Hostelling International Chicago

Internship at HI-Chicago

Get Ahead at the Hostel!

Hostelling International Chicago is a great place to gain valuable experience for your career. The hostel utilizes interns throughout the year. All internships are unpaid. Many interns are able to earn college course credits while working at the hostel. A few summer interns are provided accommodations at the hostel for ten weeks from June through August.

The benefits of interning at HI-Chicago include:

  • professional experience to further your career
  • substantial responsibilities and direct collaboration with management
  • experience with a large, nationwide nonprofit company and international association
  • working in downtown Chicago, one of the USA's largest commercial centers

This page provides an outline of responsibilities and qualifications for internships at HI-Chicago. If you are interested in an internship, please follow the application procedures on the Intern Application Requirements page. For personal experiences from recent interns, check out the Intern Testimonials page.

Interns Index:

A Break in Grant Park

A Break in Grant Park

 Working

Working

Summer 2010 Available Positions

Group Sales and Marketing Internship

Responsibilities: reports to Group Sales Manager

  • Assist with identification and pursuit of new customers
  • generate repeat business and word of mouth recommendations
  • Develop of strategic marketing projects
  • Conduct focus group studies

Qualifications:

  • Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same
  • Sales and marketing experience and aptitude
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong organization abilities
  • Good computer skills with MSWord, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

Education and Youth Outreach Internship

Responsibilities: reports to the Education Coordinator and the Educational Programs Coordinator

Help bring Hostelling International Chicago’s powerful cultural education programs to over 700 youth throughout the city of Chicago and the nation during the year. Our mission-based programs use strong educational objectives to achieve meaningful outcomes with participants.

  • Cultural Kitchen exposes 8-18 year-olds to the world outside of their neighborhoods and Chicago. Participants learn about a culture that is new to them, which includes making an authentic meal of the chosen culture. While at the hostel, the students interact with international travelers. http://www.hichicago.org/community_ck.shtml
  • Exchange Neighborhoods teaches culturally isolated high school students in Chicago to interact with their peers of different backgrounds with an open mind and respect. Students engage in a dynamic neighborhood exchange day and overnight. http://www.hichicago.org/community_ens.shtml
  • Girl Scout programming at the hostel helps girls earn Girl Scout age level awards. Hostel staff support troops with a range of options, including itinerary support, trip planning skill-building sessions, and cultural education – all of which help them earn the Discover the World: Girl Scouts Go Hostelling Patch. Engaging cultural activities help girls become global citizens who are connected to people and places near and far. http://www.hichicago.org/groups_girlscouts.shtml

Responsibilities:

  • Report to Education Coordinator and Educational Programs Coordinator
  • Assist in curriculum development and delivery of all hostel educational programs
  • Some administrative duties including research, fundraising and communications with youth groups
  • Prepare for programs at the hostel, including grocery shopping and set-up
  • Position requires some evenings and weekends with student groups

Qualifications:

  • Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same, preferable education major
  • Ability to work with economically disadvantaged youth ages 8-18
  • Experience with program development and delivery
  • Strong references  

Nonprofit Management: Activities and Volunteer Coordinator

Responsibilities: Reports to Programs Coordinator

  • Recruit, train and manage volunteers
  • Track services delivered and volunteer hours worked
  • Develop and implement volunteer recognition program

Qualifications:

  • Current enrollment in institute of higher learning or graduate of same
    prior volunteer experience
  • Excellent interpersonal relations skills
  • Excellent organizational skills

Questions?

Contact Jessica Smith, Activities and Volunteer Coordinator, for more information:
jsmith@hichicago.org
312-360-0300 x1573

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