunity of learning the social reality. At the same time we believe that in the case of Social Service, that it not be a simple administrative requirement (for Mexican university students) but an opportunity for learning and academic strengthening.

Since the armed conflict, Chiapas has become the focus of attention of diverse people, groups and institutions that are looking for social change. Chiapas has many of he complications of an underdeveloped country, without the absolute desperation of some regions of the world. Organizations working with small budgets depend on volunteer workers. This means there are many ways to make a difference.

SYJAC supports individuals, organizations, and institutions seeking creative solutions to socio-economic problems in Chiapas, Mexico. Our work with non-governmental organizations links academic studies with real world applications in areas such as Agriculture, Alternative Technology, Anthropology, Communications, Construction, Ecology, Health, Literacy, Marketing, and Water systems. We promote economic self-sufficiency.

Academic and or professional internships are a requirement for a degree in Mexican universities. Inevitably, the best students gravitate to the poorest states, such as Chiapas, because they get maximum "real life" experience through their internships. The same is true for the International students and professional volunteers who work in the region, who gain a deeper understanding of the complex socio-economic issues facing the Maya people.

Academic Evaluation and Credits

SYJAC will work with individual students and institutions to coordinate internships, language study and cultural immersion programs that will fulfill specific academic criteria and personal interest. Our relationships with Chiapas organizations and universities mean we can arrange academic supervision and evaluations for most types of internships, if it is required.

Specific Services SYJAC offers to Universities, Students and Volunteers

• Posts internship positions for students to select from
• Designs internships suited to special requirements and individual interests
• Provides detailed fact sheet and recommended reading list in preparation for the internship
• Administers a general orientation for new arrivals
• Coordinates training and supervision for specific tasks: literacy, construction, etc.
• Arranges Spanish language courses at a local institution
• Negotiates one-on-one Maya language study
• Offers a continuous link between students, organizations, and universities
• Provides a final evaluation (and/or translations) for US universities (if required).

If you wish to help, please contact us.

Note: for those who simply have a desire to be of service while studying Spanish, we recommend literacy and/or construction projects. These are two areas that ALWAYS need people, require minimal training and make a significant difference in the lives of those you help. Minimum time requirements vary widely and depend on the jobs and level of experience required.