Internships

USAC internships are rich resources for your academic and professional development. Internships are optional and included in your program fees. Internships are counted as part of your academic credit load and are in addition to the minimum credit requirement. In addition to professional and academic experience, internships are a great way to immerse yourself in the culture, meet locals, and practice your language skills.

In general, a USAC internship:

Is typically available during the Fall or Spring semester. Summer internships are offered only in a limited number of locations, noted below.
Will be taken for 1-3 credits, rather than for financial compensation.
Will be awarded a letter grade; your home university may convert the grade to a pass/fail.
Will not be finalized until arrival at the program site. Placement with a particular internship provider is not guaranteed.

Eligibility:

Minimum 3.0 GPA
Junior standing (at time of internship)
Foreign language proficiency (some placements)

Local language proficiency is not required for all placements; however, it may determine the placements for which you qualify. Placements range from beginner language abilities to advanced, and vary across program sites. You must notify the USAC Central Office at least 60 days prior to arrival at the program site if you are interested in an internship abroad. USAC staff assist in arranging internships; however, placement is not guaranteed by USAC and is determined by your application, supporting materials, and an interview with the internship sponsor on-site. The number of internship spots available at each placement site is limited and placement is not guaranteed.

USAC-Arranged Internships

These are coordinated by USAC and staff at each program site; only students enrolled in that specific study abroad program are eligible. Hours and grades are based on the US system.

Schedules and numbers of credits are determined in consultation with the work site mentor and the USAC Resident Director or Internship Coordinator.
In a USAC-arranged internship, one credit requires a minimum of 45 work hours; two credits require a minimum of 90 work hours; and three credits require a minimum of 135 work hours. Internship hours may not conflict with the student's USAC course schedule.
Students will maintain a weekly log, confer with the Resident Director or Internship Coordinator during the semester, and submit a final summative and reflective essay.
Interns, not USAC, will be responsible for transportation to and from the internship work site.
USAC will attempt to assist you to meet the internship requirements of your home university; however, it will ultimately be your responsibility to make sure those home university requirements are met.
Unless otherwise noted, a refundable fee will be collected and refunded upon the successful completion of the internship.
See each program for more program-specific information. Unless noted, you must apply prior to the start of the program.
You will need to prepare a resume and a statement of purpose detailing what you hope to achieve in an internship abroad.

Internships are currently offered in the following programs:

Host University-Arranged Internships

These are organized and evaluated by the Host University and will be credited on the host university transcript in the local grading system. If you are interested in a Host University-arranged internship, you will indicate your interest during the course registration process. Internships are currently offered on the following programs:

If you have further questions, please contact the USAC Enrollment Department: enrollment@usac.edu.