~ Updated February 2012
Internships are central to the development of many International Studies students. They offer meaningful exposure to a wide variety of professional contexts, from business and finance to education and human rights. Student internships are of two types: academic, and non-academic.
An academic internship carries regular course credit, and is registered through and structured by Career Exploration. Academic internships are typically done in fall or spring semesters, though they can be done in January, and, with more limitations, during the summer.
Non-academic internships can also be done during the semester, but more frequently feature in a student’s summer program – either here in the Twin Cities, in one’s hometown, or in some other U.S. or world location. Non-academic internships do not carry course credit, and can certainly be arranged independently of the College at your own initiative. Still, our Internship Program office maintains a rich database of such opportunities, available at the same website noted above.
Internships also often play a role in a student’s study away program. Check with the Center for Study Away for more guidance on that.
But what are the specifics of an International Studies internship?
Substantial internationalist aspect to the internship work
I.S. faculty supervisor/sponsor
Registration as INTL 621-624. The last digit specifies the number of credits
Pass/fail grading only
Two reflective essays to submit:
first, midway through your internship, 1500 words (roughly 4-5 pages) describing your work, what is going well, what is going less well, and what you are learning
then, shortly before the end of semester, 3000 words (about 8-9 pages) of serious reflection, describing your activities and discussing connections to your broader coursework, your insights into this specific professional sector, and/or your future career path
Finally, we remind you that you may have up to one four-credit internship on your I.S. major plan, typically in the “I.S. midlevel” sector of that plan.
Questions? Go to the Internship Program website first, and then contact the I.S. professor you know best for more.