Internship Exchange/Work Permit Programs

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Securing an internship abroad on your own requires substantial research and initiative, and an effective search typically begins several months (6-9) prior to your actual departure. An alternative approach is to take advantage of established programs that offer paid and unpaid internships in a variety of countries. In many instances, these programs also provide assistance with obtaining work authorization permits, lodging and transportation. Please note that many of these programs charge placement fees.

Note: The following listings do not imply endorsement of specific organizations or programs by the Center for Engineering Career Development and are meant to assist students in their independent research only. Students need to perform due diligence prior to submitting applications and signing agreements with organizations.

AIESEC-USA (International Association of Students in Economic and Business Management)

  • International student-run organization which offers approximately 5,000 paid internships in a variety of fields including engineering.
  • Numerous multinational organizations partner with AIESEC to develop international internships for U.S.-based students.
  • Go to: http://www.aiesecus.org

International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)

  • The IAESTE Internship Program places students into paid technical internships across the globe. Internships are open to college sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students pursuing a degree in science, engineering, mathematics, architecture, computer science, or other technical fields. Students must become an At-Large member of IAESTE to be eligible to apply for internships.
  • Go to: www.iaesteunitedstates.org
  • Note: IAESTE also offers fee-based assistance with work permits for students who have identified their own internships abroad. Go to: http://www.iaesteunitedstates.org/IntProgs/Permit

International Cooperative Education (ICE)

  • Arranges internships in a variety of fields (including Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Science). Compensation varies by program and may include a modest salary or stipend. Academic credit from UVa may be available via an independent study arrangement.
  • Go to: http://www.icemenlo.com/index.shtml

Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology International Summer Internship Program

  • The Institute offers several summer intern fellowships in Germany for undergraduates who wish to gain experience in a scientific lab.
  • Open to students in their 3rd or 4th year of study in the areas of Developmental Biology, Immunobiology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or related fields.
  • Internships include a stipend to cover housing & living expenses
  • See: http://www.imprs-mcb.mpg.de/home/imprs/summer_internship/index.html


Partnership in International Research and Education (PIRE)

  • Arranges research-oriented summer internships at universities in Austria, Italy and Spain
  • Students must have at least two years of undergraduate study, preferably in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, or computer science
  • Includes $2,000 stipend and paid housing, food and transportation costs
  • Go to: http://pire-europe.chem.ttu.edu/pire/junior_summer_abroad.jsp

Research Internships in Science & Engineering (RISE)

  • Sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service. RISE offers summer research opportunities with Ph.D. students in Germany in the areas of biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences and engineering. Scholarships are available to cover cost-of-living while participating in the program.
  • Go to: http://www.daad.de/rise/en/6.html

The Pasteur Foundation of New York - Internship in France

  • The Zuccaire Internship Program is open to rising 3rd and 4th-year undergraduates with an excellent academic record and a strong interest in biosciences and biomedical research. Students must be U.S. citizens; knowledge of the French language and culture is advisable.
  • Interns will carry-out research supervised by a lab mentor.
  • Living allowance provided.
  • Go to: http://www.pasteurfoundation.org/zuccaire.html

The American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF)

  • Biotechnology Research, Forestry and Life Sciences, Teaching English, and International Law & Human Rights.
  • Assistance with work pemits and housing is available.
  • Go to: http://www.amscan.org/jobs/index.html

Syracuse University - Seemster/Short-term & Summer Engineering Internships

  • Semester, short-term and summer engineering internships in Madrid, Strasbourg and England. Programs includes academic and field work, and academic credit is a component.
  • Fees start at $2650 - includes lodging and meals - does not include airfare or academic credit.
  • Go to: http://www.suabroad.syr.edu

Rice University - NanoJapan Summer Internship Program
  • Research-based summer internships with Japanese research institutions focusing on nanotechnology research. Also includes cultural orientation and language training.
  • Open to 1st and 2nd year students with a strong interest in the field of nanotechnology and desire to work/study in Japan
  • Stipend of approximately $3500 extended to cover travel and other expenses.
  • Go to:http://nanojapan.rice.edu/

CDS International

  • A non-profit organization committed to the advancement of international practical training opportunities for young professionals, students, educators, as well as labor, business and government representatives. Currently, CDS offers summer internship programs in a variety of fields (including engineering) in Germany and Spain.
  • Go to: http://www.cdsintl.org/

Foreign Policy Association

  • For students seeking experienced related to an international career, you might consider pursuing an internship or fellowship with the Foreign Policy Association.
  • Go to: http://www.fpa.org for a listing of opportunities

U.S. Department of State

  • Offer a variety of programs, from summer internships to management fellowships, which allow students the opportunity to participate in projects related to U.S. foreign policy.
  • Go to: http://careers.state.gov/students

British Universities North America Club (BUNAC)
  • A non-profit organization that offers numerous international work, exchange and volunteer programs across the globe. BUNAC recently introduced a new Work in France program which enables US students to work in France for three months during the summer. Additional programs are available in Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Go to: http://www.bunac.org/

French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC)

  • FACC helps Americans obtain visas and work authorization to work in the private sector and reside in France on a temporary basis (lasting anywhere from three-to-eighteen months.)
  • Go to: http://www.ccife.org/usa/new_york/

Work in Ireland

  • The program gives students the opportunity to work anywhere in Ireland for up to four months at any time of the year. You can work full-time in any field, in as many jobs as you like, from two days to four months.
  • Go to: http://www.workandtravelireland.org/

Arcadia University/Center for Education Abroad

  • Offers programs that combine academics with work experience. Academic internships are available in five countries, ranging in duration from a summer to a semester. Students spend from one-to-four days per week in the workplace and take courses along with your internship. Most internships are unpaid.
  • Go to: http://www.arcadia.edu/abroad/default.aspx?id=6995

Knowledge Exchange Institute

  • Integrated employment and academic internships (for credit) in an international setting. KEI provides internship placements in a wide range of professional areas, including (but not limited to) business, public relations, politics, hospitality, journalism, media, medicine, health, science, research and design.
  • Go to: www.keiabroad.org/

University of Dreams

  • Private organization that runs summer internship programs for college and university students throughout the U.S. and Barcelona, London, Hong Kong, Costa Rica, and Sydney. The University of Dreams offers all-inclusive internship programs that include placement, housing, transportation and scheduled activities.
  • Go to: http://www.summerinternships.com/


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