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Working in the Fields of International Relations and Intercultural Learning

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A good way to differentiate and deepen your understanding of two similar fields of study is to learn about the various occupations available in each field.

In regard to intercultural learning and international relations, there are many people with degrees in these fields who have similar jobs. However, there are also many jobs that are tailored to the unique knowledge and skills of either field.

Within international relations, the first job that comes to mind for many is a diplomat, and even an ambassador. Such high level postings are certainly emblematic of international studies because this subject area focuses on global interactions at the organizational and state levels. Yet while these high-level occupations can exemplify the focus of international relations, they don’t necessarily show the diversity of occupations within that field. Just as there are a great number of occupations within the field of politics other than the president or prime minister, there are a vast number of jobs within the field of international relations other than a diplomat or ambassador.

 

The field of intercultural learning is smaller than the field of international studies, but the opportunities for careers are similarly diverse. Since intercultural learning focuses on interaction at the individual level and the role culture plays in this interaction, many occupations in the field naturally revolve around this main focus. Occupations in intercultural learning include international human resource consulting, helping people adjust to living abroad, language teachers, and international educators. A common characteristic of any job in this field is that professionals learn from cultural differences and use this knowledge to better facilitate understanding and communication. This characteristic is essential to differentiating a job within the field of intercultural learning from a job in international relations.

Learning about the jobs people do within a particular field is a good way to learn what a field is really about. AFS focuses on fostering international dialogue and understanding among its audiences. This personal focus gives AFS a prominent role in the diverse field of intercultural learning.

Paul Edinger is a contributing writer for the ICL Blog. He was an intern at AFS International in 2011 in the Development and Branding department, and continued in 2012 in the Intercultural Learning department. He holds a B.A. in International Studies.

AFS Intercultural Link Learning Program Senior Intern

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AFS Intercultural Program is seeking a senior level intern with an educational and/or professional background in Intercultural (Ic) Communications to support the AFS Intercultural Link Learning Program. The Learning Program is a global training and assessment program for AFS volunteers (44000+) and staff (800+) that enhances AFS’s educational approach to intercultural relations.

The intern will support the Learning Program Manager with day-to-day activities in the development and refinement of the program and curriculum design. Additionally, s/he will communicate with the AFS global community related to project implementation and assessment around Learning Program events (in-person and distance), among other Intercultural Learning Services departmental tasks.

We welcome applications from candidates who are bright, motivated, self-directed, interested in intercultural issues, have a strong sense of humor, and meet these internship qualifications:
• Be in or have recently completed a degree in Ic studies (or similar) and be familiar with theories, concepts, and current research and practices;
• Have teaching and curriculum development experience in formal and/or non-formal education settings;
• Be highly creative, solutions-oriented, and pro-active;
• Have excellent organizational skills and be detail-oriented;
• Have excellent spoken *and* written English skills (writing samples will be required, fluency in two or more languages preferred);
• Be technology-savvy and able to work in various online environments;
• Be able to work both independently and as a part of a collaborative, multicultural team;
• Familiarity with AFS or intercultural exchange programs a plus, but not required.
This is a full-time (~40hrs/week) internship is based at AFS Intercultural Programs’ offices in NYC starting in February 2012, and with a duration of 6 months, with the option to extend. A stipend of will be provided and some costs will be covered.

To apply, please e-mail icl@afs.org no later than 13 January, 2012 with “Intercultural Link Learning Program: Senior Internship” in the subject line. In an attached cover letter, provide a brief description of yourself, examples of how you meet the listed requirements for this internship, your motivations for applying, and what you could bring to this opportunity. In addition, please attach a current CV/resume and two brief writing samples.

We regret we cannot reply to all inquiries.

About AFS: AFS is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. The intern will join a team comprised of fun and passionate people dedicated to promoting life-long learning for all.