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The Ralph J. Bunche
International Affairs Center
2218 6th Street NW,
Washington, D.C. 20059
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The Bunche Center Newsletter
November 2021
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In This Issue:
- Upcoming Events
- Embassy Walks, Fall Recap
- Diaspora Connect
- Giving Tuesday
- Studying Abroad During COVID-19
- Diwali 2021
- Farewell, 2021 PRH Cohort
- Bison Abroad Updates
- Native American Heritage Month
- Fellowships, Internships & Career Opportunities
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This semester, we've visited the embassies of India, Colombia, Ireland, and Botswana. Hear from our students about their experiences below! |
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Angel Bryant
Sophomore International Relations Major
I wanted to go on embassy walks because I’m interested in international affairs and want to work in an embassy or consulate. I was not sure what to expect when we entered the embassy. Fancy dinnerware? Million-dollar paintings? 60-inch flatscreen TVs? I found most embassies were humble, but filled with warmth and culture. It felt as if I stepped into that country and was welcomed by its people, which is technically true of embassies. While all the embassies I have walked to are my favorite, the most memorable embassy walk was to the Embassy of India. We first stopped outside to view the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and learn about his legacy. The statue depicts him on the Salt March, an act of civil disobedience to protest British rule in India. Inside, we were welcomed by embassy staff and had traditional Indian snacks for refreshments: samosa and gulab jamun. We were also treated with Indian history and a book of choice with words from Mahatma Gandhi. It was also interesting to hear about the journeys of the embassy staff and where in India they were born. There were staff from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Punjab, and more! Experiences like the embassy walks are important because they allow you to peer behind the veil of diplomacy and gain first-hand experiences with diplomats. After that, you realize they are only human like you are.
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Leilani Flint
Junior Journalism Major
During the Fall semester, I had the opportunity to visit international embassies with a few of my classmates. The embassy walks were an enlightening experience. I was able to tour the world and explore different cultures and customs without leaving D.C. I visited the embassies of India, Ireland, and Botswana. Although each embassy highlighted its own cultural and diplomatic customs, The Botswana embassy was the most memorable for me. During the tour, The staff discussed the importance of free universal healthcare and equal access to education for all citizens of Botswana. The embassy showcased a beautiful selection of their traditional crafts and arts, such as Basketry. The Botswana Embassy tour allowed me to delve into the African Diaspora and possibly visit Botswana in the future! Not only have the embassy tours been beneficial to me, but I also hope to inspire my friends and family on the importance of broadening our horizons and immersing ourselves with our global neighbors!
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Missed out? Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @HUBuncheCenter to learn about next semester's embassy walks. |
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Diaspora Connect is officially launched! We are so excited to begin this initiative, sponsored by 100k Strong in the Americas. 15 Howard students, along with 15 AfroColombian students will build relationships while strengthening their Spanish/English skills via a virtual exchange over the next several months. Funding from the grant will allow some Howard students to travel to Colombia in March 2022, and some Colombian students to travel to Washington, DC in May 2022! During the visits they will learn about each other's communities and meet with community leaders, other students, professors and local officials. See below to support these students and ensure that all 15 will be able to travel!
Click here to follow their journey on the blog!
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With Giving Tuesday next week, we ask that you support our students in the Diaspora Connect Program. This March, we hope to be able to send 15 Howard students to Colombia. Please, consider making a donation to fund this cultural exchange!
If you'd like to donate, click the link here
Follow these instructions to successfully donate to Diaspora Connect:
1) After choosing your donation amount, scroll down
and select "other" for "Designation"
2) Type in "Ralph J. Bunche Center--Diaspora Connect"
in the text box that appears below
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Studying Abroad During COVID-19 |
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Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many study abroad organizations have resumed normal programming. However, some students were not able to travel, so they participated in their programs online. Read about the experience of sophomore Skylar Williams as she navigated studying abroad virtually during COVID-19. |
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What motivated you to study abroad during COVID-19?
I was accepted into the State Department's Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) program before COVID-19 really hit, so I did not know it was going to be virtual. However, CLS being online did not deter me because I have always wanted to study abroad. Even though it was virtual, I still wanted to find a way to be immersed in the culture.
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What types of activities were you able to do online? Describe a typical day. What did you learn?
Honestly, some of the activities were restrictive due to the online environment. Since everything took place on Zoom, it was a bit hard to follow various activities that took place in the program. In the morning, I would meet with my language partner and do some sort of fun bonding activity such as cooking traditional Korean food or playing Korean games. During the night, I participated in our daily class where we learned intensive Korean grammar, vocabulary, and practiced speaking in Korean with our classmates. After class, we would have 1:1 consultations with our teacher where we would practice speaking, improve our grammar, and learn about a specific topic. To make us feel like we were actually in Korea, the CLS program directors and teachers only allowed us to speak in Korean.
Do you feel that your virtual experience motivated you to study abroad in person?
My virtual experience definitely motivated me to study abroad in-country. Although being online was fun and fulfilling, I feel that I could have learned more in person. I think that being in person would have allowed me to learn the language a little better. Instead of doing zoom calls a few hours in the day, I would be surrounded 24/7 by the Korean language and culture. I did notice that it was easier to get distracted on zoom because I was sitting in my room. I learn better when I can fully participate in activities and conversations.
How do you feel about the strength of connections you made online?
Were you able to form meaningful relationships with your cohort?
Even though the entire program was online, I made close friends. Since we were in class and did activities every day, I became extremely close to my classmates and language partner. In fact, I still talk to some of my classmates every day, and I am planning on meeting them in person.
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Skylar Williams is a sophomore at Howard University, class of 2024. She majors in TV/Film.
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As part of our "How(ard) about India Series, we'd like to acknowledge Diwali! This Hindu holiday started in November.
Diwali is the five-day “Festival of Lights”, symbolizing new beginnings, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The festival gets its name from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning "rows of lighted lamps". Indians light these outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
Diwali is celebrated in various religions and cultures, especially in South Asia. It is observed differently by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists, making for a rich collection of cultural traditions. The date of Diwali is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, so the dates change every year. Diwali normally falls sometime between October and November. The celebrations last for several days.
For Hindus, Diwali is a time for dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service). People will often line candles and lamps throughout their house and along their driveway. They might also buy colorful new clothes or host gatherings and feasts. Additionally, Hindus may perform a deep cleaning of their homes and surroundings. Cleanliness is believed to invoke the blessings of deities related to wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, is worshipped as the bringer of blessings for the new year.
Watch the video below to learn more about Diwali!
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Farewell to the 2021 PRH Fellows! |
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The Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship celebrated yet another successful cohort on Saturday, November 20th at the Closing Ceremony. During the event, the PRH Fellows shared reflections on their year traversing through the field of public affairs and the impact of the fellowship as they consider future opportunities.
We were also able to hear from many of the newly-selected 2022 PRH Fellows who expressed excitement about their journey to come. President Wayne Frederick joined the ceremony to offer remarks about the excellent character of the Fellows and encouraged them to stay true to their authentic selves while enjoying their professional journey. Mentors and internship partners, who are fundamental to the PRH Fellowship, also shared stories about the positive relationship they were able to cultivate with the students.
As the program expands and the PRH community grows, we look forward to the positive contributions the PRH Fellows will make!
We thank the PRH Selection Committee, Mentors, Internship partners, and friends of the fellowship who help the fellowship grow and thrive each year!
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Interested in studying abroad? The deadline to apply for spring 2022 is now closed! Apply by March 16 to study abroad in summer or fall 2022.
Click here to register for an info session.
Study abroad programs are available for the fall, spring and summer terms.
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In September, the Bunche Center held its interest meeting for the Bunche Brigade. The "Bunche Brigade" is a student volunteer group for those interested in all things global.
Benefits of joining the Bunche Brigade include:
- Being the first to know about international opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, & internships;
- Being a peer advisor and sharing your experience abroad with like-minded students;
- Gaining leadership skills by supporting Bunche Center events and building your resumé;
- Engaging with special guests and speakers;
- Promoting global education on campus.
Previous study abroad experience is NOT required!
Click here to access the interest form
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Native American Heritage Month |
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November is Native American Heritage Month!
This month, many of us will celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday whose origins celebrate the alliance between European pilgrims and their Native American allies. However, Indigenous Americans today are fighting for representation, protections and rights.
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Internships, Fellowships & Career Opportunities |
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The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers.
This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Students live at Howard University, attend classes, and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals at Howard and at diverse locations around Washington, DC.
The Program covers the costs for tuition, travel, housing, and two meals per day. It also provides a stipend of $3,300. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2022.
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The Global Policy and Outreach team at Search for Common Ground (Search) is seeking an intern to provide research and administrative support to several ongoing policy advocacy initiatives.
Policy interns have the opportunity to contribute to outreach and advocacy on both specific countries/geographies as well as cross-cutting global issues through the responsibilities outlined below.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the development of policy recommendations and products, such as white papers, sign-on letters, op-eds, and communications materials;
- Conduct research related to US government and multilateral policies, legislation, and priorities;
- Identify and research opportunities around key Search advocacy themes and geographies;
- Attend briefings, roundtables, hearings, and other relevant events and share notes within the organization;
- Maintain and update knowledge management tools;
- Assist in monitoring the results of Search’s international policy efforts;
- Perform general administrative tasks, as needed.
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Interested in a global career in Information Technology (IT)? Have your education fully funded by the U.S. Department of State!
If you want to use your tech skills to make a difference, see the world, and experience different cultures, the Foreign Affairs IT (FAIT) Fellowship is an opportunity of a lifetime. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this two-year Fellowship program is a path to a career in the Foreign Service by providing academic funding for an IT-related degree, internships, professional development and mentorship – culminating in an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist (IMS).
To be eligible to apply for the 2022 cohort, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen;
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program relevant to Information Technology at a U.S.-based accredited institution and entering your junior year in fall 2022, OR
- Be seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution beginning in fall 2022;
- Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s degree in May 2024;
- Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA through participation in the program;
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Be able to obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements;
- Agree to a minimum five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.
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Why International Affairs?
If you are looking for a career in foreign policy, intelligence, international development, diplomacy or national security, Washington, DC is the place for you.
This TFAS program track is ideal for students who are passionate about global issues and are looking to gain the professional experience needed to break into this competitive field.
What Makes this Program Track Unique?
- An internship placement in the field of international affairs (embassy, international NGO, policy group, federal agency)
- Coursework in international economics and government designed to complement your real-word experience
- Guest lectures featuring prominent foreign policy and economics experts
- Networking through career-focused panels and small group discussions led by professionals working in Public Diplomacy, World Bank, State Department, Defense Consulting, Humanitarian Aid + Relief, Department of Homeland Security, Peace Corps, USAID, CIA, FBI and Intelligence.
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The Project Finance team specializes in financial sector, telecommunications, manufacturing, and other highly complicated transactions. Interns receive exposure to international project finance and work in collaboration with seasoned financiers in the loan origination process.
Typical duties include:
- Reviewing applications for financing;
- Analyzing existing financial statements of the sponsor or of the project;
- Analyzing and running sensitivities on financial models of projected project cash flows;
- Writing country political and economic summaries and political risk analyses;
- Preparing portions of loan papers being presented to Credit or Investment Committee;
- Collaborating with Investment Officers to present the proposed loan to an approval committee;
- Working with members of other departments to receive required clearances; and
- Working with a project team to assist in the processing of disbursement requests.
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The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.
The Logistics Specialist prepares for the arrival of new refugees by assuring safe, sanitary, and furnished housing is secured for each new arrival.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Furnish new homes for refugee clients and transport donations as needed.
- Process electronic and physical entry of client data and expenses.
- Track and value donation distribution.
- Research new housing partners and sources of donations.
- Other related duties as assigned.
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Do your interests intersect with public health? The Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP) is designed for undergraduate students and its goal is to increase interest and knowledge of public health and biomedical science careers. SPHSP is a partnership of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, and the Mailman School of Public Health. Together, they represent the broad spectrum of public health practice. SPHSP was awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Minority Health, and Health Equity (OMHHE), under the CDC Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program (CUPS).
The program is designed for undergraduates entering their junior or senior year and recent baccalaureate degree students who are undecided about their career goals. This is a rigorous program which includes Public Health coursework at Columbia University; hands-on field experience and immersion in a diverse, economically disadvantaged urban environment; seminars and lectures with public health leaders; and mentoring by faculty members, ensuring students' exposure to the breadth and importance of public health as a career option.
Participants are provided:
- Stipend: A stipend for participation is provided to all program scholars.
- Travel: Each scholar is provided financial support for round-trip travel.
- Housing: Housing is provided to all students on the Columbia University Morningside Campus.
Deadline to apply is January 31st, 2022!
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The Council on Foreign Affairs has several internships for spring 2022, hiring on a rolling basis!
In an ever-changing world, CFR’s work as a leading nonpartisan resource for information and ideas about foreign policy is more important than ever. At CFR, interns do work that matters alongside smart and dedicated staff in a diverse and inclusive environment. Interns are paid a competitive hourly wage while gaining valuable experience through exposure to leading foreign policy experts. They are also offered professional development training as a foundation for future work in the field of foreign policy and international affairs. Internship opportunities are offered through the Blavatnik Internship Program and Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program.
Spring 2022 internship opportunities will begin on a remote basis with a possibility of limited onsite work. However, it will be possible to participate in the program on a fully-remote basis as well.
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Want to get in touch with the Bunche Center?
Email us at BuncheCenter@Howard.edu!
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[202-806-4363] [BuncheCenter@Howard.edu] [global.howard.edu] |
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