Where will I live, and how do I know it's safe to live with my host?
After registering, you will be able to search a database of potential hosts near any organizations you are interested in working for. You will be matched up with hosts according to your preferences on the registration form.
The host families are not screened by STAND, and STAND is not responsible for the safety of interns. However, most of them are known to and were recommended by at least one organization in the area. If you would like more information about the family, you should contact the organizations listed as references or the family directly.
How will I get there?
You must provide your own transportation to the city or town in which you will be working. You might want to ask the organization you will be working for for advice about nearby airports, trains, etc.
Do I need transporation once I arrive?
This depends greatly on the area in which you choose to work. Some host families will have a car you can use occasionally, or will be able to drive you when necessary, but in general, you will have to provide your own transporation. This means that if you do not have your own car that you can take with you and you are planning to work in an organization that is not accessible by public transportation, you must be able to find a host who has specified that s/he can drive you or let you borrow his/her car.
Will food be provided?
Breakfast and dinner will be provided on Sunday through Thursday and breakfast will be provided on Friday and Saturday in MOST host families. Occasionally, a family will not be able to provide all of these meals. In this case, you and/or the family will have the opportunity to apply for a small stipend to cover costs of these meals.
What if I do not get along with my host?
We encourage you to make an effort to work out problems with your host. If this seems impossible, you can either try to search in our database for a new host in your area or you can ask the organization to assist you in your search.
What kind of work will I be doing, and who will I be working with?
Work needed by organizations ranges from organizing rallies to canvasing to writing letters to the editor of local newspapers. In your registration form, you will be asked to specify any particular skills or interests you can offer, and organization will be asked what kinds of skills they most need. Most organizations have teams of paid workers, interns, and volunteers who work together on a variety of projects. However, this varies greatly depending on the needs of your organization. For more information about the needs of specific organizations and who interns will work with, please read the information provided by them, visit their website, or call them.
When do I start and end?
We are asking for at least a two week commitment whenever possible. We expect that most interns will work for one to two months during the summer. When you fill out your registration form, you will specify the dates you are available to work. The organizations and hosts you will be matched up with will depend on this information.
Do I need insurance?
We highly recommend, but do not require, that you have medical insurance.
Does STAND do any screening of 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.