It’s time for American resident undergraduate and graduate students to apply to the Hindu American Foundation’s (HAF) Congressional Internship Program for Summer 2012. The applications are now available online a thttp://www.hafsite.org/media/pr/hindu-american-congressional-internship-2012.

What is the Hindu American Congressional Internship? It’s a unique opportunity for selected applicants to spend approximately eight weeks, between late-May and mid-July 2012, interning in a Congressional office in Washington, D.C. Interns will work in a fast-paced environment where they will experience first-hand the inner workings of the USA’s government. To learn about the experiences of HAF’s 2011 interns, please click here ( http://www.hafsite.org/HAF_Interns_on_the_Hill ).

The internship is unpaid, but HAF will provide a stipend to cover housing costs as well as basic living expenses. Housing arrangements will be made by HAF through Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH DC) or GW Summer Housing.

Prior to the start of and during the internship, interns will spend time with HAF staff where they will discuss how best to present Hinduism to the media and policy makers as well as learn about substantive policy issues affecting Hindu Americans. HAF will also provide the opportunity to sit down with staffers, lobbyists, think tank activists, and faith advocates over the course of the internship.

The internship is open to undergraduates (rising Juniors and Seniors preferred) and graduate students of all majors (including professional graduate degrees).

Minimum Requirements for Application

* U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

* At least 18 years old

* Enrolled in good standing at an accredited U.S. university or college

* Minimum GPA: 3.0

Basic Qualifications

* Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task

* Strong team player

* Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken

* Solid knowledge base of Hinduism and its practice

* Strong interest in Hindu American advocacy

Applications are due Friday, February 3, 2012. The above information and applications are available online at http://www.hafsite.org/media/pr/hindu-american-congressional-internship-2012 (http://www.hafsite.org/media/pr/hindu-american-congressional-internship-2012).

The Hindu American Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, non-partisan organization promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism.