How to Get an International Internship

Domestic college programs can provide you with a good understanding of the world and your field of study. However, you can learn so much more with an international internship. These internships give you the chance to be embraced by a new culture and to experience the world from a new perspective.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Official transcript from your current university or college
• Passport
• Proficiency in the English language

1. Understand that there are different types of study abroad internships that you can apply for. Some of your options include: summer programs, volunteer programs, language immersion programs and full year programs.
2. Pick a field of study. Most study abroad internship programs are focused on a single field of study such as a language, archaeology, geology, sociology, psychology and mathematics.
3. Select a city or geographical area that you are interested in. There are a lot of cities that host study abroad internship programs. Some of your options include: Budapest, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Santiago, Beijing and London.
4. Talk with Global Learning Semesters, or other study abroad organizations, about their study abroad internship programs. Learn about what is available and where you can study. Some of the areas that you can study in include Europe, the Mediterranean, Cyprus, Spain, France, Belize and the United Kingdom.
5. Learn about the fees and financing options that your study abroad internship company has. Programs generally start around $3300 for a four week program and can cost over $10,000 for a semester long program. Financial aid and financing programs are available.
6. Set up a Student Account. You can do this on the internship company's web site. You will need this account to download catalogues and to apply for an internship program.
7. Make sure that you meet all of the prerequisites and academic criteria. You will generally need at least one year of college under your belt before you can apply for a study abroad internship. You will probably also need to meet minimum academic performance standards and you will need to pass English Proficiency Requirements. Each program will also have a list of required courses that you will need to have already completed before you apply for an internship.
8. Complete and submit all documentation and testing to the agency within 30 days of receiving your conditional offer.
9. Pay your study abroad internship deposit.

Tips & Warnings

• Research study abroad internships at least a year before you want to apply for one. This will give you the time that you need to meet educational prerequisites and time to save money to pay for your internship.