Internships Abroad
Current students can earn academic credit while gaining practical internship, fieldwork, or research experience. UNCW partners with leading organizations to provide students with program placement and comprehensive support.
Internship Opportunities
We offer full-time & part-time, structured, unpaid international internships in a wide variety of career fields around the world while you earn credit. You will be placed in an international internship based on your area of study, skills, and future career goals while providing you tools throughout the experience for you to become "career ready".
Remote Global Internships
Remote Global Internships allow students to have an international experience, build their resume, and develop professional skills from the comfort of their own home. Although your internship will be facilitated through online means, students are in regular contact with the supervisor/team via virtual methods such as video call, phone call, email, instant messenger, or other online platforms.
Explore Remote Global Internship Programs
Earning Academic Credit
Students must earn academic credit in order to participate in an international internship sponsored by UNCW. There are two ways students can earn credit.
1. Students will earn transfer credit from the host institution in which the program is partnered with. Students will need to meet with their academic advisor/department and complete the Transient Study Form to earn transfer credit.
2. Students may receive credit directly from UNCW by making special arrangements with their academic advisor/department to earn academic credit for a UNCW course. Students work directly with their academic advisor/department and submit either a Direct Independent Study Form or Permission to Enroll in an Internship Form.
To schedule an advising appointment with the Internship advisor, click here.
*If you are considering a domestic internship, you can speak with the UNCW Career Center or your departmental internship advisor for further resources.*
FAQ's
Why intern abroad?
· Gain professional skills: communication, appreciation for diversity, leadership, and confidence
· Understand daily work life in another country
· Deepen cross-cultural understanding
· Reflect and learn through accompanying the course
· Use experience for obtaining future jobs
What types of internships are available?
Internships are available in a wide variety of industries and areas, and placements are available for students in any major. The specific internship placements vary by program. Program pages typically list example internships or typical internship fields. If you do not see your desired industry on those lists, ask the program contact.
Why earn academic credit?
Internships are an extension of the classroom. There is a great benefit to integrating academic work and reflection into your experience. An internship course will offer you additional guidance through your experience and help you connect it to your academic goals, professional development, and career exploration. Internship courses connect you to peers interning around the world to share experiences and explore working across cultures.
For students interning in the semester, UNCW will maintain your student status so that you keep your position for registration, your UNCW email active, and any student loans you have from going into repayment. Many scholarships require enrollment so it may expand your funding options, including financial aid depending on credit number and duration.
What are some important requirements of an internship?
Class standing
Typically, students are eligible to participate in an international internship once they reach sophomore standing. However, some programs require junior or senior class standing. Be sure to view the eligibility requirements for the specific program you are interested in.
Language
Many programs do not require you to know the host-country language, however, some programs do. If a program does not have a language requirement, it can be useful to have some knowledge of the language spoken at your chosen destination. You will likely have more placement options if you know the host-country language.
Previous work experience
Although not a requirement, your previous coursework, skills, and work experience can aid in determining which specific internship placements you are qualified for. On-site program staff will work to match your experience with the needs of businesses and organizations.
Will I take classes and intern?
All internships abroad are supported by an academic class. You will earn credit from the coursework tied to the internship course. On study + internship programs, you will take other courses to fulfill major, minor requirements. During the summer, some programs offer a six-credit internship experience and course. On this option, you will not take any additional courses.
Are internships paid?
No. Paid employment is not possible. Visa requirements in most countries do not allow you to work for pay while visiting or attending school.
When should I apply?
We recommend students apply as soon as possible to get the placement process started early. Placements are competitive, fill quickly, and there are often limited placements in popular fields. Program deadlines indicate the last date we can accept participants for that term which is usually based on accommodation availability and visa deadlines. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can move on to the next steps and have the best chance for your perfect internship.
How does the placement process work?
Placement processes vary by program. Below is a general guideline on the placement process. However, be sure to review the placement process for your specific program of interest.
· Once you have completed an application, your application will be reviewed by our office and the placement team of the provider/program.
· The placement team will review your application and, if it meets the criteria, will process and send it to an appropriate site to secure you an interview.
· You may receive preliminary placement information prior to departure or once you arrive on site. Nearly all students are placed after this interview process, but make sure to prepare and be professional. You will receive guidance on this in your host country.
· If you complete your requirement applications and are flexible in your placement, you are very likely to receive an internship placement.
How do I get the most out of my internship?
· Be flexible.
· Deal well with ambiguity.
· Be proactive and look for ways to contribute.
· Be professional (e.g., be on time, dress appropriately).
Students often can contribute the most and gain the most experience at smaller companies and organizations rather than larger, well-known businesses.
How do US employers view internships conducted abroad?
Employers often view an internship abroad positively. It is important to be able to articulate the experience to future employers. The most successful way to use an internship experience abroad is to be able to discuss the skills that you gained and how those competencies can be applied to your chosen career.
Realities of internships/commitment (Do I want something like this?)
· On-site staff put in a lot of work to arrange internships. Apply only if you're committed to undertaking an internship.
· Most students are happy they completed an internship.
· You will gain skills but will also have additional work, sometimes on weekends, meaning less time for travel.
