Since 2013, ILR has offered engaged-learning research internships in Lusaka, Zambia. ILR students in Zambia will have the opportunity to work with the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR), under the supervision of Dr. Tinenenji Banda, the Associate Director in SAIPAR's legal division. At the end of their six-week program, students will complete their research paper and present their findings to SAIPAR and relevant stakeholders during a final presentation. Through ILR's partnership with SAIPAR, ILR students will be equipped with the resources to meaningfully confront the realities that accompany development. 

What is unique about this program?

Lusaka challenges the stereotypical Western understanding of rural and developing Africa and students will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding of social issues through this lens. 

ILR students will work under the supervisions of Dr. Banda on policy research centered around law and access to justice in Zambia.  The specific topic will be shared with the ILR Zambia students during the Spring 2026 semester.  

2023 ILR students on the steps of the Zambian Supreme Court in Lusaka. 

In 2023, the ILR students researched barriers to access to justice in Zambia and the promise of alternative dispute resolution in the Zambian context (note that this research is not published on the SAIPAR website).  

To see what past students have researched, SAIPAR publishes Occasional Papers of their work.

1. 2022/05_Chintombwa, Rickman and Zohar_The Role and Interests of Faith-Based Organizations in Constitution-Making in Zambia
2. 2021/05_de Montfort Shepherd, Shicilenge and Shukla_CLD: An Analysis of Zambian Development NGOs’ Participatory Practices
3. 2021/01_Bugayong, Butterworth and Kabwabwa_Enhancing the Prosecution in Zambia:An Examination of Prosecution in the Subordinate Courts of Zambia
4. 2021/04_Kim, Chibuye and Bajpai_Weathering Challenges: Women’s Role in Climate-Induced Disaster Management in Zambia

Each year research topics change, depending on SAIPAR's priorities. 

What is unique about SAIPAR?

The Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR) is an independent, educational research and development-oriented research center. It is registered and established under the laws of the Republic of Zambia since 2006. Through interdisciplinary research, publications, seminars, and dialogue facilitation, the Institute seeks to contribute to improved policy making, research capacity, and governance. The Institute aims to be a catalyst for new ideas and concepts on good governance and development in Zambia and Southern Africa and a documentation center to serve as an indispensable partner on research and policy analysis.

In preparation of the summer internship, the ILR Zambia students will be required to participate in mandatory pre-departure meetings in the spring. These meetings will be combined with students participating in the ILR India Engaged Learning Program.

Where do students live in Lusaka? 

ILR students will live in a homestay near the SAIPAR campus.  The homestay family was selected by SAIPAR and has hosted ILRies in the past.  ILR students will share living quarters with one other ILR student, share meals with their homestay family, and learn about Zambian culture and life in Lusaka. 

How do I apply?

ILR students:

1. Review the program Requirements.
2. Meet with a past participant or the program advisor (Brigid Beachler, bk30@cornell.edu) to discuss the program details and your eligibility.
3. Complete the online application by clicking on the "Apply" button on this web page. You must log in with your NetID and password to access the application.
4. Strong applicants will be invited for an interview.  Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the program is filled.