Posting

Internship at the Auschwitz Jewish Center (Oświęcim, PL)

The AuschwitzA complex of concentration, labor and extermination camps located approximately 40 miles west of Cracow in Upper Silesia (Poland). Established in 1940 as a concentration camp, it became a killing center in 1942. Auschwitz I was the central camp. Auschwitz II, also known as Birkenau, was the killing center. Auschwitz III, or Monowitz, was the IG Farben labor camps, also known as BUNA. In addition, there were numerous subsidiary camps. Auschwitz was liberated by the Soviet Army on January 27, 1945. Jewish Center offers an internship for a German and English speaking student during the summer: July- September 2010.

Description of the institution

The Auschwitz Jewish Center (AJC) is the only Jewish presence in Oswiecim (Poland), the town called Auschwitz during World War II. AJC facilities include: Jewish Museum, Chevra Lomdei Mishnayot Synagogue, Education Center. In September 2000, the Center opened its doors with a threefold mission: to honor the former Jewish residents of Oswiecim, to teach future generations about the Jewish history and the Holocaust and to promote the need to combat intolerance and prejudice today. The Auschwitz Jewish Center is an affiliate of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. More info on the Center: www.ajcf.org

Decription of the internship

Interns/volunteers at the Center are primarily involved with educational projects with international youth groups. They give guided tours to visitors and conduct workshops. Their tasks furthermore include the assistance in preparation and organization of events and programs. Apart from this, they have the possibility to carry out their own projects. The interns/volunteers work in close contact with international volunteers and staff members from the International Youth Meeting Center in Oswiecim and the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum.

What is required:
- fluent English
- fluent German
- interest in Jewish history and culture, the history of the Holocaust and anti-discrimination education
- willingness to gain knowledge on the above mentioned topics (You will need this for your work.)

Polish language skills are appreciated, but not required.

What is offered: 
- the possibility to work on your own ideas and projects
- training on the above mentioned topics during the first weeks
- free accommodation in a flat shared with an international volunteer

For further financing please consider programs by the European Union for internships abroad (e.g. Leonardo). Your (home) university can provide you with all information needed.

Please send your motivation letter and your CV to Tomasz Kuncewicz, director of the Center: kuncewicz [at] ajcf [dot] pl

Found on our Polish partner website "Learning from History"