The Catholic University of America
Institute for Policy Research & Catholic Studies
620 Michigan Ave., N.E.
Washington, DC 20064
Phone: 202-319-5999
[email protected]
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA
For more information, please contact:
International
Program
Associates
Institute for Policy
Research & Catholic
Studies
“There is so much need out there and not
enough social workers to create relationships
among systems to help bring about social
justice at the international level.”
-Nevila Gremi, IPA
“The experience in the Philippines provided
me with an increased admiration for those
serving in the social work profession.”
-Jennifer Green, IPA
“This opportunity was empowering and
educational.”
-Fatoumata Bathily, IPA
THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR YOU!
The Catholic University of America’s Institute
for Policy Research and Catholic Teaching (IPR)
is offering international experiences to the
university’s masters and doctoral students. All
students who have completed a year of graduate
study are eligible to apply.
The International Program Associates (IPA) aims
to respond to opportunities abroad for
international social development work. In
addition, the program also serves as an
educational and professional opportunity for IPA
students to engage and partner with international
agencies as well as learn about the various issues
that are facing the world today.
The IPA began in 2006 at Catholic University.
Currently, IPR is partnering with international
NGOs and community-based non-profits to create
work experiences in the Philippines, Nicaragua,
Jerusalem, and Tanzania. IPR continues to open
the doors for further international relationships
for the future.
opportunity to practice a variety of skills:
grant writing, program evaluation, strategic
and operational planning, needs assessments,
conceptual framework or programs, and
capacity-building projects.
PLACEMENTS
Philippines
IPA students will work with Community and
Family Services International in Manila, which is
an international non-governmental organization
working on issues of social development and
conflict resolution, working primarily in Asia and
the Pacific. CFSI is committed to peace and
social development, with a particular interest in
the psychosocial dimension.
The organization’s programs focus on
humanitarian assistance, social development,
child and family welfare, health promotion, and
research. Placement opportunities in the
Philippines include: youth programs, group work,
program and business administration, and needs
assessments and evaluations.
BENEFITS OF IPA:
Nicaragua

IPR’s International Program Associates
program provides students with the
opportunity to gain professional international
social development experience.

The program immerses the student in a
different culture, allowing them to utilize
their skills to assist local communities, local
agencies, and most importantly, the people
themselves with their problems and solutions

The program allows students to apply
knowledge gained in the classroom.

In addition to working with individuals and
communities, students will have the
The John Paul II Technical Institute open in 1999
to provide vocational training and high school
subjects to the poor children of the capitol city of
Managua. Its partner school, Flor de Maria Rizo,
is located in the beautiful mountains of Jinotega.
This school provided technical education to the
children of the campesinos, coffee pickers on a
large coffee plantation. These Catholic schools
have need of English teachers, social workers,
nurses, media and web site designers, fundraisers, grant writers, and community organizers.
(Students should have some knowledge of
Spanish).
Jerusalem
The Spafford Children’s Centre dates back to
the 1870s when the Spafford family, a devout
Christian family first traveled to the Holy Land.
By the 1940s, they had established medical and
social services programs for families and
children in Jerusalem. Today, IPA students may
work with the Spafford Children’s Center in
their medical, psychosocial, cultural or
administrative departments. Agency is located
in Jerusalem steps away from the West Wall of
the old city. There is a need for students with
expertise in media, fund-raising, teaching, and
nursing. (Some Arabic helpful).
Tanzania
Looking to gain experience in social enterprise,
economic empowerment, community
development, non-profit management, women’s
development, refugee reintegration? Join
Womencraft and have the experience of a
lifetime.
WomenCraft is a community driven social
enterprise that connects talented rural East
African artisans with regional and international
fair-trade markets. Its members create highquality, handcrafted products that preserve local
traditions and incorporate environmentallysustainable local materials. Skills needed by
Womencraft are those in marketing, business,
product design, marketing, women’s
development, fair trade, media and website
design.
APPLICATION PROCESS
All interested students must complete an
application form by the designated deadline.
Interviews will be scheduled shortly after
application deadline. Applicants will be selected
by a committee comprised of faculty, past IPA
participants, and international field agency staff
members. Applications are available on-line at:
ipr.cua.edu/ipa. The deadline is February 28,
2017.
FUNDING
Selected students will be responsible for paying
their travel, room and board. The expected
expenses for the trips range from $1500-$3000
for ten weeks. Limited financial aid is available
based on need.