Dear students,
I am pleased to announce the Fall 2015 Practicum courses. You can view the course descriptions
and get more information at the SIS Practicum Program webpage.
Applications
Applications are now open for both Fall and Summer Practica (learn more about the Summer
Practica, happening in Kenya, Israel, and Brazil, at SIS Abroad). All applications are due by
midnight (11:59 PM) on Sunday, March 1. Students will be informed of their placement by March
22.
To be eligible to apply, you must have a 3.0 GPA and have completed 18 credits by the end of the
Spring semester for Summer Practica, or by the end of Summer for Fall Practica. The application
procedure includes completing an Application Web Form to indicate your priority choices among
Summer and Fall Practica offered. Students should then complete their applications at SIS Abroad
for Summer Practica, and on Blackboard for Fall Practica. You must submit a separate application,
including a cover letter and resume, for EACH course to which you apply. Complete applications
instructions are available on the Practicum website and at SIS Abroad.
Information Sessions
Information sessions about the Fall Practicum courses will be happening over the next two weeks.
This is a great opportunity for students to meet the professor, learn about the clients and the
projects, ask questions, and gain insight on how to tailor their cover letters and resumes. A list of
session times and locations is below. If you are unable to attend an information session, you are
welcome to contact the professors directly with questions.
Practicum Program Overview, Stephanie Fischer
Monday, February 9, 4:45 – 5:30 PM, SIS 260
Monday, February 16, 5:00 – 6:15 PM, SIS 300
China In Africa, Sally Shelton Colby
Tuesday, February 10, 4:45 – 5:30 PM, SIS 260
Monday, February 16, 4:45 – 5:30 PM, SIS 260
Conflict Transformation, Peacebuilding and Human Security, Hrach Gregorian
Tuesday, February 17, 4:45 – 5:30pm, SIS 260
Intelligence Analysis, Aki Peritz
Tuesday, February 17, 10:45 – 11:30am, SIS 260
Sustainable Institution Building in Law Enforcement Organizations, Trace Lasley
Wednesday, February 18, 4:45-5:30 PM, SIS 348
Program Assessment in Intercultural Leadership Development, Amanda Taylor
Monday, February 16, 5:00 – 6:15 PM, IC suite (SIS 235)
Climate Ethics and Environmental Justice, Jeff Bachman
Wednesday, February 11, 4:45 – 6:00 PM, SIS 349
Cover Letters and Resumes
The practicum application process is a competitive one, and students are not guaranteed
placement. You should draft your cover letter and tailor your resume with the same care that you
would take in applying for a job. We highly recommend you work with Career Services to review
your cover letters and resumes before applying.
SIS career advisors are available to support SIS graduate students through individual appointments,
drop-in advising, and education programs. To book a 30- or 50-minute session with an SIS career
advisor, call 202-885-1804 or visit www.american.edu/careercenter/Advising-Appointments.cfm
to book online.
SIS career advisors also hold drop-ins in the SIS Atrium every day from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Stop by and
receive quick feedback on your Practicum applications without having to schedule an appointment.
Finally, you can also find many cover letter and resume resources on the Career Services website or
the "SIS Grad Student Career Resources" Blackboard site.
Good luck on your applications!
Stephanie Fischer
Director of Experiential Learning
Executive in Residence
School of International Service
American University
Sis_practica@american.edu
fischer@american.edu