Keystone Human Services International

International Practical Training Program

Keystone's International Practical Training Program uses educational and cultural exchanges to build professional relationships and to support community-based human services internationally. The program has become an important part of our organizational efforts in support of our mission.

Educational opportunities in the program focus on clinical skills, program management, leadership, and community capacity. These are some of the core areas of competence that are the foundation for a successful career as a leader in human services. These areas, in turn, are only valuable if they are firmly grounded in the principles of the intrinsic fundamental rights of all individuals.

Objectives for the participants in the program are as follows.

Practical hands-on training opportunities with Keystone in the United States, usually supporting individuals with disabilities.
Lasting friendships as a celebration of a common desire for a safer world and improved lives for people with disabilities.
Training and practical educational opportunities that are used by the participants in their own countries for the benefit of individuals with disabilities, their families, and their country.
Leadership, development, and organizational skills that are used in support of innovative community-based human service agencies and NGO's.

Objectives for the program itself are:

Positive and productive relationships with community agencies in other countries.
Development of innovative community agencies, founded and managed by participants of our international program.
Economic Development through the creation of stable employment opportunities for human service professionals.
Increased opportunities for human services professionals to share their knowledge and experience.

Currently program participants come to United States for eighteen months. While here, they participate in the training program for Keystone and receive compensation. Arrangements are made for room and board. There is some opportunity for additional travel and study while in the United States. The traineeships are typically in the Harrisburg and Lancaster area of Pennsylvania which is only a few hours by car or train from New York City, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Successful candidates are usually, but not always, enrolled in accredited colleges or universities with a course of study relevant to Human Services. Participants should come to the program with strong English skills, and must demonstrate a strong desire to return to their home country, as we rely on the alumni of the program to use their talents and skills to help build human services in their own communities.

We are pleased to have hosted interns from Moldova, Russia, Italy, Scotland, and Poland.

Interested candidates should use the contact information below.

Contact:

Billie Stuck
International Training Program Specialist
Keystone Human Services
124 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-232-7509 ext. 120
Fax: 717-635-2563
Email: bstuck @ keystonehumanservices.org

Or Contact:

Jennifer Allison, MA, SPHR
Vice President, Human Resources
Keystone Human Services
124 Pine Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-232-7509
Fax: 717-635-2563
Email: jallison @ keystonehumanservices.org