Interning or shadowing abroad can be a great way to gain both intercultural competence and get valuable experience building skills for your future career. Our Beyond120 study abroad internship and shadowing programs allow you to spend Fall, Spring, or Summer studying and working abroad.
Beyond120 Programs
Other CLAS Programs
Non-UF Internship Options
Non-UF Internship Providers
In addition to UF programs, you also have the option of using a study abroad or internship provider that offers help with finding placements, arranging housing, securing visas, and vetting employers. While these programs can cost more, they come with the peace of mind of having support through the entire process. Be sure to get approval through UF’s International Center if you choose this option for credit.
Program examples*:
- Barcelona SAE – offers internships in Barcelona with a wide variety of placements for CLAS students. Study and intern options also available.
- BUNAC – offers different levels of support for a lower cost. They can help you find a placement in Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, or simply help with the visa process.
- CEA Abroad -offers internships around the world in Europe, South America, China, and Australia.
- CIS Abroad – offers internships around the world with a variety of placement options.
- CRCC Asia – offers internships throughout Asia.
- ISA – offers internships around the world or intern and study options.
- SIT– offers internships around the globe focusing on critical global issues of the day within specific cultural and geographical contexts.
*UF does not endorse any particular third-party programs, but you can speak with a study abroad advisor for advice in participating and for UF approval if you are earning credit.
Independent Internships
If you choose to get an internship on your own, be sure to do plenty of research before you go. You’ll be responsible for finding your own placement, abiding by all laws and work permit visa requirements, and securing housing and insurance. There are different types of internships available including in government, corporations, NGO’s, and education.
Examples: See the International Internships section of our Internship page.
It can take time and effort to secure a placement, but other helpful resources include connecting with UF faculty who may have international connections in your area of study or CLAS Centers that may have connections to specific regions.
Earning Credit
Some international internships have credit-bearing internship courses built into the program (and so they are part of the program fee). Some of these programs offer an optional internship course (for an additional cost). And others do not offer courses for credit.
For programs where the internship course is optional or not offered, you may register for UF credits through IDS4944: International Internship.
If interested in pursuing internship credit through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please review the information on our Coursework page.
If earning credit for an international internship (in-person or virtual), through UF or a non-UF program, you must get approval through the International Center. You can speak to the study abroad advisor for the region your internship will be located in for more information.
Resources
- Foreign Embassy listings– Undertaking any type of work abroad, often including unpaid volunteering or research, usually requires a visa. You should check with the foreign embassy to find out what’s required.
- GoinGlobal– You can access this database of international opportunities through your Gator Careerlink account
- GoAbroad.com
