Interning with us

Internship Programme – SEAMEO SPAFA is now accepting applicants for 16 January 2023 onwards.

The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Archaeology and Fine Arts (SEAMEO SPAFA), based in Bangkok, Thailand, aims to cultivate awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage, as well as further professional competence in the fields of archaeology and fine arts through regional programmes and activities, and through sharing of resources and experiences. As part of its goal in cultivating awareness and appreciation of Southeast Asian cultural heritage, and furthering professional competence in the fields of archaeology and fine arts in the region, SEAMEO SPAFA offers internship opportunities for undergraduates, graduates and post graduate students majoring in areas related to the work of SEAMEO SPAFA.

Interns will be provided with practical experience in a setting where learning is the primary objective of the experience. The following internship policy and guidelines gives individuals interested in interning with the Centre, an overview of the internship programme, what is expected of the intern and how the intern can benefit from an internship with SEAMEO SPAFA.

a) Provide chosen undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students in a field related to the work of SEAMEO SPAFA the opportunity to enrich their academic knowledge through practical work tasks;

b) Enable interns to gain practical experience in a professional, intergovernmental organization;

c) Introduce interns to the work scope of SEAMEO SPAFA, and allow them to obtain better insight to SEAMEO SPAFA’s mandate and programmes;

d) Impart SEAMEO SPAFA with assistance in various professional and technical fields related to SEAMEO SPAFA programmes.

a) A way to learn about archaeology, fine arts, and cultural heritage and conservation in Southeast Asia while also acquiring some of the necessary skills and tools for success in this field of work;

b) Satisfy certain university programme requirements and possibly allow the student to earn university credit, enriching the university experience and preparing for entrance into the workforce;

c) Opportunity to attend SEAMEO SPAFA organized and/or sponsored events;

d) Chance to network and build relationships in the field of archaeology, fine arts, and cultural heritage conservation and management.

SEAMEO SPAFA aims to: 

  • PROMOTE excellent practice and research in archaeology and fine arts in Southeast Asia.
  • DEVELOP SEAMEO SPAFA as leading centre in communication, coordination, documentation and legal/ethics guidance for archaeologists, artists and experts.
  • ESTABLISH itself as a training centre of excellence that advances new knowledge and technologies.

The Centre consists of three departments: (i) Academic, (ii) Library & Documentation and (iii) Administration. Based on the interests and qualifications of the intern, the intern will be assigned the appropriate mentor(s) within the relevant department who will supervise his/her internship.

          i) Academic: This department is responsible for academic services related to the fields of archaeology, fine arts, and cultural heritage conservation and management. 

          ii) Library & Documentation: This department is responsible for library (only onsite basis accepted), documentation, publication, audio-visual and communication services carried out by the Centre.  

          iii) Administration: This department is responsible for services related to human resources, secretarial and administrative processes of the Centre,  and information technology.

a) All internship assignments are undertaken on a voluntary basis without monetary remuneration. SEAMEO SPAFA will provide interns with a working space and appropriate facilities to conduct their work. At the discretion of the Centre, a small stipend or gratuity may be provided.

b) A special intern requested to assist in a specific Centre’s project may be awarded a gratuity, if funding is available.

c) Interns are welcome to attend most SEAMEO SPAFA activities, such as meetings, workshops, conferences, and forums; however, they are not considered as member of staff and cannot represent SEAMEO SPAFA under any circumstance.

d) Participation in the internship programme should not be construed as an initial step to recruitment with SEAMEO SPAFA. An internship does not imply any obligations of appointment upon completion.

a) At the time of application, candidates must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate programme in a university or equivalent institution, pursuing studies in areas related to SEAMEO SPAFA’s fields of competence (archaeology, fine arts, cultural heritage and conservation, Southeast Asian studies, history, culture, anthropology, and the like) or other areas which support SEAMEO SPAFA’s work such as education, human resources, library science, information technology, communication, etc.

b) Individuals seeking internships in secretarial/clerical or technical/professional areas must be enrolled in a specialized technical/professional institution or undergraduate programme pertinent to the assigned duties and must have reached their senior year of studies.

c) The candidate must be competent in Microsoft Office programmes, such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel as well as the Google Workspace equivalents of Docs, Slides and Sheets.

d) The candidate must have a good command of the English language, both in writing and speaking. Competency in another language, especially a language of a Southeast Asian nation, would be advantageous.

a) The standard duration of internship shall be two months. Longer or shorter durations may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

b) The internship programme is normally on an in-person full-time basis, following the normal days and hours of operation of the SEAMEO SPAFA Centre, which is Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Bangkok time).

c) Internship assignments may be carried out on a part-time or virtual basis with the approval of the SEAMEO SPAFA Centre Director.

d) Interns have to sign a ‘Code of Conduct’ form prior to the start of their internship.

e) Interns will also be expected to complete an exit evaluation and/or write a brief report based on their internship work.

a) All applicants must submit a cover letter and a completed application form. The completed application form should be sent by email to spafa@seameo-spafa.org.

b) Applicants will be contacted only if their candidature is taken under consideration. Although not mandatory, SEAMEO SPAFA may interview pre-selected candidates.

c) The accepted candidate will receive a letter of acceptance.