International Internships
The University of Florida is committed to providing its students opportunities to gain a fuller understanding of the people, cultures, and contemporary concerns of the world. An international internship can enrich and expand the knowledge needed in our ever-changing world and enhance the scope of education beyond borders. Regardless of whether you will eventually be looking for U.S. or international employment, an overseas internship will enhance your resume and can enhance your future prospects in the job market.
Defining Your Internship
Whatever the reason for your interest in an overseas work experience, remember to keep in mind your goals for working abroad as you undertake your search. This may depend on several factors. A good place to start is by identifying your strengths and weaknesses and the types of experiences you wish to gain from the internship. You should give yourself plenty of time to find an internship that best suits you. Finding programs that will suit your needs is the most challenging part of the search process. It is a good idea to consider your interests and skills. Then when applying for your internship, include these two categories in your personal statement or cover letter. The answers to these questions can greatly determine where you should start looking for internships.
Finding an Internship
Once you have identified the kind of internship you want, you should contact as many organizations or individuals as possible, talk to other students who have worked abroad, and talk to your academic advisor for support and advice. You may also want to visit the Career Resource Center (CRC) and the University of Florida International Center for answers to specific questions you may have about this process. A good way to begin your search is by going to internship search engines on-line. If you are more interested in corporate internships, look at international corporations that may have opportunities for work abroad.
Funding Sources
While some internships are funded, or pay a salary, the majority of internships are done largely, or entirely, at your own expense. Check with your department for fellowships or grants. If you are considering working in Latin America or Africa, please check with the UF Center for Latin American Studies and the Center for African Studies for available travel grants. Also, speak to a financial aid counselor at the Office for Student Financial Affairs to ascertain any funding potential through loans or scholarships.
IAC-International Agricultural Centre
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
DEVELOPMENT
American Woman’s Economic Development Corporation
CHCF The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families
Democratic Association of Tegrean Women (DATW)
National Youth Advocacy Coalition
USAID
ENVIRONMENT
Student Conservation Association, Inc.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency