In most cases there is not a specific project, but interns are encouraged to incorporate an individual project that is in line with the goals and tasks of the host organization. The Program Coordinator works with the supervisor and intern to develop a general work plan to cover the 8 week period. The Program Coordinator will make weekly visits to the intern and make sure that the internship is progressing. There is a midterm evaluation that also checks the progress. The Coordinator then makes two additional site visits, with the last visit including a group final evaluation with the organization and intern to discuss the achievements and talk about any necessary improvements for the coming years.
Interns live with a host family, thus hopefully achieving the goal of complete immersion.
Interns are encouraged to immerse themselves in their organizations, families, and communities. Weekend side trips with other interns or families help to lessen the isolation factor and broaden the partipant's knowledge and experience of the country. The group orientation session and evaluation sessions are also times to discuss and reflect on the experience as well as ask for guidance. Except in unusual cases, interns live with host families in the communities they are working in. Families are usually middle class by their country standards, but accomodations are often very basic and privacy is limited.