The South Asia Studies program strongly encourages its students to complete internships in the region or with relevant organizations in the U.S. Most students use the summer between their first and second years to intern or complete research in their field of interest. A majority do this work in South Asia. The program understands that the internship choice is critical to the students' academic work and career prospects. For this reason, faculty members work closely with students to identify and pursue opportunities appropriate to each student's interests. As a part of this process, the program maintains an updated databank of internships opportunities and actively uses its contacts to secure the internships for its students. The program is also working to develop linkages with a variety of organizations - including private sector firms, research institutions, the media, NGOs and international agencies -which could serve as host institutions in the region for our students. Below are examples of internships South Asia Studies students have secured in the past. Sheela Ahluwalia
Shakti Vahini
New Delhi, India
I was responsible for researching and writing the 2006 Trafficking in Persons report. This summer I also had a chance to interact with other NGOs and work on counter-trafficking issues at the grassroots level. Spending three months in India was an exciting as well as a challenging experience as I knew what I wanted to accomplish and had to be proactive to accomplish my goals. If I finally decide to pursue a career in this field, this internship will be absolutely instrumental in my career goals.
Kate Bateman
National Security Education Program David L. Boren Graduate Fellowship
Lucknow, Allahabad, and Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
I spent two months researching Shia-Sunni relations in Uttar Pradesh and studying Hindi and Urdu. Although the application process was rigorous, the program was excellent and largely self-driven and gives you great flexibility and a wonderful learning/growing experience. At least, I found a very steep learning curve. My Hindi improved enormously during my stay. As I aim to go into federal civil service, this program was perfect for me.
Jonathan Ketzner
Global Business Policy Council, A.T. Kearney
Alexandria, Virginia
I found this internship through SAIS Career Services. My internship was research-based and I worked on projects dealing with the kind of problems multi-national firms face. I also had the opportunity to work on Indian business issues. Working at the Global Business Policy Council is a good fit for students who are interesting in consulting in financial firms.
Divya Mathew
Planning Commission of India
New Delhi, India
I served as an intern in the Development Policy Division at the Planning Commission for a period of two months. Having no prior direct experience in conceptualizing and formulating development policies at the national level, The Planning Commission served as an ideal place to give me some experience in this regard. During my internship I was assigned to an ongoing project within the Development Policy Division. I was also allowed the flexibility to attend various government meetings and meet and interact with officials and development experts. This internship has enhanced my understanding and the skills necessary for me to eventually pursue a career in development consulting.
Utpal Raj Misra
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
Lahore, Pakistan
I spent two months at LUMS doing independent research. The internship gave me an opportunity to be in Pakistan and allowed me to delve into different aspects of trade and development in the region. Spending time in Pakistan deepened my understanding of South Asia, Islam, culture and contention in the region. As a South Asia concentrator, it was valuable to be in a new country of the region and to get accustomed to the local language, culture and way of life. I am now able to understand issues with ease about Pakistan and am able to relate it to different work I do. With this internship, I also got a chance to travel to the northern areas of Pakistan and have access to people in the government and private sector as well have an opportunity to improve my Urdu.
Peter Yochum
Global Business Policy Council, A.T. Kearney
Alexandria, Virginia SAIS courses that I had taken in International Economics and regional studies have sufficiently prepared me for this internship. The experience of working on a legitimate strategy consulting project as part of a team and delivering results is something that has given me greater exposure to the field and added substance to my resume. This was a rewarding experience that has already opened doors to me. There’s also a great interaction with the consultants who all have different regional backgrounds and are extremely knowledgeable. Below are few examples of SAIS students securing internships in the South Asia Region. Smriti Lakhey
Mann Deshi Mahila Sah Bank Ltd.
Maharastra, India My internship profile was across the spectrum of responsibilities. Daily duties included need assessment, interview with clients, computer and field research, facilitation of meetings, occasional administrative and coordination support as well as writing of business plans. The working style was independent under the supervision of the Chairman of the Bank. Rural life was rigorous. The field experience gave me a good perspective of NGO challenges at the micro level which is important to understand the macro level policy issues. This internship also made me aware of the skills I need to acquire for working in the international development sector. The first hand grassroots experience was great!
| 
