Organization. City.
International Justice Mission, IJM. Kolkata.
Duration of the internship. Timings:
3 weeks in July, 2014. 10:30 am-6 pm, weekdays only.
Application procedure. Internship contact details:
Parents Personal contact + Telephonic Interview.
Accommodation: where and how was it?
I travelled around 6-8 kilometers via a cab, which is easily available, I reside in Kolkata itself, so no trouble in accommodation.
How big was the office? Team strength?
Legal team had 3 seniors, 3 researchers/interns using myself and a team leader.
Administrative staff was 10-15 strong.
First impression. First day, formalities etc.:
I had to sign a couple of documents, I was introduced formally to everyone, they were very friendly and asked me to feel comfortable and ask them any questions if need be.
Main tasks:
I had to accompany the lawyers to court visits, once a week, research on cases associated with human trafficking and sex slavery as they are an NGO who are engaged in rescuing such people and convicting their offenders.
I was also asked to review 2 of their documentaries and write about my court visits.
Work environment, people:
The work culture at IJM is friendly but punctual and systematic.
The 3 seniors would meet me twice daily and I had to submit a completion report to team leader at the end of every week.
Best Things:
I learnt how to speed up my research, reading and writing skills; how not to crack under pressure and appreciate the pro bono work that IJM was engaged in.
Bad Things:
No stipend, need to carry work home sometimes since office would end by 6:30 pm but work may remain incomplete.
What did you do to chill? Co-interns, colleagues:
We played TT and went to a nearby restaurant once when there were no court visits or cases scheduled.
Stipend:
No