Stanford University

2018 REAP Summer Internship Program

Make a Difference this Summer

The Rural Education Action Program (REAP) at Stanford University is seeking qualified candidates to join us for a summer of exploration and learning.

Timeline:

June 18 - July 13:

You will spend two weeks in China working together with REAP staff to conduct interviews, execute research programs and communicate with rural villagers who have participated in REAP projects. Along the way, you will learn about what China’s development means for local families, gain valuable hands-on field research experience, and contribute to our various projects targeting rural education and health.

You will then spend two weeks in REAP’s Stanford office working with our team to analyze your findings and compose a research paper. In collaboration with other interns, you will give a group presentation sharing your experiences and project results. Reports from past interns have been used in academic papers, new project proposals, and outreach materials about our work.

Qualifications:

Undergraduates who are interested in applied social science research and contemporary China are encouraged to apply. All majors are welcome!

Applicants must:

  • Be a sophomore or above—exceptional freshmen will be considered
  • Have strong English writing skills
  • Be self-motivated and inquisitive

Mandarin Chinese language skills are not required, but are highly preferred. 

To Apply:

If you are a Stanford University undergraduate, please apply here. We are no longer accepting Stanford applications.

If you are an external applicant, the deadline for application is April 1, 2018. Please send an email to:

James Paisley at jbpaisley@stanford.edu with "REAP Summer Internship Program" in the subject line, along with the following materials:

  • One page cover letter stating why you want to intern with REAP, and what you can bring to the team
  • Current resume
  • No more than a one-page (600 word) answer to the question:

“If you wanted to improve the educational outcomes of rural Chinese schoolchildren, what kind of project would you encourage REAP to add to its portfolio, and why?”

Read about the experieces of REAP interns from summer 2015.

FAQs

Is a stipend provided?

Stanford University students may receive funding through the Freeman Spogli Institute (FSI).  Unfortunately, we cannot provide interns from other institutions with a stipend. Some interns have applied for grants through their own universities to cover travel and living expenses.

Will I receive academic credit? 

The REAP Summer Internship Program does not offer academic credit.

What does the application and selection process entail?

The application will ask you for a resume, cover letter and short essay. For non-Stanford students, applications must be received by April 1, 2018. You will be notified within a few weeks if you have been chosen for interviews. The selection process includes in-person and/or phone interviews with REAP staff.

Can I check on my application status?

You will receive a confirmation email when we have received and processed your application materials. Processing applications takes time, so please note that it may be several business days before you receive the confirmation email. We carefully review each and every application. Please do not call or email to check on your application status during this review period. We will notify every applicant whether or not they have been accepted for the internship.

The application deadline has passed. May I still submit an application?

No, we do not accept late applications.

Is the internship open to non-Stanford students?

Yes.

I cannot commit to 4 weeks full time. May I still apply?

We can only accept interns who can commit full-time for 4 weeks.