The Sally Yudelman 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. Interns at WOLA gain hands-on experience through staff mentorship and exciting opportunities that offer an in-depth look at the dynamic world of human rights advocacy. Join us in driving meaningful change in the Americas.
Fundraising and Communications Internships
The Fundraising and Communications Intern will support WOLA’s fundraising and communications teams, assisting with event planning, database management, email campaigns, social media and website content. Interns will gain hands-on experience in donor cultivation and learn to effectively communicate WOLA’s mission to diverse audiences.
This internship provides valuable exposure to fundraising and strategic communications while promoting human rights in Latin America. It is ideal for students interested in non-profit management, philanthropy, journalism, or marketing. Experience with translation, event planning, digital software, or multimedia is considered a plus.
Foreign Policy Internships
Policy interns are each assigned to one or more specific thematic areas. Interns take on a wide range of responsibilities; on any given day, an intern might attend a hearing on Capitol Hill while another translates a press release and another conducts research for a memo. The position includes immersion into WOLA’s expert teams, and offers students first-hand experience in the research, strategy, and development of human rights advocacy. Policy interns are ideally suited for students interested in international relations, foreign policy, or political science—in addition to human rights and Latin America. Experience with translation, technical writing, and research is a plus.
Application Instructions
For Summer 2025, the cohort will consist of three (3) internships, which can be either hybrid or remote. Hybrid inters are able to come into the office approximately half of the time they work. Interns that would like to be considered for a remote internship should specify this 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 professional 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
- Your specific dates of availability and number of hours you will be available to work
- Your particular interest in specific programs, communications, or development
- Why do you want to intern at WOLA and your level of Spanish?
3. Two writing samples
- One in English and one in Spanish on a writing topic of your choice (no more than 2 pages each)
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. Candidates will only be contacted if they are moved forward in the process.
Spring Dates
Application Deadline March 15, 2025
Selection Deadline Mid-May
Length of Internship: Early June – Mid-August
If you require an earlier deadline due to university funding or credit, please include the date in the subject line of your email
In honor of Sally Yudelman for her commitment and contribution to WOLA and the cause of social justice
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.
Interns also participate in the behind-the-scenes work of running a non-profit organization, including helping with technology, media, finance, and event planning.
