International Internships

International internships offer students an opportunity to expand their knowledge and understanding of unique cultures, ideas and people.  With a strong tradition of valuing experiential learning, Goucher provides three options to students who are interested in pursuing international internships.

 

Students must work with OIS, the Career Development Office (CDO), AND their academic advisors in order to secure credit for international internships.  PLEASE CONSULT OIS and the CDO for UPDATED DEADLINES. 

  

INTERNSHIPS EMBEDDED in Goucher Sponsored Study Abroad Programs

Goucher sponsors five study abroad programs that offer or have an internship built into the experience. Students who elect to participate in these experiences may apply, but are not guaranteed funding from summer internship awards.  Students can participate in these experiences provided the following conditions are met:

  • Students attend a group advising session in Office of International Studies (OIS).
  • Internship is approved by academic advisor on OIS Course Approval Form as part of the application process.  All OIS application deadlines must be met.  The deadline is usually early October for January & Spring programs and late February for Summer, Fall,  or Full Year programs.
  • Students attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation conducted by an OIS staff member.
  • Students’ academic advisor approved the internship as part of their course transcript. Therefore, an Internship Learning Agreement is not required through the CDO. Credit is transferred in with the rest of the students approved courseload.

Internships that are part of Goucher Sponsored Study Abroad Programs

Internships Embedded in Non-Goucher Study abroad programs

Students may locate non-Goucher study abroad programs with an internship built into the experience. Students must receive an official transcript from an institution accredited in the United States or an international institution recognized by the Ministry of Education in that country. This is a Goucher College policy governing transfer credit and can be found in the Academic Catalogue. Students who elect to participate in these experiences may apply for funding from the Summer Internship Awards, but are not guaranteed to receive funds.  Students can participate in these experiences provided the following conditions are met:

  • Students attend a group advising session in Office of International Studies (OIS) and apply for approval through OIS.
  • Internship is approved by academic advisor on OIS Course Approval Form as part of the application process. The application is due in early November for January or Spring programs and mid- to late March for Summer or Fall  programs.
  • If an internship is required by the student’s department, the faculty advisor must pre-approve the internship.
  • Students attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation conducted by an OIS staff member.
  • A student’s academic advisor approves the internship as part of the student’s study abroad course transcript. Therefore, an Internship Learning Agreement is not required through the CDO.

Independent Academic Internships

A student may pursue and create his or her own internship in a country of choice based on academic and career interests and areas of study provided the Internship Checklist is followed and the following conditions are met:

  • Students may only pursue Independent Internships during January or Summer Term. 
  • Students must have previous study or work experience abroad that has prepared them to live independently in another country.
  • Students sign waiver of liability provided by the CDO.
  • Internship must be arranged and students should contact OIS and the CDO by mid-October for January and mid-April for Summer.  Students should keep in mind the length of time needed to obtain a passport, visa, travel and housing arrangements. 
  • Students comply with all policies governing internship credit, complete an internship learning agreement, and submit to the CDO.
  • Students attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation conducted by an OIS staff member. OIS must sign your Internship Learning Agreement (ILA) prior to your internship being approved for academic credit.
  • Students must submit a letter from their site supervisor describing the arrangements for on-site supervision.
  • Students must be enrolled full time during the previous semester.

Students must speak with campus offices in the order below:

  1. The Office of International Studies (to receive approval for going abroad)
  2. The Career Development Office (to discuss the internship, applicable policies, etc.)
  3. The Academic Advisor (to receive academic credit and discuss relevance to course[s] of study) 

Locating International Internships

When thinking about an international internship, there are many factors to consider. Below are some questions to consider when deciding to pursue an international experience.

 

Have you been abroad before? Experiencing new cultures can be overwhelming. The best way to acclimate yourself to new culture is to live in that environment. If you have never lived abroad, you may want to consider one of Goucher College’s Study Abroad Programs prior to completing an international internship. An internship is a challenging experience even when you are familiar with the culture. Therefore, it is important to think about your ability to adapt to both another country as well as a professional work experience at the same time.

 

Do you have enough time to set up your experience? You will need to make sure your passport and appropriate visas are secured and this can take several months.  Additionally, have you reviewed U.S. State Department travel advisories, etc.


Have you thought about an Embedded Program? Currently there are four Goucher sponsored study abroad programs that have an embedded internship. This means you complete an internship while you are participating in one Goucher’s study abroad programs. These structured programs provide support to you from the OIS while you are abroad.


Did you know you can have an international experience without going abroad? Goucher’s proximity to both Baltimore and Washington opens your options to international organizations, government internships, non-government organizations (NGOs) and international businesses. These opportunities allow you to have an international experience locally. Your options are unlimited. Work in human rights, international policy, immigration, or economic development. The CDO coordinates internships that have a focus on international issues, but take place within the United States. 


What is the difference between an academic international internship and an international experience? There are many types of international opportunities including volunteering, teaching English, language immersion programs, and short-term work abroad. While these are great ways to live in another country, an academic international internship must meet the same standards as internships in this country. Therefore, international internships should be related to your academic studies, involve a professional work environment with direct supervision and focus on your learning goals and objectives. For more detailed information on academic internships, review the CDO’s website at www.goucher.edu/cdo.

Gaining support in securing international internships

Both the Offices of International Studies (OIS) and Career Development Office (CDO) are involved in the process of working with students pursuing international internships.  The CDO works with students to understand the process of receiving academic credit and the OIS provides pre-departure preparation for internships. Specific duties of each office include:

 

International Studies

  • Advises students on Study Abroad programs that include internships.
  • Provides a pre-departure orientation meeting for international internships.
 

Career Development

  • Approves internship learning agreements for independent internships to ensure compliance with campus internship policies.
  • Works with SAS to register students for credit.
  • Sends evaluations to students and employers.
  • Handles workplace issues including workload and sexual harassment.

Resources for independent International Internships

Study, work, volunteer, or intern abroad resources:
http://www.internabroad.com
http://www.goabroad.com
http://transitionsabroad.com
http://www.iiepassport.org

Domestic and int'l job, internship, and volunteer opportunities:
http://www.idealist.org

US State Department internships abroad (early deadlines, November 1 for Summer):
http://www.careers.state.gov/students/index.html

 

Please make sure to check with OIS and the CDO for specific, up-to-date deadlines!