US/ICOMOS International Exchange Program

IEP projects are varied and correspond to the needs and requirements of the host organizations. The host defines the project to be completed; an internship is not an independent research opportunity. Applicants may indicate a preference for the type of project they wish to be assigned, but must be willing to accept any position which may be located anywhere in the world. Assignments are made on the basis of the best match between the proposed project and the applicant’s background and skills.

By participating in the IEP, interns gain international experience at an early stage in their careers, broadening their worldview and preparing them for success in multicultural environments. In addition to strengthening professional heritage skills, the IEP fosters lifelong relationships between participants and their host organizations, creating a global network of heritage professionals. These connections have resulted in continued collaboration between people, communities, and organizations on heritage projects around the world.

This program is not a study tour or a preservation course. The internships are based on the principle of hands-on experience, learning by doing. Interns are assigned projects that they are expected to execute and complete with the same degree of professionalism and responsibility as project staff. Interns follow the hours of host office staff, which vary between 35- and 40-hours, 5 days per week (with the exception of holidays).

Program Schedule

Internships are approximately 11 weeks in length (including the program orientation) and take place during the summer between June and August. World Heritage USA hosts all interns in Washington D.C. for a program orientation at the beginning of the summer. Interns then travel to their various host locations where they complete a 10-week preservation-related project designed by the host organization. At the end of the summer, all interns gather in Washington, D.C. for a final debriefing and farewell program.

Important Dates for 2025:

• November 1 (2024) – Applications open
• January 1 – Deadline for Intern Applications
• January 15 – Deadline for Host Applications
• February – March – Interns are matched to hosts; Hosts approve placements; Final selections are made
• March 14 – Deadline for interns to accept placements
• March 28 – All signed agreements in place
• June 11 –13 – Intern orientation in Washington D.C
• June 16 – August 22 – Internship at the host organization
• August 23 – Interns return home
• September 5 – Virtual closing ceremony

Intern Responsibilities

Interns are selected on a competitive basis and are expected to be professional in their behavior and work ethic. Each International Exchange Intern agrees to:

• Obtain a visa, if required.
• Maintain valid medical insurance, if required.
• Work a 5-day week, keeping the hours of the regular staff, and participate in staff activities.
• Complete the assigned project(s) within the duration of the internship.
• Discuss any problems with the host organizations supervisor and contact World Heritage USA if resolution is not possible.
• Try to learn as much as possible about the host country’s preservation techniques and philosophies, as well as local culture.
• Complete two evaluations during the program, and one at the end of the program (using online forms provided by World Heritage USA).
• Prepare and present a PowerPoint presentation and companion presentation board of project findings to be delivered at the concluding symposium.