Intern, Work and Volunteer Abroad

An academic internship is a supervised work experience of a pre-professional nature for which a student receives academic credit. Students must fill a pre-determined number of work hours and complete related assignments. Students generally receive a formal evaluation from an internship supervisor at the conclusion of the experience. Internships are available the fall, spring or summer terms, and are often done in addition to regular courses. Internship programs generally target juniors and seniors.

Interning and working in a different country, students experience local culture through a new lens, learn about a particular field from an international perspective and make lasting professional connections. Students that speak the local language have the opportunity to practice their language skills in a professional setting and learn technical vocabulary.

The number of credits usually range between 1-6 credits, depending on the duration and number of hours required for the internship.

he answer varies depending on your major. Please meet with the Chair of your academic department to find out if an academic internship would be applied toward your degree.

Students are placed in internships depending on field of study, future career goals, skills and interests. After you are accepted into a program, you will speak one on one with an advisor to help you articulate your career goals and identify an appropriate placement. Depending on the program, you may have an interview with the placement company.

Visa regulations vary depending on the destination country and the duration of stay. Visit the U.S. Department of State for country-specific visa requirements.

The Center for International Education encourages students to learn the local language; however, there are internship opportunities for English speakers in non-English speaking countries. The placement company determines the language requirement.

Yes, students may intern internationally after graduation; however, students should consider traditional internships opportunities, rather than academic internships, which charge tuition and award academic credit.