Browse Internships Abroad 

STEP 1: Review Programs

When looking at all the programs, think about what you want and need out of the experience.

• First, begin to establish your goals.
• Are you looking for a particular destination?
• What kind of career experience are you looking for?
• How long do you want to be away?
• Does your major allow transfer credit or do you need to register for GVSU credits?
• Have you completed your Issues and Global Perspectives general education requirements?

STEP 2: Top Picks & PIC

Once you know your goals, your academic department's requirements, and have prioritized personal interests, pick 2-3 programs that best suit you.

Meet with a Peer Adviser to learn more about the placement process, applications, housing, unique program features, and much more.

Get into more specifics: If you have any questions about internships, you can also email to schedule a meeting with Kristen Cloutier [email protected]. This meeting can help you set goals and look at more program specifics.

STEP 3: Academics

Each academic department does things differently. Most departments have a designated Faculty member who oversees internships. Meet with this person to ask some key questions:

• How many contact hours are required by the department?
• Is transfer credit accepted or does the department only approve GVSU internship credits?
• Which GVSU course would I register for in order to get credit for the experience? ex. HTM 290, BUS 490, MOV 399, etc
• What does the assessment for GVSU credit include? Journals, research, reflection paper, etc.

Look up your major's designated internship Faculty member: Internship Contacts

You can also email Kristen Cloutier [email protected] to see if equivalencies already exist and how the transfer of academic credit works.

STEP 4: Funding

Interning abroad isn't always cheap, especially depending on location.

Make sure to look into scholarships, meet with Financial Aid, meet with our staff, and start saving for those delicious meals and souvenirs!

Certain affiliated programs offer discounts to students! Find that information here!

STEP 5: Apply

Once you've decided which program is the best fit for you, get your application started!

ALL students must have an accepted Via TRM application on file before interning abroad. Consult with the Padnos International Center if you are unsure which Via TRM application type is appropriate for your internship.

Please note that after you are accepted on Via TRM, you will have a second application to complete for your program provider.

If you need help with any part of your application, stop into the office during our open advising hours, send an email, and/or make a virtual advising appointment.

STEP 6: Preparations

Download the Internships Abroad Pre-Departure Checklist to get started on your planning. This will serve as a guide throughout the whole process.

When working with any internship provider (GVSU or External) you will need to provide a resume and be able to describe the experience you're looking for and why you're interested in interning abroad.

We highly recommend visiting GVSU's Career Center to help you prepare your Resume and Interview Skills. 

Ultimately, the decisions to intern abroad is yours, so asking yourself what you want out of a professional experience is especially important. 

Some things to consider:

• Do you want to work for a large or a small company?
• Are you looking for an observational or hands-on experience?
• What is your dream job?
• What prior experience do you already have?
• What are you looking to gain from this professional experiences?
• What other interests do you have that might compliment your academics? Sports, hobbies, crafts, skills, etc.

Many providers offer credit-bearing internships and placements abroad.  If you are searching for major specific internship opportunities, visit our Programs by Major page or use our general program search to find internship experiences that are interesting to you. Search by your major, by location, and many other criteria.

Students are allowed to participate in any internships that they would like to. Students receive the help of our office, as long as they are receiving some form of credit for the experience. Students may not use the assistance of Padnos International Center if they choose to participate in a virtual internship.

We have a list of suggested programs, categorized by region. For options for specific fields of study email Kristen Cloutier [email protected] for more information. It is recommended to do your own additional research, as there are many amazing programs out there you can participate in. These are simply ones that are tried and true and help give you a place to start in your research. 

Provider Suggestions Based on Location:

Europe

• CIEE
• CEA CAPA
• AIFS
• Barcelona SAE -- For Barcelona internships
• Florence University of the Arts - for Florence internships
• The Umbra Institute - for Perugia internships - great for ENS and BUS.
• TIG 
• ISA
• USAC

Africa and The Middle East

• CIEE
• CET

Asia/Pacific

• ISA/TEAN
• CEA CAPA
• CET
• CIEE

Latin America

• TIG
• CIEE
• AIFS

For internships in any type of animal study or for more unusual locations, consider looking into the following providers:

Loop Abroad

Kaya Responsible Travel

Does my program provider offer a transcript?

Transcripts are generally provided but depending on the provider students choose to do an internship through, they may not offer a transcript.

What does that mean?

Transcript Offered by Provider

Grand Valley offers its students an Open-Door Policy regarding outside credit. This means that the university will accept credit on transcripts provided by external programs; however, you will still be responsible for working with your internship coordinator at Padnos International Center and GVSU faculty to determine course equivalency.

Transcript Not Offered by Provider

• For Credit: If you wish to earn credits for the internship and your provider does not offer a transcript, you may choose to do an Independent Study. Contact Kristen Cloutier [email protected] for details. 
• Not For Credit: If the program you are interested in does not provide a transcript and you do not need credit for the internship, you can still do this internship abroad but it will be for your own professional development and not for credit through GVSU. While the staff of the PIC encourages international travel as an intrinsically valuable experience, and enthusiastically encourages students to pursue the high-impact learning experiences of volunteer service abroad, the office staff does NOT provide advising or other support for non-credit programs. You can also not use your financial aid if you are not receiving academic credit.

Study Abroad and Internship Combination

Alternatively you can always do a Study Abroad and Internship Combination. This opportunity means you can take general courses abroad at the same time that you can receive an internship placement abroad. You will work mainly with a study abroad coordinator at GVSU but can meet with the internship coordinator as well. Browse Programs Here.

Browse Internships Abroad 

Download the Internships Abroad Pre-Departure Checklist to get started on your planning. This will serve as a guide throughout the whole process.

Before You Go

• Decide where you want to go and through which provider. Confirm that your internship placement will provide an academic transcript. If not you will have to register for an Independent study. If this is the case, confirm that your department will allow this.
• Do your research and make sure to contact and request any uncovered information from the organization of interest.
• Be clear and specific about your expectations and what you seek to benefit from the organisation. 
• Clearly communicate your expectations in terms of support and goals, such as assistance when you arrive.
• Clarify before you arrive to whom you will report, what your work schedule will be, and any time off you may need. 
• Request the agreed-upon terms of the internship in writing (including evaluations).

Once You Arrive

• Set goals for the experience with your supervisor, including what skills and knowledge you hope to acquire and setting expectations.
• Keep a journal of your activities and reflections, particularly any professional or cultural insights you gain. Include hard skills and soft skills gained.
• Be open-minded and willing to revise your goals if necessary. Internships are hardly ever what you expect, so be open to the unexpected. Your experiences could lead you in a direction you did not plan and provide new opportunities and perspectives. Keep in mind you are learning hard and soft skills and both are valuable.
• Make an effort to learn about the culture and get to know your coworkers.
• Keep your supervisor informed of your activities, even if this does not seem required.
• Ask questions, do not make assumptions.
• If there are any issues that need to be addressed, talk to your supervisor or to your program provider contact. They will be able to help you navigate making adjustments.

Preparing for Returning

• Request a meeting or an "exit interview" with your supervisor. Discuss your initial goals, accomplishments, and the experience as a whole. 
• Ask for letters of recommendation, as your supervisors may be difficult for future employers to contact.
• Formally thank people for your experience. 
• If appropriate, provide feedback that might be helpful in the preparation and supervision of future interns.
• Revise your resume and document your experience immediately while fresh in your mind. When you return meet with the career center to make sure you are able to translate your experience onto your resume in an effective way.
• Ask about transcript transfer process if any is provided. List your internship coordinator as the recipient of the transcript.
• Take time for self-reflection so that you can speak to the specific impact your experience had with future employers.
• When you return get reconnected with Padnos International Center.