International Internships (i-Intern)

The Philippines: Social Enterprise Internship with BagoSphere in Bago City

What is this programme about?

BagoSphere (www.bagosphere.com) is a social enterprise start-up offering affordable and effective vocational training programmes specifically catered for rural youths living at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP) to gain access to high value jobs. Through a specially designed curriculum, BagoSphere bridges the skill gap between education and the job market, and aims to unlock the potential in youths to uplift them from poverty and better the lives of their families.

This internship opportunity with BagoSphere will allow NUS interns a great opportunity to experience and learn how a social enterprise is run. Interns will also be able to interact with rural youths and the community and learn about Filipino culture.

When does the programme take place?

Late-May to early-August, 2013

Where does the programme take place?

Bago City, Negros Occidental, the Philippines

Bago City, in the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines, is a place of natural beauty and scenery. Its enchanting mountains, mystic caves, lakes and cascading waterfalls are sights to behold. A hotspot for eco-tourism, the City is home to a friendly and hospitable community of about 170,000 natives. Bago City is an hour’s drive from the provincial capital/airport of Bacolod, and an additional 90 minutes flight from the Filipino capital of Manila.

What is the academic/internship content?

NUS interns will work closely with the Head of Training at BagoSphere to scope, develop and implement at least one training improvement project during the internship. The project is targeted at strengthening BagoSphere’s training capabilities, and may involve developing curriculum content, improving processes, or a study of BagoSphere’s training system to identify problems. Interns will also get an opportunity to interact and network with key stakeholders including the local community, microfinance institutions and NGOs.

The intern will participate in at least two pre-internship sessions in Singapore to help him/her become orientated with BagoSphere, and a post-internship review session to reflect on the learning experience.

What is the intern accommodation?

BagoSphere will arrange for interns to stay with a host family of a City Government employee. Interns will be staying in the same neighborhood as the company’s founders. Meals will be provided as part of the home-stay experience.

How much does it cost?

BagoSphere will provide all interns with airport transfers, accommodation, main meals and internet access (at the office and accommodation). See table below for an estimate of other costs.

Item	Cost (for 10 week internship)
Accommodation	Provided by BagoSphere
Food	Main meals provided by host family. Additional meals at approx. SGD 250
Ground Transport	Approx. SGD 100
Airfare (SIN-Manila-Bacolod)	Approx. SGD 400 (on budget airline)
Insurance	Approx. SGD 250
Visa	21-day visitor’s visa is free for Singaporeans. SGD 100 per 60-day extension thereafter.
Miscellaneous Expenditure (e.g. fortnightly trip to Manila, etc.)	Approx. SGD 1,000
Total Estimated Cost	Approx. SGD 2,100

Please note, these are estimated expenses and actual expenses may differ based on price shifts and personal spending habits!

Is financial assistance available?

Students participating on this programme are eligible to apply for the NASA Enhancement Bursary or Scholarship. For more information, visit this webpage: http://www.nus.edu.sg/iro/financial/out/nasa/index.html

Number of placements available?

Up to 2 placements.

What are the eligibility requirements?

	Students from any faculty who have completed at least one year of study at NUS prior to participating in this programme. Students should not be in their graduating semester prior to participating in this programme. Prior Youth Expedition Project (YEP) experience and internship/work experience is preferable. Strong interest in social entrepreneurship is preferable. Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
		Good interpersonal skills. Time-management and project management skills. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Good initiative and attitude/commitment towards personal development.

 

Is a visa required?

Yes. BagoSphere will provide the necessary advice for obtaining a temporary visitor’s visa, as well as for in-country visa extensions after arrival in the Philippines.

Embassy of the Philippines in Singapore
20 Nassim Road
Singapore 258395

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have proper entry documents for all countries they plan to visit as part of this programme!

How do I apply?

Application deadline is Monday, 25 February 2013.

Applications and Required Documents

	Students are to complete the IRO Programme Application Form. Submit your application form together with the following documents to: irook@nus.edu.sg
		Latest unofficial NUS transcript; Latest CV/Resume.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

	Where is BagoSphere located?
		Youth Center, 5th Street, Marhil Subdivision, Bago City, 6101 Philippines

	What is the condition of the company where the intern would be attached?
		BagoSphere has just moved into a brand-new office premises.

	Where is the accommodation located?
		5 minutes' walk to the Youth Center. It is in a very secure part of the city where most government officials live. The intern will most likely be staying with city government employees and/or the BagoSphere co-founders.

	What is the condition of the accommodation?
		Good. Like a semi-detached house in Singapore but less furnishings.

	Is the company and accommodation accessible to daily facilities?
		Yes. It is near to the market and groceries store.

	Is the intern staying alone?
		Intern will be arranged to stay with a host family of a City Government employee. Intern will staying in the same neighbourhood as Co-founders.

	What are the available communications networks at work/accommodation?
		Broadband internet connection.

	What is the plan for emergency evacuation?
		Local government will be notified, send vehicle to collect person(s) to Bago City Hospital to be assessed by doctor on duty. If necessary person(s) will be evacuated to Riverside Medical Center, Bacolod City 45 minutes drive from Bago City.

 

Who to contact for more information?

For additional information or related queries, please click here.