How will I be matched up with an intern?
During registration, you can indicate what kind of help you need. Students will be matched up with you during their search depending on this information. Once a student indicates their preference to work for you, you will be able to access information about that student. Then, you will have the opportunity to confirm this match.
Must we pay interns?
Students, when registering, are told they will most likely not receive a stipend from organizations. However, if you like, you may indicate that you will offer a stipend.
How many interns can I have?
You will be asked how many student interns you would like when you register. When you have all the students you have said you want, the name of your organization will be removed from the searchable database.
When do students arrive and leave?
We are asking for at least a two week commitment from students and hosts whenever possible. We expect that most students will work for one to two months during the summer. When you register, you will specify the dates you would like students to be available. The students you will be matched up with will be compatible with you with regard to dates.
How can I find host families for the student interns?
You probably know many people near your organization who normally volunteer to help out with events, etc. You will probably want to contact them first. Here is a sample email that you can send to your mailing list in order to advertise for hosts. Whatever other methods you use when you advertise an event might be appropriate to consider using to find a host. Sometimes, a potential host might find your organization during the search process and offer to host students who will work for you. It is up to you to decide whether you want to accept hosts previously unknown to you. Note: You are responsible for screening potential hosts, through whatever process you deem appropriate. When a host registers, s/he must provide two references. You may contact these references if you wish.
How is a host matched up with a student?
Once a host registers, s/he will be in a database that students can search to find a host. When a student whose preferences are compatible with a host decides s/he wants to consider him/her, s/he will request that person on the website. The next time the potential host logs in to the website, s/he will be able to read about the potential student. When s/he decides to accept that student, you will be notified. Then, you should confirm that you can use the student as a volunteer and approve the three-way match.
Am I responsible for getting the students to the host families?
No. That will be worked out between each student and host family.
Who will provide transportation for the student(s) once they are in town?
This depends greatly on the area you live in. Some host families will allow student(s) to use their car occasionally, or will be able to drive the student(s) when necessary, but in general, the student(s) will have to provide their own transporation. This means that a student who does not take his/her own car and is working for an organization that is not accessible by public transportation must live with a host who has specified that s/he can drive the student(s) or let them borrow a car. You might want to assist the student(s) in finding car pools to and from your organization.
What if a host and a student do not get along?
Generally, most problems can be worked out. If this seems impossible, the student(s) can either try to search in our database for a new host in the area or ask you to assist in the search. You are not responsible for matching hosts and students in any case.
Do students have medical insurance? What do I do in case of emergency?
We highly recommend, but do not require, that students have medical insurance. If you like, you can specify during the registration process that you are only comfortable working with students who have medical insurance. You might want to get information from the student about who to contact in an emergency. Your legal responsibilities are essentially the same as they are for other volunteers.
Does STAND do any screening of students, hosts, or organizations?
STAND is a student volunteer organization and makes no representations regarding the potential suitability of any volunteer or summer intern for a particular organization, assignment, or host family living accommodation. All interns are encouraged and advised to conduct their own assessments of a proposed opportunity or assignment, to their own satisfaction, prior to accepting an assignment.
Does the program have any other rules I should be aware of?
In general, the program only asks that students are respectful of host families and responsible and reliable at the organization they work for.