Scholarship details
Agriculture is one of the most polluting economic activities, affecting both the atmosphere and the soil or water. For this reason, in the midst of the fight against climate change, a change in the model that is committed to sustainability is urgently needed. The alternative is organic farming, which is born out of respect for the natural dynamics of ecosystems and is ultimately more respectful of the environment and also healthier.
Organic farming is an agricultural production system based on the use of natural processes and resources —no chemical products (fertilizers or pesticides, for example) or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are used— in order to obtain healthier and more nutritious food. while protecting the fertility of the soil, preventing the spread of pests, and respecting the environment. It is a system that, instead of using agricultural inputs, carries out specific practices depending on the characteristics of each ecosystem.
The development of this union between agriculture and ecology occurred during the 20th century in response to the widespread use of certain pesticides and fertilizers, which prestigious studies associate with diseases such as Parkinson’s or various types of cancer, as well as with declines in populations. of some animal species. Currently, organic farming draws on good agricultural practices from the past as well as technological innovations linked to smart farming and modern knowledge on soil fertilization or pest management.
Applications are currently being submitted for the 2023 AgriCulture and Ecology Association Internship Abroad; All applications must be submitted by the stated deadline date.
The Association for Agriculture and Ecology (Agrecol eV) in Germany offers internships and travel stipends for students enrolled in universities and colleges in German-speaking countries. In the next year (2023), the Association can organize two internships in organic farming with the partner organizations Agrecol-Andes (Bolivia) and Agrecol-Afrique (Senegal).
The internship offers students the opportunity to gain practical knowledge of sustainable agriculture and land management in a developing country. By living and working in another socio-cultural environment, students can also gain valuable cross-cultural experiences.
Level: Internships
Field: Agriculture and ecology
Eligible countries: Europe, Bolivia, and Senegal
Eligibility
Students eligible to apply for internship placement and travel stipend are those who:
- You are enrolled in a university or college in a German-speaking country (including foreign students);
- Have basic knowledge and/or experience in the management of organized groups (for the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products on a small scale);
- Have their own laptop or notebook computer that they can use during the internship;
- Have basic knowledge about (ecological) agriculture;
- Shows interest and sensitivity in working with small farmers in different socio-cultural contexts;
- They are dynamic, open, and committed;
- Show high levels of self-sufficiency and capacity for self-organization
- Have a sufficient command of Spanish (Bolivia) / French (Senegal) to be able to work in this language (the interview will be done by Skype with Agrecol-Andes / Afrique);
- They are under 30 years of age.
Time and duration of the internship
The internship should start, if possible and in consultation with partner organizations, between June and August 2023. It should last at least six months and can be extended to up to twelve months in length.
Benefits:
Support is provided for up to three interns each year and consists of the following:
- Coverage of a round-trip air ticket between Europe and the country in which the host organization operates
- Availability of at least one member of the Agrecol Association, as well as previous interns to provide advice and answer questions before and during the internship.
- Invitation of the student, after the completion of the internship, to a weekend seminar of the Agrecol Association in Germany or a neighboring country so that the student can present a photographic report to the members about their experiences as an intern; The Agrecol Association covers the travel and lodging costs of the student during the weekend.
Agrecol is not in a position to cover additional costs related to the internship (eg visas, vaccinations, medical insurance) beyond those mentioned above.
Application procedure:
The application, which consists of a convincing motivation letter in German and Spanish (Bolivia) / French (Senegal), must provide concrete details about the desired period of internship and a CV in German and Spanish (Bolivia) / French (Senegal), emailed as pdf attachments to:
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
The deadline for applications is 31 January 2023.
Notification about the award of internships and travel stipends will be made no later than the end of February 2023.
Application Deadline: January 31st, 2023
