Our remarkable internship opportunities allow both undergraduate and graduate students to gain work experience within prestigious organizations and dynamic corporations while earning academic credit abroad. Internships are integral to Florida State’s global perspective, as placements offer students incomparable career experience combined with intense cultural interaction. At our highly respected year-round study centers, we have forged strong professional affiliations within the host countries. The result is coveted job placements in four major world cities: London, England; Florence, Italy; Panama City, Republic of Panama; and Valencia, Spain.Other locations may be available upon inquiry. In addition, our College of Social Work has established opportunities for international internships around the globe.

Is an International Internship for You?

Internships are generally unpaid full-time or part-time work assignments in professional settings for which students receive academic credit. Interns are guided by Florida State’s academic departments and International Programs. Interns function as employees, with their full responsibilities being to their host firms, colleagues, superiors, and academic advisors.

In addition, interns complete a personal journal, a summary report, and other academic requirements. These experiences can be invaluable in shaping and defining an education and a career. Internships help students to:

• focus on a prospective career
• enhance academic study with practical experience
• open a new area of special interest
• develop new skills for future advancement
• obtain professional experience
  

Important Information About Placements, Majors, and Individualized Internships
International Programs seeks to accommodate every qualified student with an appropriate internship. The internship listings in this catalog reflect a sampling of recent placements. While we cannot guarantee specific placements, our staff is committed to finding the best possible fit in your chosen area of interest.

Conditions and Eligibility
Competition for international internships is keen, as the sponsoring organizations are seeking highly capable individuals. Only the most qualified candidates are selected. While we make every effort to find the best placement to match academic and career goals, we cannot guarantee a specific placement. Placements are dependent upon student credentials, availability of suitable positions, and possible interviews. When requesting placements, students should understand there is a high level of responsibility and commitment required for the successful completion of international internships. Students who derive the most from professional internships are mature, self-motivated, intellectually curious, reliable, friendly, detail-oriented, and flexible.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must be full-time, degree-seeking students with at least a 3.0 GPA (3.5 for British Parliament, DLA Piper Rudnick Carey and the U.S. Embassy).
• Interns in Valencia and Panama must have a strong background in both Spanish comprehension and conversation. Any placement that requires proficiency in a certain language will necessitate an interview with a native-speaker, arranged through International Programs.
• Florida State social work students interested in interning should initially contact: Patricia B. Lager, L.C.S.W., Director of International Programs, School of Social Work, 850-644-4860, plager@mailer.fsu.edu.

Visas and Work Permits
Interns may be required to obtain a work permit and/or entry visa to participate in the Internship Program. Interns are responsible for completing the necessary steps to obtain the work permit or visa in a timely manner, and may be responsible for associated costs.

U.S. citizens requiring visas will receive guidelines and assistance from International Programs. Interns not holding U.S. passports must contact the appropriate consulate to obtain necessary visas. International Programs does not take on the responsibility for obtaining non-U.S. entry work permits or visas.

The visa application processes and requirements are constantly changing, and vary greatly from location to location. Failure to complete the visa application process within the stated timeline will possibly result in late arrivals or inability to participate in the program. Any financial penalties associated with delayed arrivals or cancellations will be the responsibility of the intern. Because of variables that are beyond their control, interns are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance when purchasing their flights.

Credit Hours and Academic Requirements
International Programs offers full and part-time internship placements. The number of credit hours earned varies based on term, location, and discipline. Contact our Internship Coordinator for more information. Academic requirements, including assignments during the internship, will be specified by the student’s department, the instructor of record, and the International Programs Internship Coordinator. Students must meet their advisor and/or departmental intern coordinator or professors to obtain academic approval for their internship. Non-Florida State students must obtain approval from their home school.