# Summer Internship Program (SIP) ## Summer Internship Program (SIP) ![Mexico Winternship](/sites/g/files/omnuum12451/files/styles/hwp_28_10__1920x685/public/2024-09/IMG_20240113_131548.jpeg?itok=k_9HCReV) ## Program Overview About Contact Eligibility Dates Locations Costs Funding Timeline Internship Fields Application ## About DRCLAS will offer The **Summer Internship Program (SIP)** during summer 2026, which is held in-person and based in Brazil and Mexico. The SIP offers students the opportunity to engage with Latin America in a meaningful manner that will help shape professional skills, cultural knowledge, and language capabilities. Students that enroll are expected to maintain flexible, proactive, and positive attitudes, whether working in a hybrid format, or in-person, in their host countries. SIP enables students to build connections both within and surrounding Latin America, through its weekly DRCLAS-led, community cultural activities. ## Contact For all general inquiries, please contact the Student Engagement Team ([DRCLAS\_Students@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:DRCLAS_Students@fas.harvard.edu)) - For questions about **SIP Brazil**, please contact [Camilla Roberts](mailto:camilla_roberts@fas.harvard.edu) ([camilla\_roberts@fas.harvard.edu](mailto:camilla_roberts@fas.harvard.edu)) - For questions about **SIP Mexico**, please contact [Lorena Rodas](mailto:lorenarodas@fas.harvard.edu) () ## Eligibility All SIP opportunities are limited to currently enrolled Harvard University graduate and undergraduate students who are in good standing upon the time of applying. The programs' language and skill requirements are as follows: **SIP Brazil:** - ***Rio de Janeiro:*** A minimum of intermediate-level Portuguese (at least two semesters of Portuguese at Harvard or their equivalent) is required to participate. - ***São Paulo*****:** A minimum of basic-level Portuguese is highly recommended, though not necessary to participate. **SIP Mexico:** - ***Mexico City*****:** A minimum of intermediate-level Spanish (at least two semesters of Spanish at Harvard or their equivalent) is required to participate, with preference given to those with higher proficiency. Previous travel experience is not required, but preferred. ## Dates All SIP Opportunities run for 8 consecutive weeks over summer. The following are the specific dates, which include arrival and departure dates. Students must be present in-country for the entire duration of the program to participate. **SIP Brazil:** - ***Rio de Janeiro:*** June 7 - August 1, 2026 - ***São Paulo:*** June 7 - August 1, 2026 **SIP Mexico:** - ***Mexico City:*** June 7 - August 1, 2026 ## Locations SIP 2026 will be offered in the following locations: - Rio de Janeiro, **Brazil** - São Paulo, **Brazil** - Mexico City, **Mexico** ## Costs **Program Costs: $4,000 (including the $250 confirmation deposit)** The program fee includes the required, nonrefundable confirmation deposit, as well as DRCLAS support, host-family lodging with amenities, some meals, orientation and cultural activities held both in and outside of the city. Airfare is not included in the program fee. *Please Note:* All confirmation deposits are *nonrefundable*. Students who cancel their participation anytime between May 1 - 30 will be charged an additional $250 fee for SIP. Students who cancel their participation anytime on May 31 or later will be charged the full program fee. ## Funding **College Students:** - College students with demonstrated financial need are eligible to receive funding for the program fee and living expenses through DRCLAS and MCS (no separate application necessary, though consent to obtain financial aid status is required on the CARAT application). - College students may also be considered for a co-sponsored internship placement through DRCLAS, which provides full-funding through a country-level stipend (no demonstrated need required, though co-sponsored placements may carry special eligibility requirements). - College students *may* be able to add more funding on to assist with program costs if the funding sources are in agreement and receive advanced communication. Discretion is made at the funding source level based on equity and country living costs. **Graduate Students:** - Graduate students are highly encouraged to check with their school's specific Financial Aid Office about requesting loans or grants from their respective school sources. **Co-sponsored Opportunities:** - DRCLAS collaborates with various on-campus partners to offer fully-funded placements within certain fields of the SIP, for selected students. Currently enrolled undergraduate students in good standing are able to apply for these co-sponsored placements by demonstrating their interest in the online CARAT application. No extra application is needed to be considered for these fully-funded opportunities. - During Summer 2026, DRCLAS will offer co-sponsored placements with: - **The HKS Institute of Politics** - **The Harvard Global Health Initiative** - **The Government Department Chair's Fund** *(declared government concentrators only)* ***Note: Students will not receive funding until all pre-departure forms are successfully completed. Find the forms*** [***here***](https://www.drclas.harvard.edu/summer-opportunities-admitted-participants)***.*** ## Timeline - **February 4:** Deadline to apply to SIP - **By February 13:** DRCLAS emails invited candidates to schedule SIP interview(s) - **February 16 - March 4:** DRCLAS hosts virtual invitation-only interviews (through Zoom w/ DRCLAS Program Managers) - **Mid February to Early March:** Follow-up conversations between students and DRCLAS, *if necessary* - **By March 20:** Email notifications regarding program acceptance, placement, and funding sent to all applicants - **By March 24:** Deadline for students to accept/decline funding and placement offers - **By March 27:** Waitlisted students are notified of placements and funding, if available - **By April 9:** All confirmed participants must complete [pre-departure requirements](https://www.drclas.harvard.edu/summer-opportunities-admitted-participants) to DRCLAS - **April 30 - May 6:** Pre-departure meetings, Summer Opportunities Student Send-Off! - **April 30:** Mexico Pre-departure Meeting - **May 5:** Brazil Pre-departure Meeting - **May 6:** DRCLAS Summer Send-off Gathering - **By Mid May:** All funding dispersed - **June 7 - August 1, 2026:** SIP takes place in Brazil & Mexico! - **By August 9:** Post-program reports & evaluations are due ## Internship Fields Students should select from the following field placements when applying to SIP (please select at least 1, but no more than 3) - Arts & Culture - Business & Strategy - Economics, Finance & Fintech - Education - Environmental Science - Government - Health - Human, Women & Gender Rights - International Relations - Journalism - Law - Social Impact - Sustainability - Technology & Innovation - Urban Planning Read through the [**SIP 2025 Impact Report here**](https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:6edfaaad-49f7-40a0-99f5-ba9317b7ac87) & the [**SIP 2024 Impact Report here** ](https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:a23f2daa-c54a-3f43-bbc4-282ebe6196f4)to learn more about last year's cohort and placements here. ## Application #### ***Next Deadline: February 4, 2026*** - Students will complete two applications segments to be considered for SIP; a written-application via CARAT and an interview via Zoom - Once ready to apply, students may view, start, save, and submit applications via [CARAT](https://carat.fas.harvard.edu/applicant/newApplication?applicationPurposeId=3&fundingSourceId=3007): - All application materials may be submitted in English - Students should answer all of the application prompts in 250 words or less. - Selected applicants will be invited to interview with our program managers in mid-February [ Apply to SIP here! arrow\_circle\_right ](https://carat.fas.harvard.edu/applicant/newApplication?applicationPurposeId=3&fundingSourceId=3007) ### 2025 SIP Recap Report During the summer of 2025, DRCLAS welcomed over 30 students to Brazil, Chile and Mexico as participants in the Summer Internship Program. Students from varying years, disciplines, and backgrounds were matched with a local host institution for a meaningful pre-professional experience. Students met weekly as a group to explore their host country as well, immersing themselves in a culturally-enriching eight weeks abroad. [ **View the PDF to learn more**](https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:b3b59d14-114c-4b5f-917a-757a3fe7494c) ![2025 SIP Impact Report](/sites/g/files/omnuum12451/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-10/Copy%20of%202025%20DRCLAS%20Summer%20Internship%20Programs%20Report.jpg?itok=pZHXswFi) ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Open all sections Close all sections ### General Program expand\_more - **How often will I interact with DRCLAS staff?** - 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. - **What are the lodging accommodation options?** - 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. - **How does DRCLAS/Harvard ensure the safety of participants?** - 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. ### Internships expand\_more - **What sectors and fields are available for internship placements?** - 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. - **Can I apply to multiple sectors and fields?** - 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. - **What will the work/office atmosphere be like?** - 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. - **Can I see what previous student placements were?** - Yes. Students can see a full overview of the [SIP 2025 program and placements here](https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:823c37d0-634e-4a34-a524-17d0a8ea26af). Please note, DRCLAS cannot guarantee that the same partners will collaborate with us for SIP 2026. ### Eligibility expand\_more - **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. - **If I am a graduating senior, am I still eligible to apply and participate?** - 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. ### Funding expand\_more - **Do I need to apply separately for funding?** - 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. - **Can I obtain multiple sources of Harvard funding for SIP?** - 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. - **Can graduate students be considered for either need-based funding or co-sponsored internships sites?** - 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.). ### Application expand\_more - **Can I apply to more than 1 SIP?** - 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. ### Interviews expand\_more - **When will I learn if I have been selected for an interview?** - All SIP applicants will be notified if they are invited to interview by the 13th of February, 2026 - **How long do interviews last?** - Interviews will last up to approximately 20-25 minutes. - **What language should I prepare to use during interviews?** - 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. - **Who will I interview with for each SIP?** - 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). - **What happens if I do not complete my scheduled interview?** - 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. ## SIP in Action ![Student participates in Mexico SIP](/sites/g/files/omnuum12451/files/2024-10/IMG_2544.JPG) ![sip](/sites/g/files/omnuum12451/files/2024-09/IMG_7745_0.jpg) ![Students participate in Chile SIP](/sites/g/files/omnuum12451/files/2024-10/PHOTO-2024-09-11-09-32-24.jpg)