Internship Program

WOLA’s Internship Program is named in honor of Sally Yudelman for her commitment and contribution to WOLA and the cause of social justice. Following Sally’s example, we hope to provide unique mentoring opportunities through internships, encouraging the next generation of young people to get involved in advocating for human rights in Latin America. Our former interns can be found around the world working as human rights advocates, congressional aides, lawyers, journalists, professors, and even as members of WOLA’s staff.

Every semester, WOLA’s new interns are paired with staff mentors and absorbed into the work of the organization. They collaborate on a mix of research, analytical, and administrative work, and they are encouraged to get involved in the day-to-day activities of their teams.

WOLA selects three interns per session (Spring, Summer, and Fall), and each intern is assigned to work with two of the programs from the following; Border Security, Central American Monitor, Colombia, Communications, Cuba, Development/Fundraising, Drug Policy, Mexico and Migrant Rights, Operations and Human Resources, and Venezuela. The available programs are based on the intern’s interests as well as WOLA’s needs; they change every session.

Interns also participate in the behind-the-scenes work of running a non-profit organization, including helping with technology, media, finance, and event planning.

For Winter/Spring 2025, this cohort will consist of three (3) internships which can be either hybrid or remote. Hybrid interns are expected to come into the office at least half of the time they work.  Interns that would like to be considered for a remote internship should specifically indicate so in their cover letters. Interns are paid $18 an hour and are required to work between 20-25 hours per week. We offer an academically and professionally enriching environment for interns to learn and grow. WOLA is willing to work with students to arrange for university credit. If you are applying through a university or fellowship program that comes with funding, please state this in your email.

Interested applicants should have a demonstrated interest in human rights, democracy, and social justice in Latin America; initiative and flexibility; the ability to work in a fast-paced environment; good organizational skills; follow-through; and attention to detail. A minimum of intermediate-advanced Spanish proficiency is required for all internships. Intermediate Portuguese language skills and an interest/experience in development, operations, or communications are pluses. 

Lastly, due to the paid nature of this internship you must be authorized to work in the United States. 

This internship is open to all of those interested, no matter what stage you are at in your life, you do not need to be enrolled in a university. WOLA takes pride in prioritizing candidates that have not previously had a chance to intern with similar non-profits or human rights related NGOs in the past. As long as you can commit to 20-25 hours a week and meet the requirements above you may apply.

In order to be considered for an internship, WOLA needs the following materials:

1) Resume; in English.

2) Cover letter; provide two copies, one in English and one in Spanish. in this state:

• An estimate of your dates of availability.
• Your particular interest in a specific program(s), if you have one.
• Why you want to intern at WOLA and your level of Spanish.

3) One reference

Please submit all application materials via email to internapp@wola.org. Due to the amount of applications we receive all applicants will receive an automatic email acknowledging receipt of your documents. If you have not received it check your spam inbox.