A unique, carefully-curated, and rigorous global internship program infused with social-emotional learning (SEL) and personalized growth enhancement roadmap.
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About
Mentor-Intern Program
The Mentor-Intern Program offered by the Global Citizenship Foundation is a unique internship opportunity for high-potential young individuals to gain professional experience and develop critical leadership competencies at a global workplace. This carefully-curated and rigorously-enhanced program offers an immersive and impactful experience, aimed at fostering the holistic growth and development of its participants.
Designed with a strong emphasis on reflective practices and leadership development, the Mentor-Intern Program rigorously matches the Foundation's value-driven Culture of Practice, fostering a sense of global citizenship and social responsibility among its participants. Through a series of daily debriefs, reflections, capacity-building sessions, and skill-enhancement activities, participants will gain valuable insights and practical skills essential for success in their future careers. With a focus on mutual mentorship, the program creates a unique relationship between the participant and an experienced team member, providing an intimate and supportive learning environment.
Although the program is now offered online, graduates of the Mentor-Intern Program have consistently rated it as more personal and profound than traditional physical internships. As a participating candidate in the Mentor-Intern Program, you will be joining a vibrant community of diverse individuals from around the world who are contributing to our mission of co-creating the many futures of education for human and planetary flourishing.
Here's What MIP Graduates Say
Mentor-Intern program has a unique way of providing development for interns. The program ensures that everyone contributes and freely expresses their ideas. As an Intern, I can say the program definitely satisfied my expectations. I was assigned to a project in which I was interested, and I had an opportunity to follow & contribute to designing a project from a close angle. It is a great way to learn professional work ethics, the art of communication, and presentation skills. The warm atmosphere & sincerity make things much easier for us.
Being a part of the mentor-intern program at Global Citizenship Foundation has been my most enriching experience. It has pushed me to do better each day and come out of the bubble I used to be in. The culture is so warm that I’ve felt welcomed and valued since Day one. Every day there is something new to look forward to, which makes the experience more wholesome. As an Enhanced Leadership Track intern, I worked closely with the leadership and gained insights into various aspects.
Rijya Singhal
Project Design & Management Specialization India
At the Global Citizenship Foundation, I have had a great opportunity to learn, unlearn and relearn things that have benefitted my personal and professional development. It’s not just about the work that is done, but the friendships and improvement one derives from the interactions with everyone at Global Citizenship Foundation. I am glad to have experienced this.
Waridah Makena
Project Design & Management Specialization Kenya
Indeed the journey I am taking right now at Global Citizenship Foundation (GCF) has been out of the ordinary. Looking back, it took me many times to whether to continue with the selection process, and I began this internship with several ambiguities. As I went through this internship, I realized that I made such a huge decision that brought colossal improvement in my professional and personal skills. One of the many learnings you will acquire is the concept of taking ownership — the kind of confidence people will have that will make them believe in themselves even more, especially at times when doubts promptly undermine their minds. The uniqueness of GCF's Culture of Practice helps hone their mentor-interns to be globally active citizens.
Jessa Mae Adriatico
Action Research Specialization Phillipines
At GCF, I was continuously improving. I got a chance to work on real-life projects focusing on human flourishing. My voice was always heard & everyone was receptive to new ideas & changes. The diverse environment of the team members in terms of their skills, experience, & cultural backgrounds made it easy to learn new things each day. This internship allowed me to see the world from a different perspective and reminded me to constantly demand greatness in everything I do in my life.
John Shayo
Personnel Growth & Development Specialization Tanzania
I am an educator; I took up this internship with the motto of learning about global work culture. My experience at GCF was enriching & beyond my imagination. It was indeed a great experience working with folks from different countries. GCF’s ideologies in transforming education for human flourishing help the mentor-interns to work in an inclusive & diverse environment. GCF is a lovely place to learn & thrive; here, I discovered how essential it is to be enthusiastic and open to learning new skills and being curious to learn. I am grateful to GCF for the opportunity and have received so much value from what I learned.
Sapna Iyer
Action Research Specialization India
The internship program is structured to ensure that all interns can learn and develop new skills while working on the various projects they have been assigned. As an intern, I have found myself surrounded by mentors who guide me and provide the needed support to ensure I obtain maximum value from my internship. On multiple occasions, I have been assigned various tasks that challenged me to leave my comfort zone and learn new things; I have also learned about different cultures, which has broadened my perspective of the world. In summary, I would say that interning at GCF is an amazing experience.
During my time as a Personnel & Growth Management Mentor-Intern at the Global Citizenship Foundation, I have learned so much in just three months. This is because the organization enabled us to enhance our soft and hard skills for our development and work towards similar goals in a diverse workplace. Ultimately the Mentor-Intern Program was a fulfilling experience that allowed me to become a better person for myself and others through its culture of practice. As mentioned, the MIP is “more than just an internship".
The Mentor-Intern Spark Program Full-Time: A three-month program with a time commitment of 30 hours per week. Part-Time: A five-month program with a time commitment of 20 hours per week.
The Mentor-Intern Leap Program
Full-Time: A six-month program with a time commitment of 30 hours per week. Part-Time: A nine-month program with a time commitment of 20 hours per week.
Language Proficiency
At least B2 Language Level in English (as per the Common European Framework of Reference [CEFR])
Location
Online via our Virtual e-Secretariat + Professional Development Center.
Please note, we have discontinued on-site Internships post 2020.
Work Hours
The internship offers a balanced combination of autonomy and collaboration, allowing for both flexible work hours and focused team engagement. Our e-Secretariat is available from Monday to Friday. During the week, there are mandatory learning and team engagement sessions at scheduled hours, taking place on Mondays and Tuesdays between 14.00 hours and 15.00 hours UTC and on Wednesdays and Fridays between 14.00 hours and 16.00 hours UTC.
Fees & Stipend
The Global Citizenship Foundation does not charge or demand a fee for participation in the program. Also, the program does not offer a stipend.
The valuable experience and skills gained through the program are designed to enrich the participant's personal and professional growth, making the program a worthwhile investment in their future.
Application Status
Applications are now open for Cohort-19 of the Mentor-Intern Program.
Application Deadline
Applications for Cohort-19 close on September 21, 2024, 23.59 hours UTC. Cohort-20 applications to launch in November.
Methodology
The Mentor-Intern Program is a unique and transformative experience that provides participants with the tools and support they need to achieve personal and professional growth. With a rigorous and well-structured methodology, the program is designed to engage and challenge participants, while also providing them with meaningful experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
The program is cohort-based and delivered entirely in a remote environment, with participants from universities around the world. With a time commitment of 20-30 hours per week, the program can be demanding but is overall a rewarding journey of personal discovery, growth, and development.
The program has two core modules — Personal Development and Professional Development. As part of the professional module, participants engage in one area of specialization and two transversal skills electives. Based on performance, candidates are promoted to the Enhanced Leadership Track at the end of 3 months. In 2023, we have introduced a unified Learning and Impact Management Platform to enhance the participant's experience, offering a guided space for structured learning and impact. The platform is supported by our e-Secretariat, which acts as a virtual workspace and connects participants from all over the world.
The program offers two in-take options, Spark and Leap, allowing participants to choose the option that best fits their personal and professional goals. Both tracks are equally rigorous and well-structured, providing participants with the tools and support they need to achieve their full potential. Whether you choose Spark or Leap, you can expect a comprehensive and meaningful experience that will leave a lasting impact on your life and career.
Program Structure
The Mentor-Intern Program is designed to be a holistic learning experience that focuses on both personal and professional development. The program is structured around two main modules, which are designed to provide a well-rounded and meaningful experience for Mentor-Interns.
The Personal Development module of the program is a transformative experience and a valuable toolkit designed to foster personal growth and development, essential for effective personal and orgnizational leadership.
Through reflective exercises and interactive activities, candidates will gain a deeper understanding of themselves and develop a heightened sense of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, a crucial component to navigate through personal and professional relationships with greater empathy, understanding, and effectiveness.
Debriefs
The debriefs are designed to be unique, innovative, and thought-provoking. Each debrief should be viewed as an aid to lifelong learning rather than a single process with a limited purpose. Our reflective and engaging debriefs foster the development of core Socio-Emotional competencies, including empathy, mindfulness, compassion, and critical inquiry.
Debriefs address topics such as Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Decision Making and Leadership, Conflict Management and Communication, Mindfulness, Critical Inquiry, Empathy, Compassion, Trust, Diversity and Inclusion, Constructive Criticism and Feedback.
Reflections
Weekly reflection involves taking a few moments each week to review the past five days. It's about acknowledging highlights, lowlights, appreciating team members, and recognizing personal accomplishments. This practice fosters insight, growth, and fulfillment.
This is a powerful tool to gain insight and clarity on personal growth and development in addition to developing positive emotions and improving well-being.
Intercultural Exchanges
The intercultural exchanges that is part of the Mentor-Intern Program are called the Resonance Festivals (Ren Fest). These is designed to provide candidates with an opportunity to connect and learn from individuals from different cultures and backgrounds, and to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Book Reviews
Book Review is an activity that involves an 8-10 minute presentation and a 10-12 minute Q&A session. It is designed to encourage candidates to read at least one book and share their thoughts, insights and learning with their peers and mentors, it is an opportunity for self-reflection and knowledge sharing. Each participant gets to present it at least once in the duration of their participation.
Self-Directed Learning
Self-Directed Learning is an opportunity for candidates to pursue their personal interests and passions. The program provides time, resources, and tools to support learning, such as premium platforms for developing skills in design, writing, or any other areas of interest. It allows candidates to take ownership of their own learning, to explore new topics and develop new skills, and to continue learning beyond the program.
1-on-1 Mentoring
One-on-one mentoring and feedback sessions are an integral part of the Mentor-Intern Program. They provide candidates with the opportunity to receive personalized guidance and feedback from a mentor-associate on personal and professional goals and development.
Skill Building Sessions
Interpersonal skills-building sessions are an important part of the Mentor-Intern Program. They provide candidates with the opportunity to enhance their skills in effective communication, teamwork, active listening, and conflict resolution, which are essential for success in any career.
Module 2: Professional Development
The Professional Development module provides a comprehensive approach to professional learning, impact, and growth by focussing on the development of transferrable skills through the diverse elements of the module that include a Specialization and Core Transversal Skills Electives.
The module provides structured, hands-on, and guided pathway to equip candidates with the essential competencies and knowledge — positioning candidates for long-term success and professional leadership.
Specializations
Specializations are a crucial part of the Mentor-Intern Program, where candidates are expected to engage holistically in one of the specialized areas or fields. Each candidate chooses an area of specialization while applying for the program. For example, Online Events, Digital Publication, Education Policy, Project Design and Management, and Human Capital Management.
Eureka Report
Eureka Reports are a key component of the Mentor-Intern Program, requiring candidates to propose and plan innovative solutions to existing processes or introduce new ideas, promoting intrapreneurship and fostering creative problem-solving skills. Ideally, candidates propose their intent between Week 3 and 4 and implement it over the course of their participation.
Transversal Skills Elective
Transversal Skills Elective is a mandatory program component that allows candidates to choose and develop skills outside their core specialization, fostering their professional versatility and creativity. This elective provides an opportunity for candidates to enhance their transferable skills and enhance their overall professional competencies.
Buddy Connect
Buddy Connect is an activity in the Mentor-Intern Program where candidates are paired with experienced team members to observe and learn practical skills through hands-on experience and mentorship. This activity helps in developing a deeper understanding of organizational processes and reinforces learning from other modules.
Collaborative Sessions
Collaborative Sessions are group work sessions where participants actively engage in real-time collaboration to complete tasks, exchange ideas, and build teamwork skills. These sessions foster a dynamic and interactive environment for learning and growth.
Documentation Skills
Documentation Skills involve the practice of recording, organizing, and presenting information in a clear, concise, and accessible manner to enhance understanding and communication within a team or organization. It includes creating, editing, and maintaining written materials such as reports, proposals, and presentations.
Documentation Skills focuses on teaching the principles and practices of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 21001:2018 standards, aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of document management processes.
Professional Skills Sessions
Professional skill-building sessions are an essential part of the Mentor-Intern Program. They provide candidates with the opportunity to enhance their skills in technical and work-related processes and activities, which are essential for efficiency and success in professional tasks.
Module 3: Enhanced Leadership
The Enhanced Leadership Track is a challenging and rewarding experience that provides candidates with advanced leadership skills and providing hands-on experience in management and leadership roles.
(This module is only applicable to Enhanced Leadership Track candidates and replaces Module 2 for candidates promoted to the Enhanced Leadership Track)
Specializations
Specializations for Enhanced Leadership Track focus on providing candidates with hands-on experience in leadership and management roles in the chosen area or field of specialization. For example, Online Events, Digital Publication, Education Policy, Project Design and Management, and Human Capital Management.
Leadership Eureka Report
Leadership Eureka Reports are a key component of the Enhanced Leadership Track requiring candidates to propose and plan innovative solutions to existing leadership, management, and work processes or introduce new ideas. Candidates have the opportunity to advance their leadership abilities by proposing their ideas in the first month of the Enhanced Leadership Track and implementing them throughout the course of their participation.
Organizational Leadership
Organizational Leadership focuses on developing leadership and management skills through hands-on experience and practical application, providing candidates in the Enhanced Leadership Track with opportunities to manage projects, team dynamics, and workflow effectively. It enables them to become effective workplace leaders and make a positive impact in the organization.
Mentoring Sessions
Mentoring sessions provide opportunities for Enhanced Leadership Track candidates to give back and pass on their knowledge and experiences to new candidates. These sessions help develop leadership skills and foster a supportive community within the Mentor-Intern Program.
Collaborative Sessions
Collaborative Sessions are group work sessions where participants actively engage in real-time collaboration to complete tasks, exchange ideas, and build teamwork skills. These sessions foster a dynamic and interactive environment for learning and growth.
Documentation Skills
Documentation Skills involve the practice of recording, organizing, and presenting information in a clear, concise, and accessible manner to enhance understanding and communication within a team or organization. It includes creating, editing, and maintaining written materials such as reports, proposals, and presentations.
Documentation Skills focuses on teaching the principles and practices of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 21001:2018 standards, aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of document management processes.
Professional Skills Sessions
Professional skill-building sessions are an essential part of the Enhanced Leadership Track. They provide candidates with the opportunity to enhance their skills in technical and work-related processes and activities, which are essential for efficiency and success in professional tasks.
Specializations and Electives
As part of the program, participating candidates pursue one specialization and up to two electives.
The Mentor-Intern Program offers five specializations, each of which requires candidates to work independently, handle multiple projects, and be flexible and adaptable in their approach.
The program fosters a team-oriented environment where candidates are expected to take on a variety of tasks around the specialization and support their colleagues as needed.
Digital Publications (Editorial and Content)
The Digital Publications specialization is focused on hands-on experience in digital publishing, including content creation, editing, management, and distribution.
This specialization involves projects such as the .ed Magazine, the Transforming Education Newsletter, and managing the website content of the Global Citizenship Foundation.
Candidates will gain the skills to plan, create, and distribute digital content that is engaging, informative, and impactful.
Education Policy
Education Policy specialization focuses on understanding and analyzing education policies at both the national and international level, including their development, implementation, and impact on education systems.
This specialization involves working on projects that relate to education policy research, analysis, and advocacy.The Education Policy specialization offers opportunities to work on real-world projects that analyze existing policies, develop new policy proposals, and advocate for their implementation to bring positive change to the education sector.
Human Resource and Capital Management
The Human Resource and Capital Management specialization at Mentor-Intern Program focuses on providing candidates with hands-on experience in managing human capital, understanding and utilizing human resource policies and processes, and effectively leading and developing teams within an organizational context.
Candidates will work on projects that involve developing and executing HR strategies, managing individual and team performance, and enhancing organizational culture and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Learning Design
The Learning Design specialization at the Mentor-Intern Program is centered on equipping candidates with practical experience in crafting effective educational experiences. Participants will delve into the intricacies of curriculum development, instructional design, and the integration of technology in learning environments. They will undertake projects that encompass the creation of engaging learning modules, assessment strategies, and the promotion of inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning spaces.
Through this specialization, candidates will be adept at designing and implementing transformative educational experiences tailored to diverse learner needs and contemporary educational challenges.
Online Events
Online Events specialization focuses on hands-on experience in event management and leadership within the online space through planning, execution, and management of virtual events, including webinars, live streams, and online conferences.
The Online Events specialization involves the planning and execution of key projects such as the Educational Leadership Forum, International Conference on Transformative Education, and Distinguished Guest Lectures hosted by the Global Citizenship Foundation.
Candidates will gain the skills needed to create engaging and interactive digital experiences that drive engagement and reach wider audiences.
Project Design and Management
The Project Design and Management specialization is focused on the development of leadership skills in project design and management, including project planning, risk management, project execution, and monitoring and control.
Candidates will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, which will provide hands-on experience in project management and help them to develop their leadership skills in a practical, results-driven environment.
The focus is on learning by doing and taking an innovative, action-oriented approach to project design and management.
Electives
Electives at the Mentor-Intern Program provide an opportunity for candidates to expand their knowledge and skill-set beyond their chosen specialization. There are several elective options available, including External Communication and Database Management, Marketing (Social Media and Marketing), Visual and Graphic Design, SDG 4.7 Resource Curation, and Personnel Learning and Development.
These electives offer hands-on experience in a variety of functional areas and allow candidates to explore areas of personal interest and professional development.
External Communication & Database Management
External Communication and Database Management elective focuses on building skills in effective external communication and database management. This elective offers hands-on experience in developing and maintaining effective communication strategies and managing databases for the organization.
Marketing (Social Media and Marketing)
The Marketing (Social Media and Marketing) elective provides hands-on experience in social media marketing strategies and tactics, including audience targeting, content creation, campaign management, and analytics. It is an opportunity to learn how to create engaging and impactful social media content, effectively engage with target audiences, measure success, and drive brand awareness through social media channels.
Visual and Graphic Design
The Visual and Graphic Design elective offers hands-on experience in visual communication, including design principles, tools, and techniques for creating eye-catching graphics, layouts, and designs for various media and platforms. Candidates will develop a portfolio of work showcasing their design skills and creativity.
SDG 4.7 Resource Curation
The SDG 4.7 Resource Curation elective focuses on curating and organizing educational resources related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4.7, including events, publications, learning materials, and courses. Candidates will gain hands-on experience in selecting and organizing resources, as well as effectively communicating and promoting these resources to relevant audiences.
Personnel Learning and Development
The Personnel Learning and Development elective provides hands-on experience in developing and delivering training programs, designing learning materials, and curating resources to support the professional growth of team members. Candidates will learn how to assess training needs, create and deliver effective training programs, and evaluate the impact of training initiatives on organizational performance.
The elective focuses on identifying training needs, developing learning materials, and evaluating the impact of learning and development programs on personnel performance.
Eligibility Criteria
The Global Citizenship Foundation is a people-first, learning organization, dedicated to creating a dynamic, diverse, collaborative, and inclusive global workplace.
We are committed to providing quality learning and development opportunities for individuals who are passionate about making a meaningful impact and furthering their personal and professional growth. In order to be eligible for the Mentor-Intern Program, interested candidates must meet the following criteria:
Minimum Age
The minimum age to participate in the Mentor-Intern Program is 17 years.
However, in case the candidate is below the age of 18 at the time of application, legal guardian/parental consent or authorization is required.
Academic/Professional Background
Preference is given to applicants who are either be enrolled in an accredited university or are a recent graduate. However, experienced professionals are also eligible to apply.
Language Requirements
A minimum language proficiency of B2 Level in English according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Application Limit
Only one active application is allowed per candidate.
What we look for?
The Global Citizenship Foundation thrives as a learning organization because of the collective efforts of our team.
At the Global Citizenship Foundation, we believe that the people we work with make our workplace a delightful place to realize our mandate and mission.
Our recruitment and internship policies are dedicated to identifying individuals aligned with the core qualities and competencies listed below, ensuring that the Global Citizenship Foundation is a great and rewarding place to work and learn.
Work Ethic and Professionalism Consistently display a strong work ethic and professionalism in all aspects of their work.
Self-Starter Adaptable, energetic self-starters who enjoy working in fast-paced environments, taking initiative to drive projects forward.
Positive Attitude Bring a can-do spirit and positive outlook to life and work, contributing to a delightful work environment.
Independent Team Players Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and are comfortable being pulled in on various tasks, even if they are not explicitly listed as part of the specialization requirements.
Diversity Appreciation Bond and respect differences as much as similarities, creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.
Growth Mindset Possess a growth mindset, are open to learning, and continuously strive for self-improvement.
Dependability Dependable and take responsibility for their work, ensuring that it is completed to the highest standard.
Flexibility Able to adapt to change and handle fast-paced environments, embracing challenges with resilience.
Intercultural Skills Possess inter-cultural intelligence and are able to work effectively in diverse teams.
Open to Feedback Embrace giving and receiving critical feedback, recognizing its importance for growth.
Mutual Mentorship
Mentor-Intern Program emphasizes the importance of mutual mentorship as a way to create powerful learning relationships. Both the mentor-associates and the mentor-interns are viewed as mutual mentors, working together to achieve individual and collective goals.
Why Mutual Mentorship?
We view our global workplace as a University of experiences and ideas. All it takes is a willingness to be open to learn, and accepting that we all have more to learn and everyone has something to teach.
At the Global Citizenship Foundation, mutual mentorship is embraced as a powerful tool for learning and growth. This approach recognizes that everyone has something to teach and something to learn, and creates opportunities for both mentors and mentees to develop new skills and gain valuable experiences.
By fostering an environment of openness, equity, and critical feedback — mutual mentorship helps individuals become better versions of themselves and strengthens their capacity to contribute to the wider community.
Who are the Mentors?
The full-time mentor-associate assigned by the Global Citizenship Foundation, mentor-candidates in the Education Leadership Track, and the mentor-candidates engaged their internship. All of them are mutual mentors.
What role do mutual mentors play?
Establish expectations and ground rules of mutual mentorship.
Conduct an informal need-assessment of the mentees to understand their learning goals and aspirations.
Co-formulate a work plan based on the candidate's learning goals.
Set mutually agreed goals for the defined period and establish a review mechanism to assess progress.
Foster effective decision making by guiding and working closely with the candidates.
Set accountability mechanisms.
Conduct regular 1-on-1's with the candidate to discuss issues, challenges, and explore possible solutions.
Provide a space for the candidate to express their emotions, feelings, and needs.
Develop the candidate's personal and professional skills roadmap through focused interventions.
Provide the candidate with opportunities and avenues to develop effective personal and professional skills.
Application Process - Visual Timeline
Here’s a brief timeline of the different steps of your internship selection and induction process for Cohort-18.
Applications are now open for the Cohort-19 of the Mentor-Intern Program.
Only duly filled applications shall be considered. Please note, an applicant can only apply for one mentor-intern specialization. Multiple applications from the same individual will not be considered
Selected candidates will join us for Case Discussions during this period.
This is a chance to showcase what you bring to the table and engage with our panel through video-conferencing. We look forward to these insightful conversations!
Results of the Case Discussions will be announced on October 12, 2024 and successful candidates will be informed of their selection for the next stage.
During this period, candidates must complete the Identity Verification Process for Security Clearance.
This step is essential to confirm your participation and provide you with access to the workplace and necessary tools. We appreciate your cooperation in completing this diligently.
We are excited to have you start as Mentor-Intern Program Candidates. This marks the beginning of an enriching and transformative experience. Welcome aboard!
Come as you are!
The Global Citizenship Foundation is a progressive and open-minded space. As an equal opportunity employer and workplace, the Global Citizenship Foundation is committed to achieving a diverse workforce by applying affirmative action, equal opportunity, and non-discrimination policy in all aspects of employment and internships, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, benefits, and training.
We consciously embrace diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, caste, creed, sex, gender, identity, religion, marital status, veteran status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
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