International Internship
Panama City, Panama | Summer
With deep roots in this multinational crossroads city, FSU Panama has excellent working relationships with Panamanian agencies, NGOs, and enterprises. The region’s natural settings and ample businesses add to the unique opportunities offered in Panama. Panama City is an important trade and business center. At a place where two oceans meet, there are a variety of opportunities to work and build practical skills. Learn about Latin America’s crucial world role as you gain experience and make connections.
Eligibility
This program is open to all degree-seeking undergraduate FSU students who have been accepted into an upper-division major at the time of application. You must have a 3.0 minimum FSU GPA. Levels of Spanish comprehension and conversation vary according to placement, but may be needed.
Other Considerations & Requirements
Internships are part-time or full-time, depending on the placement. Part-time interns must also enroll in classes at FSU Panama. All internships are unpaid.
Note: Do not purchase airline tickets until advised to do so in the IP portal.
Pre-Application Required Meeting
You must first meet with International Programs' internship advisor before you can apply. You can join Zoom drop-in advising hours on Mondays & Tuesdays from 10am-12pm, and Thursdays from 1pm-3pm. Or, you can book an appointment for another time via Campus Connect. Alternatively, you can reach out directly by emailing IP-Intern@fsu.edu to make an appointment.
Drop-In Advising Book An Appointment
Application Requirements
After you have met with the internship advisor, you will be given a link to apply. Once you have completed the application and your application fee is processed, you will receive an email with access to the IP portal.
In the IP portal you must submit the following documents:
- Internship request form
- Resume (two copies: one that has been critiqued by the FSU Career Center and one final copy)
- One letter of recommendation and the recommendation form.
- Note: Recommendation letters must be on official letterhead and must be emailed by the recommender to IP-Intern@fsu.edu.
Placement Process & Internship Field Areas
The internship placement process will begin after the commitment fee deadline with a virtual meeting with FSU Panama staff. Following this meeting, Panama staff work to secure an interview for you. You will then have an interview with the company or organization. Specific placements cannot be guaranteed, are subject to availability, and may require specific skills or previous experience. If a placement is not identified within 30 days of the start of your program, you will have the option to switch to the broad curriculum program in your internship location or to receive a refund of program fees (not including the application fee).
Internship opportunities can include, but are not limited to the following placement/field areas:
Biology; Computer Science (webpages & technology); International Affairs; Social Work; United Nation (UN) Affiliates
Other areas not listed may be considered after consultation with the Panama staff.
Program Resources
International Programs wants you to have an enriching experience abroad. Before applying, be sure to review the excursions and activities associated with the program and consider differences in accessibility and resources in the program’s location. Check out the following resources for more information on preparing to go abroad.
FSU Panama Branch Campus
The only FSU branch campus abroad, FSU Panama is situated in the City of Knowledge, a complex shared by educational organizations and NGOs. The FSU Panama building has classrooms, a computer lab, wellness room, admin offices, and more. The City of Knowledge offers various amenities to FSU students, including a basketball court, pool, and local bakeries and restaurants.
Housing
You'll live in dorm-style residences within the City of Knowledge complex, just a short walk or shuttle ride away from the FSU Panama classroom building. Each room has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a bathroom, desk, mini-fridge, and balcony. Downstairs, you'll have access to the student lounge area and fully-equipped kitchen. You'll also have access to a coin-operated laundry room and vending machines.
Note: Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing.
View Housing Photos
Academics
On this program, you will earn internship or Directed Individual Study (DIS) credit for your internship. If your internship is part-time, you will also take one or more classes at FSU Panama.
Excursions & Activities
You'll receive a program calendar before you leave; here are some examples taken from past programs of potential excursions & activities you may do, dependent on the alignment of your work hours/schedule with program activities:
Overnight trip: Bocas del Toro, Azuero Peninsula, highlands of Panama, or San Blas Islands
Day trips: Jungle safari tour, beach & snorkeling trip, visits to Embera indigenous communities, nature trips, agro-tourism farm, Portobelo & San Lorenzo forts, and/or various tropical islands
Academic & other local experiences: Panama Canal visitor center, Panama Viejo, tours of colonial & metropolitan areas, eco-canal tour, and/or other historic sites
Extracurricular activities: Panamanian cuisine cooking classes, dance classes, and/or sports activities
Included in the Fee
Academic Credit
12 credits
Housing Abroad
Shared dorm style
Excursions & Activities
Some Meals
Some breakfasts & group dinners
International Health Insurance
On-Site Pastoral Support
Admin & Academic Support
And More!
Including: visa application fee; scheduled group airport pick-up
