In 1999-2000, for the Africa Regional Internship Program (ARIP), IU administered a U.S. Department of State program to place 38 African professionals from 21 sub-Saharan countries.

CIEDA relied on U.S. Embassy staff in each country to recruit and select appropriate program participants. Each participant was then assigned to a local affiliate which worked within their US community to identify professional training opportunities for interns and to identify host families willing to house participants during their six to eight-week stays. These programs were carefully tailored to each participant's needs: some visited many different organizations, others were based primarily with one; usually a participant was assigned one particular project and one mentor; others had participated in seminars and conferences. Communication was the key to establishing effective programs. Affiliates also provided orientations and periodic programming that facilitated the intern’s adjustment to his/her new environment. Most Affiliates also used the intern’s home-country expertise to provide programming for their community. At that time the exchange became much more reciprocal, and lasting bonds were formed.

Center for International Education and Development Assistance - Indiana University - 201 North Indiana Avenue -
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