All students are expected to perform an international or domestic internship between their first and second year of study. These internships give students exposure to life and work in an international field context, while providing them an introduction into the sector to which they aspire. For example, students who hope to pursue a career in the NGO arena will participate in an internship with an NGO.
The intention of the internship requirement is for students to expand their global know-how and enhance professional skills through a 240-hour internship experience. Students choose from a variety of international options the summer after their first year. Students may work with non-governmental organizations in Africa to help alleviate poverty, explore trade issues in eastern Asia, promote gender equality in Latin America, investigate human rights issues in Europe, or assist in developing policy briefs for the U.S. State Department. These internships and the interdisciplinary focus of the International Studies program, which links global theory and practice, prepare graduates for a wide range of international careers in non-profit humanitarian and development work, diplomacy, education, and business.
Internship Criteria
The internship should incorporate a substantial international focus and serve to enhance student global knowledge, professional skills, and experience in working multicultural environments. Students may undertake an internship outside of the United States or complete an internship with the U.S. if the work has a primary international focus.
Students need to complete a total of 240 hours in their internship. These hours are generally completed over a single six-week period of full-time work between the student’s first and second year in the program. In some cases, students may choose to complete their 240 internship hours over a longer period of time, so they are able to conduct research and experience the global location they are working in. The internship can either be volunteer or paid. Students do not register the internship for course credit, as it is already part of their degree requirements. However, there are cases where registration may be required. Students should contact the Graduate Programs Coordinator and Program Director if they are unsure as to whether they should register for their internship.
Identifying an Internship
Students should consider their personal academic and professional goals in identifying potential internship sites. Students may also wish to combine work on an internship with data collection for their thesis. It is important to start this process early, as internships with well-known international and U.S. government institutions are highly competitive and have very early deadlines. Students may also contact organizations without established internship programs to see if an internship is possible. Examples of recent MAIS student internship sites include ActionAid, Red Cross, United Nations, and the U.S. Department of State.
A few websites that list opportunities for internships include devex, idealist, and reliefweb. Additionally, students are encouraged to check on-campus resources such as the Center for Global Education and Wilkinson College’s own Manager of Career Development.
Internship Approval and Funding
The internship must be approved by the program director. After completion of their internship students should request a letter from their internship supervisor confirming the dates and total number of hours worked. They should submit that letter to the Graduate Programs Coordinator, who will work with the Program Director and the Office of the Registrar to complete the requirement on the student’s program evaluation.
The MAIS program will reimburse each student for travel-related expenses incurred during their internship up to $2,000 with submission of a MAIS Reimbursement Request Form.
If students have questions about the administrative details of an internship, they should contact the Graduate Programs Coordinator and Program Director.