An overseas internship can be the experience of a lifetime. Imagine sitting in on the daily NATO briefing in Brussels, helping restore a rainforest to its natural state in beautiful Belize or helping local Brazilian human rights organizations gain access to international legal assistance.

However finding the right internship can be a daunting task.

There are two main ways to find an overseas internship – fee based programs and independent searches.

Fee Based Programs

For a fee, many organizations will provide you with an overseas internship and manage all the logistics of your trip. The great thing about this approach is that you have an organization do all the leg work – from contacting and securing the internship site to helping you with travel and immigration arrangements.

If you plan on using a fee based program we highly recommend contacting AU Abroad.

AU Abroad offers study abroad programs in cities around the world-academic programs that break the overseas study mold. They organize all the details of your semester so that you have a safe, challenging, and meaningful overseas academic adventure.

Other fee based programs include:
http://www.internabroad.com

http://www.planetedu.com

Independent Overseas Internship Searches

Many individuals find their internship independent of any placement organization. The upside of this approach is that it is usually less expensive and you can find internships in any part of the world. The drawback of this approach is that it is generally much more time consuming and there is no one to turn to if logistics do not go as planned – i.e. your return flight is canceled, your visa application is denied, the internship site no longer exists when you arrive etc.

If you plan on using this approach the Career Center can assist you.

Provided on this site are:

• Step by Step Tips and Strategies for Securing an International Internship *Use this handout to begin your search!
• General Websites for Overseas Jobs and Internships
• Tips on how to afford an international internship - it is very unlikely you will secure a paid internship!
• A link to the Office of Merit Awards which list scholarship funding opportunities
• Tips for Contacting Overseas Organizations – How to write a letter to that cool sounding NGO in Thailand!
• A List of Resources Available in the Career Center Library on International Jobs and Internships
• A PowerPoint presentation entitled – How to Find an International Internship
• Internship Guides - The Career Center has compiled a list of internships and other country specific information designed to help point you in the right direction. However, please be advised that American University does not endorse any of these organizations. This list has been compiled mostly through internet research and American University officials have not visited, verified or approved these internships. Currently we have developed guides for Europe, Central America and South America. We plan to have a guide for internships in Asia available later this year.

If you have any questions, concerns or just want to chat about other opportunities please feel free to set up an appointment with the Career Center’s International Internship Advisor by calling (202) 885-1804.