Humanitarian Design Internship

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Quota: 25
This subject is a quota subject and places are limited. Students may provisionally enrol via the Student Portal, but places are not guaranteed until selection is completed. You will be notified in writing by the Student Centre if you are selected. Application for this subject should be submitted no later than 02/09/2016 (http://edsc.unimelb.edu.au/humanitarian-design-internship-application). Please email abp-internship@unimelb.edu.au with any questions or to arrange a meeting for further discussion.

Selection Criteria
Students will be selected for the subject in accordance with the following ranked priorities:

1. Academic merit (based on student's overall WAM)
2. Student's 300-word statement outlining motivation to undertake the internship
3. Stage of course progression (priority given to students closer to completion)

For detailed information on the quota subject application process and due date, refer to the EDSC Quota Subjects webpage: http://edsc.unimelb.edu.au/quota-subjects.

Compulsory Seminars
Students are expected to attend pre-trip and post-trip seminars.

Additional Cost to Tuition Fees
Estimated cost is around $5300.
In 2016, incidental fees are being subsidised (only for Australian students) under mobility-program-guidelines. Eligible students will be required to contribute up to $1900 towards travel cost.

170 hours

Successful completion of at least 100 points of undergraduate study in the Bachelor of Environments.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The Humanitarian Design Internship provides an opportunity for students to develop a deeper understanding of the role design can play in creating positive change within communities. Students will travel to India for 2 weeks where they will have first-hand experience working in culturally different and high-pressure situations. Students will meet with communities to learn about community development and undertake a team design project in conjunction with Indian community partners. Emphasis is placed on incorporating local design knowledge in the design process with respect to environmental, economic and social impacts in a humanitarian context.
Much of the benefit of interning comes from observation, practicing under supervision and reflection. Work Integrated Learning, or interning, is an excellent way to broaden your learning environment while you are studying. It allows you to see first-hand how what you are learning in your degree translates into practice, as well as how ‘real world’ practice relates to what you are learning at University.

During the course of the internship, you will be expected to demonstrate that you have:

• Observed, analysed and reflected on culturally sensitive project management;
• Observed, analysed and reflected on the incorporation of local knowledge in the design of humanitarian support;
• Observed, analysed, practiced and reflected on cross-cultural communication skills;
• Gained an understanding of ethical decision making in the delivery of humanitarian support; and
• Gained an understanding of the role of design in community level development.

• Attendance at all compulsory pre-travel briefings during the week before departure (hurdle);

• Participation in two week long intensive internship in India (hurdle);

• Attendance at a minimum of two compulsory debriefing sessions upon return, 6 weeks after return (hurdle);

• Maintain a personal diary of reflective commentary and observations, reviewed weekly during placement (1000 words),to be submitted during first week and again during second week of placement (20%);

• Final report of your experience addressing the intended learning outcomes (3000 words), due two weeks after debriefing (80%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Creative, adaptive and flexible problem solving skills
• Effective communication skills
• Purposeful collaborative and team work skills

Information regarding mobility-program-guidelines can be found at http://dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/new-colombo-plan/mobility-program/Pages/mobility-program-guidelines-2017.aspx