Internship

Thank you for your interest in doing an internship at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Office for Regional Cooperation in Asia based in Singapore.

An internship at the FES Office for Regional Cooperation in Asia offers the possibility to experience and support the work of a political foundation. FES is an independent, non-governmental organisation,committed to the values of social democracy and international cooperation. The office in Singapore focuses on promoting social justice as a key factor for inclusive growth and as a core element of political processes in Asia.  It contributes to this purpose with several programmes in cooperation with local partners and organisations. The programmes are: 1) (Inter-) Regional Dialogue in ASEM and ASEAN: 2)Regional Trade Union Programme; 3) Social Security; and 4) Decent Work in Asia.

Internships - duration and working areas

FES Office for Regional Cooperation in Asia offers internships to advanced students (with completed B.A.) in Political Science, Social Science, Economics, or related studies, who want to experience the working environment of a political foundation. Interns with substantial knowledge on Asia, especially Southeast Asia, are preferred. Generally, interns are required to support the FES team in doing desk research, organizing workshops and conferences as well as writing reports and assist in office administration. It is possible for the intern to express an area of particular interest.
The duration of an internship should be between two and six months. FES cannot offer any financial compensation for the internship. The working language is English, but skills in other Asian languages are of advantage. Living in Singapore will pose a special cultural experience, even though the living conditions are comparable to that of Europe. You should always be open-minded to the surrounding and the local culture and be able to adapt to a certain degree. FES will provide you with more detailed information upon your successful application.

Application

Applications (to be written in English) should be submitted well in advance of the projected start date of the internship. The following documents are to be included:

• Motivation: explain your interest and expectations, including the start date and proposed length of your internship; state which area of work you are especially interested in
• Curriculum Vita, including a recent photograph
• Recent overview of marks issued by the university
• Other relevant documents, e.g. testimonial letters

Please send your application and the required documents by email to Ms Giang Pham at pham.huong.giang[at]fes-asia.org.

Preparations

The visa application has to follow the regulations of the Government of Singapore as stipulated by its Ministry of Manpower. FES can provide you some information on the regulations and requirements. For health recommendations and immunization requirements, please refer to the German federal foreign office.

Accommodation

There are several possibilities, but most interns rent a room for SGD 800 to 1.000 per month. The room is usually equipped with air conditioner, bed, wardrobe, desk as well as internet access (LAN) and you will mostly find a common kitchen and toilet. You may find a pool and gym in condominiums. For more information and recommendations you can ask the FES team in the Office for Regional Cooperation for Asia at any time.

Further Links:

• Information about Singapur from German federal foreign office
  
• Ministry of Manpower, Singapore
  
• DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service