The Bunche Center Newsletter
December 2021
In This Issue:
  • Holiday Greetings from Director Tonija Hope
  • Farewell, Crystal!
  • Upcoming Events
  • Support Diaspora Connect
  • New Year Celebrations Around the World
  • Human Rights Day: Educating Afghan Girls
  • Bison Abroad Updates
  • Fellowships, Internships & Career Opportunities
A Note from our Director, Tonija Hope
Happy Holidays Bison Family and Friends!

As we close out 2021 we would like to thank you for supporting the work we do at the Bunche Center! 2021 saw us able to return to campus and engage with students, many of whom had never been to campus before. We were also able to host more in-person events and take advantage of our location in the nation's capital to connect with embassies and others during our #EmbassyWalks. We look forward to continuing that in the new year.

2022 will be a particularly special year as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Donald Payne Fellowship Program, the 20th anniversary of the Charles B. Rangel Fellowship Program, and the 30th anniversary of the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship. We are planning some special events throughout the year so stay tuned! We will also be continuing our celebration of India next semester with more programming featuring students, faculty and friends of HU from all over.

From the Bunche Center Family to you and yours, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

Globally,
Tonija Hope
Director
Farewell, Crystal!
After two years, the Bunche Center extends a heartfelt farewell to Crystal Yuille! During her time with us, she was instrumental in restarting the Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship and contributing to our work in many other ways, notably with our annual lecture series. We are thankful for her time and efforts and look forward to watching her grow professionally. Join us in sending her well-wishes as she completes a Fulbright fellowship in Cali, Colombia!
Upcoming Events
Support Diaspora Connect
Spread some holiday cheer by supporting Howard students! We humbly ask for your support of the 15 students who are participating in the Diaspora Connect project.

If you'd like to donate, click the link here

Diaspora Connect is a year-long project sponsored by the 100K Strong in the Americas initiative of the US Department of State. We are engaging students from Universidad del Valle & Universidad Tecnológica de Choco in Colombia. Howard students are strengthening their Spanish language skills and learning about issues facing their Afro-Colombian peers. We have funding to take 8 students to Colombia, but we would like to take all 15! Every little bit helps! Thank you in advance! Muchas Gracias!

Follow these instructions to successfully donate to Diaspora Connect:
1) After choosing your donation amount, scroll down
and select "other" for "Designation"
2) Type in "Ralph J. Bunche Center--Diaspora Connect"
in the text box that appears below
New Year Celebrations Around the World
The holidays are a special time all over the world! It is a season of gathering, reflection, thankfulness, and celebration. As we finish year 2021 let's learn about how other nations celebrate the new year.
Colombia
Colombia has its own set of New Year's traditions and superstitions. Many of them are to bring in good luck or success for the new year.

Outside of the family gatherings and meals, locals may stuff lentils in their pockets. Doing this is supposed to bring good fortune into the new year. Another unique tradition for good fortune is wearing yellow underwear!

Within the home, New Year's cleaning is taken seriously. Clearing the home of mess and dirt isn't just for cleanliness. It's supposed to sweep away any negative energy or memories and create space for love and positivity.
Indonesia
Unlike most cultures, the Indonesian New Year is a time of silence and reflection, particularly in Bali. In fact, the Balinese new year, Nyepi, literally translates to "keep silent". This unique holiday is celebrated on March 17th and lasts for six days.

In the days preceding the New Year, Balinese worshippers parade through the streets with demonic effigies (called ogah-ogahs) and whip one another with fiery coconut husks to chase away evil spirits. On the 3rd day, called Nyepi, the entire island comes to a standstill. There are no scheduled incoming or outgoing flights. The government forbids driving or even walking outside! Restaurants, grocery stores, and shops are closed. People spend the day in silence to focus on self-reflection. Even lights within the home are prohibited. Some believe this quiet tricks the spirits, hopefully demons, into thinking everyone has left the island.
Ireland
Apart from the festivities, Ireland has many traditions to bring good fortune and banish bad luck. While gathered to eat, a place may be set at the table for loved ones who've passed away. Some people may even leave the door unlocked to allow their spirits to enter the home more easily. Other traditions include deep cleaning the home, doing repairs, and banging the walls with bread! Doing this is meant to bring hope, chase away bad luck and evil spirits. If someone is single, they may place mistletoe, holly, or ivy under their pillow. By doing this, they are able to see their future partner in their dreams.
Ethiopia
The Ethiopian new year, Enkutatash, is celebrated on September 11th or 12th. Enkutatash also honors the transition from the heavy rainy season to the bright and sunny seasons.

Food plays a big part in the celebration of Enkutatash. Families typically purchase an animal on New year’s Eve and slaughter it the following morning. A variety of dishes is then prepared and served for lunch. They also celebrate together by giving children gifts. On the eve of Enkutatash, many families attend a church service and offer prayers ushering in the new year. Singing and dancing are also common ways to celebrate.
Human Rights Day
December 10th was Human Rights Day!
According to the United Nations, women make up two-thirds of the world's 796 million illiterate people. Education is considered to be a human right by many. However, some countries violently prohibit the education of girls. In these places, educating girl is not just a risk--it's a matter of life or death.
Bison Abroad Updates
Who doesn't love an all-expenses paid trip?! Well, becoming a Douglass Fellow can provide all that and much more. Each year a few amazing students from around the US are selected to follow in the footsteps of Fredrick Douglass... in Ireland. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the world while building your leadership skills and becoming a catalyst for positive change in your community.

Click here to learn more, hear about the program from your peers and 
APPLY TODAY before the February 14th deadline sneaks up on you!
Interested in studying abroad? The deadline to apply for Spring 2022 is now closed! Apply by March 16 to study abroad in the Summer or Fall 2022.
Click here to register for an upcoming Info Session.
Study abroad programs are available for the Fall, Spring and Summer terms.
In September, the Bunche Center held its interest meeting for the Bunche Brigade. The "Bunche Brigade" is a student volunteer group for those interested in all things global.

Benefits of joining the Bunche Brigade include:
  • Being the first to know about international opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, & internships;
  • Being a peer advisor and sharing your experience abroad with like-minded students;
  • Gaining leadership skills by supporting Bunche Center events and building your resumé;
  • Engaging with special guests and speakers;
  • Promoting global education on campus.


Previous study abroad experience is NOT required!
Click here to access the interest form
Internships, Fellowships & Career Opportunities


The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving Constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them – in Congress and the states, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

Responsibilities: 
All interns will assist with research and general administrative and clerical work for the Brennan Center when in the office, including filing, photocopying, answering phones, shipping and mailing, coordinating meetings, drafting routine correspondence and covering the reception desk. Additionally, there are opportunities to attend and observe substantive meetings, events, and conversations on program work.

LNS interns conduct research on program issues, such as surveillance, religious and racial profiling, and counter-terrorism initiatives; copy-editing and cite checking research papers, blogs, op-eds, or other materials; assisting with scheduling, mailing publications, and maintaining contact lists.


The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. 

This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Students live at Howard University, attend classes, and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals at Howard and at diverse locations around Washington, DC.

The Program covers the costs for tuition, travel, housing, and two meals per day. It also provides a stipend of $3,300. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2022.



Organization Description:
The International Institute for Strategic Studies is a leading authority on global security, political risk and military conflict. It is headquartered in London with offices in Bahrain, Singapore, Germany, and the United States.

Job Description:
The International Institute for Strategic Studies – Americas is seeking a rising college senior, recent graduate or graduate intern to work 15 hours per week to support the program activities of the Strategy, Technology, and Arms Control (STAC) team in Washington, DC. The successful applicant can expect to gain direct exposure to the work and management of a leading international think tank. This is a six-month part-time internship with an expected start date of mid-January 2022 and ending on 30 June 2022. We are looking for an intern with an interest in arms control, security studies, or international relations, as well as non-profit management and program development.

Duties will include:
  • Assist with daily administrative tasks;
  • Assist with virtual, hybrid, and live events, including logistics and database management;
  • Assist with background research in preparation for events;
  • Assist with operational and development tasks;
  • Assist with ad-hoc research and data collection.




Interested in a global career in Information Technology (IT)? Have your education fully funded by the U.S. Department of State!

If you want to use your tech skills to make a difference, see the world, and experience different cultures, the Foreign Affairs IT (FAIT) Fellowship is an opportunity of a lifetime. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this two-year Fellowship program is a path to a career in the Foreign Service by providing academic funding for an IT-related degree, internships, professional development and mentorship – culminating in an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist (IMS).

To be eligible to apply for the 2022 cohort, you must:
  • Be a U.S. citizen;
  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program relevant to Information Technology at a U.S.-based accredited institution and entering your junior year in fall 2022, OR
  • Be seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution beginning in fall 2022;
  • Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s degree in May 2024;
  • Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA through participation in the program;
  • Be able to obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements;
  • Agree to a minimum five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.



The internship can be full-time or part time, depending on academic obligations.

Responsibilities:
Under NIO guidance / Assist with office outreach to academic institutions in the United States. This will include:
o contributing to the drafting of the strategy and to its implementation;
o creating a database of contacts in academic institutions and community focal points;
o creating a roster of UN speakers;
o coordinating with all relevant partners the calendar of outreach events;
o coordinating with all relevant partners the organization of outreach events;
o handling incoming and outgoing correspondence related to all outreach activities;
o interacting with counterparts in colleges and universities to organize outreach events in-person, virtual or hybrid;
o assisting with managing all logistical requirements;
o compiling and distributing any required material, including talking points, scripts, and agendas;
o support virtual events on a variety of software platforms;
o providing required follow-up; and
o performing any other required task.
• Perform other office tasks as necessary.

Why International Affairs?

If you are looking for a career in foreign policy, intelligence, international development, diplomacy or national security, Washington, DC is the place for you.

This TFAS program track is ideal for students who are passionate about global issues and are looking to gain the professional experience needed to break into this competitive field. 

What Makes this Program Track Unique? 

  • An internship placement in the field of international affairs (embassy, international NGO, policy group, federal agency)
  • Coursework in international economics and government designed to complement your real-word experience
  • Guest lectures featuring prominent foreign policy and economics experts
  • Networking through career-focused panels and small group discussions led by professionals working in Public Diplomacy, World Bank, State Department, Defense Consulting, Humanitarian Aid + Relief, Department of Homeland Security, Peace Corps, USAID, CIA, FBI and Intelligence. 



The Project Finance team specializes in financial sector, telecommunications, manufacturing, and other highly complicated transactions. Interns receive exposure to international project finance and work in collaboration with seasoned financiers in the loan origination process.
Typical duties include:
  • Reviewing applications for financing;
  • Analyzing existing financial statements of the sponsor or of the project;
  • Analyzing and running sensitivities on financial models of projected project cash flows;
  • Writing country political and economic summaries and political risk analyses;
  • Preparing portions of loan papers being presented to Credit or Investment Committee;
  • Collaborating with Investment Officers to present the proposed loan to an approval committee;
  • Working with members of other departments to receive required clearances; and
  • Working with a project team to assist in the processing of disbursement requests.



Since 2016, the Columbia University Global Mental Health Programs have hosted a competitive summer internship for rising senior undergraduates interested in the growing field of global mental health. Students participating in the summer internship program will be exposed to a wide range of didactic seminars and experiential learning opportunities and will be mentored by 1-3 departmental faculty focused on various global mental health initiatives. Additionally, students will gain exposure to networking within the healthcare research environment and develop the skills to apply an equity-informed lens into global mental health research and implementation. The summer internship runs for 8 weeks (typically beginning in June), with students working 4 days a week with the Columbia Global Mental Health Programs.


The Council on Foreign Affairs has several internships for spring 2022, hiring on a rolling basis!

In an ever-changing world, CFR’s work as a leading nonpartisan resource for information and ideas about foreign policy is more important than ever. At CFR, interns do work that matters alongside smart and dedicated staff in a diverse and inclusive environment. Interns are paid a competitive hourly wage while gaining valuable experience through exposure to leading foreign policy experts. They are also offered professional development training as a foundation for future work in the field of foreign policy and international affairs. Internship opportunities are offered through the Blavatnik Internship Program and Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program.

Spring 2022 internship opportunities will begin on a remote basis with a possibility of limited onsite work. However, it will be possible to participate in the program on a fully-remote basis as well.

Do your interests intersect with public health? The Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP) is designed for undergraduate students and its goal is to increase interest and knowledge of public health and biomedical science careers. SPHSP is a partnership of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, and the Mailman School of Public Health. Together, they represent the broad spectrum of public health practice. SPHSP was awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Minority Health, and Health Equity (OMHHE), under the CDC Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program (CUPS).

The program is designed for undergraduates entering their junior or senior year and recent baccalaureate degree students who are undecided about their career goals. This is a rigorous program which includes Public Health coursework at Columbia University; hands-on field experience and immersion in a diverse, economically disadvantaged urban environment; seminars and lectures with public health leaders; and mentoring by faculty members, ensuring students' exposure to the breadth and importance of public health as a career option.

Participants are provided:

  • Stipend: A stipend for participation is provided to all program scholars.
  • Travel: Each scholar is provided financial support for round-trip travel.
  • Housing: Housing is provided to all students on the Columbia University Morningside Campus.

Deadline to apply is January 31st, 2022!
Want to get in touch with the Bunche Center?
Email us at BuncheCenter@Howard.edu!
[202-806-4363]  [BuncheCenter@Howard.edu]  [global.howard.edu]