Summer Internship Program (SIP)

• Interactions with the DRCLAS office are scheduled to occur on a weekly basis, as the program fee includes activities and shared meals. The office's proximity to participants allows easy access and serves as a place for individuals to seek support, address questions, or voice concerns. Furthermore, each group will be assigned a designated point of contact to facilitate communication and assistance throughout the program. 

• Accommodations are included in the program fee and follow a host family structure. After being admitted to the program, participants will receive a preference form to complete, indicating their accommodation preferences. The program will use these preferences to match participants with appropriate host families. While the program will make every effort to accommodate stated preferences, it cannot guarantee that all preferences will be met.  

What are the cultural activities like?  

• Cultural activities vary according to regional differences and specific countries, but they are planned and led by the program manager in country. These activities are designed to immerse students in the local environment and culture, exposing students to both areas surrounding the urban center, and those outside of the city of residence. The range of experiences may include excursions to nearby cultural and historical sites, as well as instructional sessions that enhance students' understanding of the contemporary affairs of the region. 

What does the program fee cover in each location? 

• Brazil - $4,000 USD includes about 50% of meals, public ground transportation, weekly cultural activities, housing accommodations, and all administrative costs. 

• Mexico - $4,000 USD includes public ground transportation, weekly cultural activities, housing accommodations, and all administrative costs. 

• While the trip is mainly self-directed, the program provides a designated point of contact to facilitate communication and address any questions or concerns that may arise. Participants are also informed about local authorities, emergency services, and safety measures designed to ensure their well-being in several orientation meetings. As an additional precaution, all individuals are required to register their trip with International SOS, a specialized health and security service that focuses on managing concerns for international travelers. 

• Considering the program's interdisciplinary approach, individuals have the opportunity to collaborate in fields related to arts and culture, business and strategy, co-sponsored public service internships, economics, finance, fintech, education, environmental science, government, health, human, women, and gender rights, journalism, law, international relations, social impact, sustainability, urban planning, and technology and innovation. 

• Yes, in fact, this is encouraged to maximize potential options for placements.

Can I specify a particular organization with which I hope to be placed? 

• While students may specify, this is not expected. This also does not guarantee any placement- any specifications are taken into consideration as part of a holistic application, though. 

• Students may expect to work in a 9-6pm, office-like setting, with a supervisor/point of contact at their organization to check-in with regularly. Each placement varies slightly- students are encouraged to share more about their ideal working environment during the application process, to help DRCLAS best match the placement.

• Yes. Students can see a full overview of the SIP 2025 program and placements here. Please note, DRCLAS cannot guarantee that the same partners will collaborate with us for SIP 2026.  

What if I am unable to attend the full program dates? 

• Students must be available to participate, in-person, throughout the entire 8-week program in order to be eligible for SIP. No exceptions will be made.  

• Yes, graduating seniors are still eligible to apply for the program. However, they do not qualify for need-based funding. To be eligible for funding, an individual must be a registered student for the next academic cycle. 

What are the language requirements? 

• Brazil - Portuguese preferred but not required 

• Mexico – Intermediate Spanish Required, (Advanced Preferred in some sectors) 

What if I am not in good standing? 

• Per the College Summer Funding Policy (see here), students must be in good academic standing both at the time of applying and the time of traveling to participate in a funded program. DRCLAS does not grant exceptions to this rule. 

• No, all college students with demonstrated need are eligible to receive funding for the program fee and living expenses through DRCLAS and MCS (no separate application necessary). However, students who wish to be considered MUST give consent in the DRCLAS application in CARAT.  

• Students are allowed to apply for other funding to supplement what they receive from the DRCLAS program, however, this must be disclosed in advance to all funding sources, and should not exceed the country-level stipends. 

• DRCLAS is unable to fund graduate students in the summer of 2026. Graduate students are highly encouraged to check with their school's specific Financial Aid Office about requesting grants, loans, or finding external funding for their participation in the program. 

How much personal money should I expect to use? 

• The additional expenses students encounter beyond their program fee vary depending on the host country and the student’s spending preferences. Based on past experiences, students have reported the following approximate costs: 

• Mexico: 

  • Airfare: $500 - $1,000 

  • Additional activities outside those planned by the program and majority of food/groceries: $1,000 - $1,500 

• Brazil: 

  • Airfare: $1,200 - $1,500

  • Vaccines, additional activities outside those planned by the program and some meals: $1,500 - $2,200

• Note: These figures provide an estimate of extra costs students may expect, but individual expenses can vary based on personal choices (taking ride shares, eating out, taking weekend excursions, shopping, etc.).  

• Yes, students can apply to both of the SIP locations (Brazil and Mexico). 

Do I need to fill out more than 1 application if I apply to multiple countries? 

• No- students will only fill out 1 application for the DRCLAS Summer Internship Programs- even if they would like to be considered for more than 1 country/location. 

What is the copy of my unofficial digital transcript utilized for? 

• DRCLAS staff utilize current transcripts to view a student’s previous academic exposure to the region. Additionally, a current semester’s transcript enables staff to ensure students are actively enrolled and in good standing. 

How should I demonstrate my interest in multiple countries? And in multiple sectors? 

• Students have space to concisely detail their priorities and main interests regarding locations and sectors in the written application. Students may also utilize interviews to further elaborate on preferences and priorities.  

How long should my responses be to the application prompts?

• Students should respond in no more than 250 words.

In what language should I apply?

• Students should fill out their applications in English.

• All SIP applicants will be notified if they are invited to interview by the 13^th of February, 2026 

• Interviews will last up to approximately 20-25 minutes. 

• Language requirements vary by program, but individuals should be prepared to meet the necessary proficiency levels. In Brazil, Portuguese is preferred but not required- some interviews may be held in English. In Chile and Mexico, intermediate Spanish is required at a minimum and will be used during the full interview. 

• Please see our contact information page to learn more about our program managers, who oversee each program and handle student interviews and placement (Camilla & Lorena).  

• Interviews are required of all applicants. Failure to attend a scheduled interview will result in the student being removed as a candidate from that country’s SIP.