Internships Abroad

Class standing

Some programs require junior or senior class standing. Sophomores may also be able to intern abroad. Check with your chosen program team.

Language

Many places do not require you to know the host-country language, but it is always useful to have some knowledge of the language spoken at your chosen destination. You will likely have more placement options if you know the host-country language.

Previous work experience

Your previous coursework, skills, and work experience will determine which specific internship placements you are qualified for. On-site program staff will work to match your experience with the needs of local businesses and organizations.

Yes, you will do both while abroad. All internships abroad are supported by an academic class. You will earn credit from the coursework tied to the internship course, not the internship itself. On semester programs, you will take other courses to fulfill major, minor, and/or liberal education requirements. During the summer, some programs offer a six-credit internship experience and course. On this option, you will not take any additional courses.

No. Paid employment is not possible on study abroad programs. Visa requirements in most countries do not allow you to work for pay while visiting or attending school.

Apply for internships at the same time you apply to the program. Most programs require a cover letter and resume. Find resources on your chosen program's webpage or contact a career office on campus.

• Once you have been admitted to the program, your internship application will be sent to the in-country internships team for review.
• The in-country internship team will review your application and, if it meets criteria, will process and send it to an appropriate site to secure you an interview.
• You may receive preliminary placement information prior to departure or once you arrive on site. You are guaranteed an internship interview. Nearly all students are placed after this interview process, but make sure to prepare and be professional. You will receive guidance on this in your host-country.
• If you complete your requirement applications and are flexible in your placement, you are very likely to receive an internship placement.

• Be flexible.
• Deal well with ambiguity.
• Be proactive and look for ways to contribute.
• Be professional (e.g., be on time, dress appropriately).

You often are able to contribute the most and gain the most experience at smaller companies and organizations rather than larger, well-known businesses.

"Prior to the workshop, campus participants discussed what they expected to find during their internship site visits. It was anticipated that internships conducted through learning abroad programs would not match domestic experiences in terms of building relevant technical skills (i.e., those related to specific career needs), but would compensate by delivering personal and professional skill development (e.g., tolerating ambiguity, interpersonal communication). By all accounts this turned out to be wrong. Throughout visits to a variety of internship sites, career services staff were impressed with the substantial responsibilities afforded to interns. Students developed both technical and professional skills on a par or beyond those they might have experienced domestically."

—Sara Newberg, Director, Career & Internship Services

Even if the internship is not in your exact field, you will learn about how the work world differs in other countries. Cross-culture competency is a skill that is difficult to learn in a US internship.

Employers often view an internship abroad positively. It is important to be able to articulate the experience to future employers. The most successful way to use an internship experience abroad is to be able to discuss the skills that you gained and how those competencies can be applied to your chosen career.

The on-site staff will work with your job supervisor to either help you with your internship concerns or, if no resolution is possible, find you a different internship.

• On-site staff put in a lot of work to arrange internships. Apply only if you're committed to undertaking an internship.
• Most students are happy they completed an internship.
• You will gain skills but will also have additional work, sometimes on weekends, meaning less time for travel.