Rodney Wilson, California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues legislative and regulatory lobbyist and a participant in the World Council of Credit Unions International Credit Union Leadership Program, shares best practices on government relations at a credit union conference in the Dominican Republic.  (Photo provided by the World Council of Credit Unions)

MADISON, Wis. (3/19/13)--The World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is seeking U.S. credit union professionals to apply for a two-week credit union internship in Costa Rica, June 9- 22, through WOCCU's International Credit Union Leadership Program. The application deadline is April 12.

Twelve candidates will participate in the scholarship program, which covers all expenses except airfare.

The program "offers excellent opportunities for emerging credit union leaders to better understand how another country's credit unions reach underserved populations and support their communities through member education and other special projects," said Brian Branch, WOCCU president/CEO.

"At the same time, interns gain deeper cultural appreciation and foreign language practice while living with host families," he said.

The program facilitates idea exchanges, promotes foreign language skills, exposes participants to cultural diversity and improves problem-solving skills as they relate to the credit union industry. Participating U.S. credit union leaders learn about methods to better serve an increasingly diverse membership, including youth, businesses and low-income and Hispanic members.

In exchange, credit union professionals from Costa Rica can intern in the U.S. Twelve Costa Rican credit union professionals will begin their U.S. internships April 7. The program is part of the U.S. Department of State's Professional Fellows Program and is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of Citizen Exchanges.

The leadership program provides each participant with credit union placement, lodging with a host family, meals and communication stipends, local transportation and traveler's insurance. Sponsoring U.S. credit unions must cover airfare of roughly $950.

For more information, use the link or contact Michael Suing at msuing@woccu.org or 608-395-2075.