MULTICULTURAL IMMERSION PROGRAM INTERNSHIP

MIP interns develop and present workshops that aim to facilitate dialogue between and within different groups about wellness in our many cultures and addresses gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, physical ability, and religion among others. Students selected for the year-long internship receive a stipend and can earn up to 2 units of academic course credit per quarter as well as transcript notation.

Quotes

“I feel that our goal is to help each other, other students, and the Davis community to:

• increase awareness of diversity
• increase respect/appreciation of diversity
• create a safe space to discuss and explore these issues and share personal experiences, and hopefully this leads to change.”

“I believe we represent the acknowledgement and praise for the unlimited variations people have in their identities.”

“I feel we represent a diverse group of individuals with different backgrounds and experiences. Aside from our visual differences, we all have the similar goal to learn from one another and share with others. We all want to educate people on societal and sensitive issues.”

“We stand for diversity and unity. We all have qualities that we bring to the group which make this program a wonderful experience. We represent the possibility for change and a more understanding and open future.”

“I feel we represent a group in this campus that is aware of biases and discrimination in ourselves and others. The goal is to spread this awareness to others; to stop and think on ways of improving and questioning the world's ways and thoughts.”

“I think we represent unity and hope. Through our work together we are creating more awareness and understanding which I think is the ultimate purpose of the group. I think we also represent a celebration of diversity.”

Training

Beginning spring quarter, interns are trained in basic listening and interviewing skills, group facilitation skills, workshop design and implementation. They continue to refine their skills during the internship year as they design and facilitate their own workshops under close supervision from program administrators. Throughout the internship, interns receive feedback from other interns, their supervisors, and from workshop evaluations to help them enhance their skills. Training is conducted in large and small group formats, as well as individually when indicated. Before implementing a workshop the interns perform workshop “rehearsals” with other interns to boost their confidence and maximize workshop effectiveness.

Responsibilites

MIP interns will be expected to perform the following tasks:

• To develop workshops on topics leading to intercultural understanding and enhancing race relations - for example, hate crimes, racism, interracial dating, etc.
• To provide outreach programming on diversity topics in the campus and Davis community - for example, workshops that promote cultural pluralism and unity, understanding of LGBT and gender issues, etc.
• To interact as participant-observers in workshops developed and facilitated by the MIP professional staff.
• When indicated, meet with the MIP administrator and team consultants to coordinate outreach programming.
• To evaluate their personal and professional growth through written workshop evaluation reports and self-reflection papers.
• To be willing to facilitate workshops in the evening and on weekends when necessary.

Recognition Ceremonies

At the end of each internship year, a Recognition Ceremony is held to celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievements and personal dedication of MIP interns. The interns also use this opportunity to say a few words about their personal experiences and professional growth.

Workshops

Multicultural Immersion Program (MIP) Interns are a specially trained group of UCD undergraduate facilitators who develop and present free workshops that promote awareness and sensitivity to issues of diversity including race, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, gender, and religion.

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