FAQ on the Gwangju International Internship Program on Human Rights 2006

1. What is the May 18 Memorial Foundation?

The May 18 Memorial Foundation was founded with the funds from Gwangju citizens, sympathetic overseas Koreans, and from individuals who sacrificed and got indemnification from the government. It was created on August 30, 1994 by people who believe it’s important to keep the ideas and memories of the 1980 May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising alive and remembered.

2. What is the Gwangju International Internship Program on Human Rights?

The International Internship Program on Human Rights is under the May 18 Memorial Foundation’s General Affairs Department International Solidarity program. The International Internship Program on Human Rights was created to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia. It is also an opportunity for interns to learn and experience the history and process of the development of human rights and democracy in South Korea. Specifically the purpose and aim of the program are the following: 1) To improve International Solidarity and 2) To promote Gwangju as Asia’s Hub for Human Rights Movement.

3. How will it be conducted?

The International Internship Programme will introduce the interns to Korean history in general and in particular to the movements and struggle for democracy, including the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. Both theoretical learning and practical experiences such as lectures, seminars, discussions, interviews and fieldtrips to the sites of democratization movements in Korea will be utilized.


4. What will be the tasks and assignments of the interns?

The interns will be assigned to the International Solidarity Program of the General Affairs Department of the Foundation. They are expected to work as regular staff attending to day-to-day office business. The interns will help implement preparatory work for different events; make presentations to schools when invited; and perform other tasks the Department will assign them to undertake. Each intern will be asked to select a research topic, conduct the relevant research, and deliver a presentation at the end of their internship program.

5. Who will be recruited for the International Internship Program?

Four interns, two males and females from all over the world will be recruited. They should be NGO workers or activists who have been working on the issues of human rights, democracy and peace in their own countries. They should able to work with others of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.

6. What are the criteria of recruitment for the International Internship Program?

a. Applicant should not be more than 35 years of age.
b. Have more than 3 years experience of NGO work on the issues of human rights, democracy and peace.
c. Must be proficient in English and working knowledge of Korean is an advantage. Intern must be computer literate.
d. Willing to stay in Korea for at least 10 months (May 2006-February 2007).

7. What are the processes of application?

a. Announcement will be sent by January 2006 and deadline will be on 20 March 2006. The result will be released by April and the internship program will start on the month of May.
b. Applicants should submit a duly filled-out form via email to the May 18 Memorial Foundation.
c. The foundation’s screening committee will assess and evaluate all applicants. And the
y will decide those who will join the International Internship Program.
d) Application form can be downloaded in the English section of 518.org website.

8. Where will be the place or location of internship?

Interns will be based at the office of The May 18 Memorial Foundation located at Seo-gu, Sangmudong, Gwangju City, Republic of Korea.

9. What are the compensation and benefits given to interns?

The May 18 Memorial Foundation will provide an intern 600,000 won or approximately US$ 600 allowance per month. It will cover the costs of their economy class return air tickets. Two female and two male interns will separately share a single large room or flat equipped with a kitchen and shower or toilet facilities. The semi-furnished room will also have a telephone, cable TV and internet access. In addition, interns will be entitled to a health insurance and official paid vacations or holidays.

10. Whom to submit the application?

Duly filled out application form can be submitted by email to the contact below. Please contact us for otherinformation and details :

Mr. Chanho Kim
Director, International Solidarity Program
General Affairs Department
The May 18 Memorial Foundation
5.18 Memorial Culture Hall
Seo-Gu Sangmudong 1268
Gwangju 502-260
Republic of Korea
Phone: +82 62 456 0518
Fax. +82 62 456 0519
Mobile: +82 10 4642 6650
E: surnadal@hanmail.net
W: www.518.org

Pete E. Rahon
Co-coordinator for International Internship Program
(Philippines, CO Multiversity)
E: may18found@gmail.com / may18interns@gmail.com
W: www.518.org
Blog:518interns.blogspot.com / 518folkschool.blogspot.com