WHA SUMMER 2005 INTERN PROGRAM

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 006315

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR WHA/EX MARY MCBRIDE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: APER AMGT
SUBJECT: WHA SUMMER 2005 INTERN PROGRAM

REF: SECSTATE 243314

Santo Domingo is interested in participating in the WHA
summer 2005 intern program. The following information as per
reftel:


A. Number of internships offered: Two interns a) Economic
intern b) Consular intern


B. Language requirement:
a)Political/Economic intern - Spanish min 2 2
b)Consular intern - Spanish min 3 3


C. N/A


D. Section to be assigned: a)ECOPOL, b)Consulate


E. Post intern coordinator:
Stephen Wheeler
Chief, Economic Unit
809.731.4293 (office)
809.686.4038 (fax)
WheelerS@state.gov


F. Specific duties and projects intern will perform:

1)The ecopol intern will cover duties normally assigned to a
second tour officer, as full participation in the activities
of a busy 7 person economic and political section in a
country friendly to the United States, subject to economic
difficulties and institutional weaknessess. This may include:

-- Producing written material, including summaries of current
political and economic topics, memoranda of conversation,
biographic material, briefing material for the Ambassador,
and, if the opportunity arises, drafts for telegraphic
reports to the Department of State.

-- Possibility of participation in demarches to Dominican
officials in visits of USG officials and in representational
events.

-- Daily review of local newspaper, identifiaction of topics
of interest to the USG.

-- Involvement producing material for the Embassy's
classified Website serving the USG.

-- As warranted, travel outside Santo Domingo for orientation
and investigation.

A memorandum of performance is prepared at the end of the
assignment.

2) The consulate intern would be directly supervised by the
Deputy Consul General or by a Unit Chief. While the intern
would not be doing line consular work, the person would be
given research Projects commensurate with a first - or -
second- tour Foreign Service Officer, which includes
producing memoranda and drafting cables or reports to the
Department; attending meetings with Dominican officials and
other consular contacts; reviewing local newspaper and
electronic media for topics of interest to the Consular
section; and as arranged, travel outside Santo Domingo for
meetings and investigations. A memorandum of performance
will be prepared at the end of the assignment.


G. Housing: Embassy cannot guarantee that USG housing will be
available for an intern. Once possible dates are known we
can seek to identify housing that may be available between
tenants or house-sitting opportunities; if necessary, we can
seek to put an incoming intern in contact with possible
sources for short-term rental of a simple furnished room or
apartment. The Embassy has no funds to pay for housing.


H. Visa requirements: Officially, the Dominican Republic
requires a visa to enter the country. However, a tourist visa
valid for a limited stay can be purchased upon arrival at
national airports, including at the airport in Santo Domingo.
The cost is USD 20. There may be a modest additional fee
upon departure (perhaps USD 5) if the traveler stays beyond
the time period indicated.


I. Innoculations required: None (if expecting to travel
extensively outside urban centers, vaccinations for Hepatits
A and B are recommended)


J. Deposits required: None. Cash, travelers checks and
personal checks can be exchanged at local banks, including at
a branch located at the Embassy chancery.
KUBISKE