High-Impact Learning

On-site internships supplement your academic work with hands-on job experience with an organization or business in your desired field. On-site internships are conducted at your place of business abroad and are managed by the program RD and the company's internship supervisor. The following internship types are available on-site during a study abroad.

General Skills-Based Internships

General skills-based internship placements are suitable for students seeking an entry-level work experience in a broad career field. These placements do not require prior experience or specialized skills and knowledge, and are intended to provide students with a better of understanding of the field, emphasizing intercultural communication and the development of professional skills applicable to a wide variety of professional environments. The majority of USAC internship placements are comprised of this type.

Discipline-Specific Internships

Discipline-specific internship placements are suitable for advanced students seeking an in-depth professional experience in a specialized career field. These placements do require prior experience and assume students will possess requisite skills and knowledge of the field, and are intended to provide students with the opportunity to further develop these skills and knowledge through applied practice. There are limited placements of this type, which may have stricter eligibility requirements, including, but not limited to, advanced language proficiency, specialized skills or academic training, and higher GPA requirements. Additionally, these placements may require a separate application.

Research Internships and Assistantships

Research internships are project-based placements suitable for students in the sciences or other research-based fields seeking to develop knowledge in research methodology and practice. Entry-level placements are intended for students without prior lab or research experience. Students will work under the close supervision of the site supervisor and will be introduced to essential aspects of research theory and practice. Advanced placements are intended for students with prior lab or research experience. Advanced students will work under the supervision of a site supervisor but may be assigned tasks to complete autonomously. Advanced students are expected to contribute to the written work of the project. There are limited placements of this type, which may have stricter eligibility requirements, including, but not limited to, advanced language proficiency, specialized skills or academic training, and higher GPA requirements.

Micro-Internships

Micro-internships are suitable for students seeking a flexible and less rigorously academic cultural immersion opportunity. These 1-credit, 45-hour placements do not require previous experience or specialized skills and are intended to provide students with a better of understanding of the work culture of their host country and language learning opportunities rather than professional development or career exploration. These placements have no additional academic eligibility requirements, but may have language proficiency requirements.

Volunteer and Community Service (non-credit)

Volunteer and community service opportunities are non-academic experiences suitable for all students. These positions require no prior experience or specialized skills or knowledge and do not require a significant commitment of time. While volunteer opportunities are not for credit, they provide a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with the local community in meaningful ways, to develop intercultural communication and language skills, and to enhance their learning experience abroad in a less formal manner. For more information on volunteer opportunities please visit the Volunteer and Community Service page.