International Coalition of Sites of Conscience Internships
Virtual and in-person internships with the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.
The International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC) is a global network of historic sites, museums and memory initiatives. These sites connect past struggles to today's movements for social and environmental justice.
The ICSC works to promote social justice and a universal culture of human rights through:
- empowering marginalised communities
- countering hate speech and violent extremism
- ensuring we preserve the memories of victims of human rights violations
These virtual internships are truly unique and allow students to gain valuable work experience with international organisations. Member sites benefit from the international perspectives and academic expertise of Newcastle students.
The ICSC internships are varied, combining both work and learning activities. Previous students have interned at:
- The Human Rights Media Centre in South Africa. This intern analysed social justice and human rights violations, creating content for multi-media dissemination
- Asociacion Caminos de la Memoria in Peru. This internship involved working on communication strategies, improving working relationships across the site
- The Women’s Rights Initiative in Uganda (virtual internship). This intern researched sustainability networks to enhance to the site's sustainability farming projects
Eligibility
- All students from all study backgrounds can apply, however the individual sites have specified the type of student that would be most suitable for their role
Scholarship
The GO Global Scholarship is available for students taking part.
Dates
- Successful interns will agree internship dates with their host sites - this can be flexible between May - September. The internship should be around 20 hours per week for 5 weeks.
How to apply
Applications for Summer 2026 will open soon - you can see the participating host sites listed below. More host sites will be added to this list over the next few weeks.
- You can apply for up to three sites, but you must submit an application per site
- Your application must be tailored to the chosen site and demonstrate clear research and motivation
The application form will be published once all sites have been listed - likely the end of February 2026.
Grupo de Apoyo Mutuo, Guatemala
Site Background
The Grupo de Apoyo Mutuo (GAM) historical archive site contains information related with the testimonies from Guatemala's civil war victims. The GAM has collected thousands of documents related with human rights violations committed during the internal armed conflict in Guatemala. GAM works with national and international students to systematize and digitize these documents for safeguarding historical memory in Guatemala.
Intern Role
Using the documents of the GAM Historical Archive, students can help in two main activities:
- Research: with mentorship, the intern will help organise information regarding places, names, testimonies, or any other information that can help investigations of human rights violations during the internal armed conflict. Some of these activities are related with identifying any other sources of information that can develop better plans of investigation to give access to justice for victims of human rights violations
- Create materials to broadcast historical memory: Using testimonies, press reports or any other human rights violations, the intern will help develop communication materials to be broadcasted in digital platforms.
Key skills
GAM have not specified any student but suggest skills in:
- Research
- Legal analysis
- Communication skills
- Translation (Spanish/English preferred)
- Website/graphic design/social media experience
- Journalism/poetry
Eligibility
- 1st / 2nd year undergraduate student
- Spanish language (desirable)
Human Rights and Legal Aid Network, Sudan
Site Background
HRLAN provides capacity building, legal aid, human rights awareness rising to community as a whole and pressurize government to sign and ratify international convention in order to establish relation systems and ensure human rights for Sudanese people by advocate, challenge, seek commitment, objectively and equality in the work.
Intern Role
Main responsibilities may include:
- Legal aid support - preparing case files, legal documents etc
- Research and advocacy
- Helping to build and deliver community training workshops / community outreach
- Contribute to report writing
- Policy Engagement - drafting advocacy letters and policy briefs
Key skills
- Ability to conduct legal research
- Strong written and verbal communication skills (Arabic language desirable)
- Experience with policy writing
- Competence in Microsoft
- Intern must have a commitment to human rights, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, integrety and be able to work in team/show initiative
Eligibility
- 3rd or 4th year undergraduate studying either Law, Politics, International Relations
- PGT or PGR with research focusing on human rights, legal studies, peace and conflict studies or development studies
Museo de la Palabra y la Imagen, El Salvador
Site Background
MUPI is a foundation dedicated to the investigation, preservation, and dissemination of the historical and cultural patrimony of El Salvador. The MUPI permanently accompanies indigenous and peasant communities in their process to document their historical memory, and organizes youth workshops on themes such as memory and human rights.
Intern Role
Main responsibilities may include:
- Conduct guided archival research in UK-based archives, libraries, and digital repositories
- Identify primary historical sources related to El Salvador, eg. Diplomatic and political records or audiovisual materials
- Analyse and contextualise identified materials within Salvadoran historical, social, and cultural processes
- Produce structured research summaries and thematic reports
- Support preliminary archival description by proposing basic metadata (date, author, origin, content description)
Key skills
- Practical experience in international and transnational archival research (desirable)
- Skills in historical analysis and documentation
- Familiarity with museum research practices and memory institutions
- Experience working collaboratively in an international, remote professional environment
Eligibility
- Undergraduate or postgraduate
- Must be fluent in Spanish
- Studying either History, International Relations, Politics, Latin American Studies, Heritage, Museum or Cultural Studies, Archival or Library Studies
Youth Initiative for Human Rights, Kosovo
Site Background
Youth Initiative for Human Rights – Kosovo (YIHR KS) is a non-governmental organization established in 2003 as part of the regional Youth Initiative for Human Rights network. The organization works to advance human rights, reconciliation, and democratic values by encouraging young people to actively engage in confronting the past and shaping a peaceful future.
Intern Role
Main responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with research and documentation related to human rights, transitional justice, minority rights, and memory initiatives
- Supporting the implementation of youth programs, workshops, public discussions, and cultural or educational events
- Contributing to advocacy and monitoring activities, including drafting short reports, summaries, or background materials
- Assisting with communication and visibility, such as preparing social media content, website updates, and outreach materials
- Providing organizational support for ongoing projects, including coordination with partners, participants, and stakeholders
- Supporting archival, digital documentation, or educational projects related to dealing with the past (depending on current programs)
Key skills
- Strong interest in human rights/social justice
- Motivation to work in a post-conflict/politically sensitive context
- Curious and open to learning
- Ability to work independently and part of a team
- Comfortable with research/writing
Eligibility
- 3rd / 4th year undergraduate or postgraduate student (highly motivated, earlier stage students may also be considered)
- Studying Law, Politics, International Relations, Human Rights, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Peace/Conflict Studies, Journalism or Communications
An eye-opening experience that was full of learning, friendship and culture. It allowed me to gain experience that is highly relevant to my future career aspirations.