Middlebury Social Impact Corps 2018 Summer Internship -Andean Alliance

Internship Description: This year’s Middlebury Social Impact Corps (MSIC) participants will be partnering with the Andean Alliance (AASD) on their ongoing investigations with small scale farmers in the highlands of Peru. This year’s study will continue to explore the challenge that farmers face getting local products to market. Using a mixed methods research approach, students will gather information from both the community and market to create a deliverable that will allow the AASD to help farmers face this challenge. Participants can expect to spend a significant amount of time using conversational Spanish in local communities to learn more about farmers’ desire to sell their products and why it is a challenge to access these markets. Additionally, students will spend time in Cusco talking with restaurants, hotels and other tourist based businesses to learn more about the possibility of incorporating local, organic produce into their products or mission. While this investigation will primarily be guided by the AASD, MSIC participants can expect to work together as an autonomous team to implement this investigation.  This is a full-time, temporary internship position with a 8-week term. Applicants must have conversational Spanish language abilities.

Host Organization Description: The Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development

Website Link: http://alianzaandina.org/

The Andean Alliance (AASD) exists to raise the standard of living for indigenous Peruvians in high-altitude communities. All projects – including our flagship greenhouse program – address a specific community need and are designed to be educational, collaborative, and participatory.

The fundamental difference between the AASD and other NGOs is that we use the collective intelligence of stakeholders and scholars to address the unique needs of each community. Many other NGOs rely on a “one-size fits all” approach, which could, in turn, lead to unsuccessful projects. AASD defines success through impact, and our projects are both successful and sustainable because we remain accountable to the unique needs of each community.

The AASD uses innovative solutions to alleviate the effects of poverty, marginalization, and social injustices that hinder community development and well-being. We connect motivated change agents and resources to design informed solutions to address the local problems in the highlands of Peru. We engage other social change organizations to build capacity and foster collaboration. We also partner with graduate institutions to maintain an innovative approach. Most importantly, the AASD works alongside indigenous communities to facilitate the realization of a healthy and prosperous future.

Program Fees:

Internship cost is covered through acceptance into the Social Impact Corps program. This includes extensive training, mentoring, and an on-going student support system. This also includes three meals per day and lodging. Students will be responsible for round-trip travel costs associated with getting to Eleuthera, Bahamas and any additional in-country expenses. Once accepted, students who require financial aid may apply for funding to offset travel expenses by contacting Dana Anderson (danaa@middlebury.edu).