Latin America
Nonprofit Sector
“I’m working to create a sustainable microfinance network between students of the Instituto Polytecnico Nacional and microfinance institutions by developing a plan for a microfinance career center. This center will provide technical assistance to students and facilitate their choice to transition into the sector. So far, I’ve visited three microfinance institutions. Along with current students enrolled in a microfinance course, I saw first hand how these organizations are managed and how credit lenders seek out people who might benefit from micro loans.”
- Alba Bautista ‘08, Development Alternatives International, Mexico City, Mexico
“I am working with the Latin American regional office of Habitat for Humanity. My project will give Habitat for Humanity a better understanding of how to leverage Latino volunteers, instead of basing their work so heavily on North American volunteers. I’m conducting surveys to determine Latino volunteer preferences. My methodology also includes talking to each Habitat office in Latin America to find obstacles and opportunities, and researching best practices from other Latino NGOs. It's interesting, and definitely a challenge for my Spanish. The beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean side of Costa Rica are definitely a plus. Pura Vida!"
- Nicola Hedge ‘08, Habitat for Humanity, San Jose, Costa Rica
“I’ve been learning the details of managing a successful nonprofit organization in Latin America. My main responsibilities as travel writer and researcher are to contribute to SAE’s publications, sharing unique South American experiences with our members. I’m researching opportunities in Quilatoa and an indigenous community outside Rio Bamba. I’m also working with TV networks, researching topics to teach visitors to be conscientious and contributive travelers. Other articles deal with important local issues in Quito. I love living in Quito and look forward to the next few months!”
- Jenna Houts ‘08, South American Explorers, Quito, Ecuador
“I am working on fiscal year 2008 projections for Habitat for Humanity. The organization is looking to move at a faster pace and be more versatile. My role in the project specifically focuses on helping them project a benchmark for the work they are planning on undertaking with their partners. The ultimate goal is to use these projections as a measure of the quality of their partnerships and a guide for future partner selection.”
- James Snavely ’08, Habitat for Humanity, San Jose, Costa Rica
Public Sector
"I am working as a commercial assistant to three trade specialists and one foreign commercial service officer. I’m busy researching three different industries, generating market reports and presentations, and harvesting information from former and present clients that is intended to prove our effectiveness. I’ve made friends with the other interns and weekend trips are already in the works for me to get to know their respective parts of Mexico. I live with three wonderful people (two Peruvians and a Costa Rican) in an incredibly fun part of the city (La Condesa). Mexico City was a bit overwhelming at first, but each day I understand it a little more and feel a little less like a “lost gringo".
- Patrick Hess ‘08, U.S. Commercial Service, Mexico City, Mexico
"I’ve been researching Chilean hazardous substance regulations. The report I’m writing will serve as a reference for U.S. businesses and will also be presented in Washington, D.C. I’m enjoying the long-awaited challenge of speaking Spanish in a professional environment, while realizing that there’s still plenty to learn. My work team is great and includes six Chilean trade specialists and two commercial officers. I’m excited to continue learning about the Commercial Service and the clockwork of international trade."
- Jonathan Messerer ‘08, U.S. Commercial Service, Santiago, Chile
