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Volunteer and Internships

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Participation in volunteer or internship opportunities abroad is an excellent way to immerse oneself in another country's culture and way of life.

ISA-ELAP is the division of ISA that arranges and prepares students for volunteer or internship placements in Latin America. ISA-ELAP is an enriching experience for proficient Spanish speakers who are seeking to contribute to an organization's responsibilities and mission while simultaneously learning about themselves in an unfamiliar, and at times, challenging environment. Experiential learning adds another dimension to the study abroad experience through daily interactions with locals, resulting in a greater understanding of the language, culture, and community of the host country.

Participants develop skills such as problem solving, appreciation for community and diversity, the ability to cooperate and collaborate in an international setting, and a more intimate understanding of global issues.

In addition to benefiting from the ISA-ELAP participant's time and dedication, non-profit organizations also receive a donation from ISA once the ISA-ELAP participant successfully completes their volunteer program.

For more information on ISA-ELAP programs, including placement opportunities, locations, dates, and prices please visit our webpage by clicking here.

Internships

London Internships

University of Westminster

In the vibrant city of London, students have the opportunity to participate in an internship related to their studies at the University of Westminster. The internship experience is designed to help students develop their professional skills, but it can also help develop confidence, communication skills and facilitate personal growth. An internship through the University of Westminster can be highly rewarding and provides a unique opportunity to experience another aspect of English culture.

Why a University of Westminster internship?

  • Strong academic support, including a dedicated Internship Coordinator who works closely with organizations to try and place students in their top internship selection
  • Gain international experience with a business or organization
  • Develop you intercultural competencies
  • Enhance your resume
  • Earn up to 4 US credits (15 UK credits)

Once you have been accepted into the study abroad program, the Internship will then be organized by the University of Westminster' Business Experience & International Unit (BEIU). The Internships are part-time and run for 10 weeks (with the possibility of extending in some cases). The Internship placement along with the Internship course (Internship Toolkit-Learning by Doing) is worth 15 UK credits (4 US credits) and is taken alongside three other classes at the University. The "Internship Toolkit-Learning by Doing" module will be academically assessed through the submission of a coursework portfolio which will be completed throughout the semester. The graded progression of the module fosters students' development of analytical thinking skills by applying relevant theory and concept to their work experiences.

Alongside the academic study, students will be expected to normally work between 15 to 20 hours per week over two to three days.

You should be aware that in order to secure an internship in the field of your choice you must have some work experience in this area or be able to demonstrate relevant skills (including practical ability) acquired through study. Please note that whilst the Business Experience & International Unit will promote you to employers, they cannot guarantee an interview or internship.

Requirements:

  • 2.8 GPA requirement
  • acceptance in an ISA London semester or academic year program
  • Students must fill out an internship application, which includes; application, personal statement and two copies of their résumé.

In the past, students have been successfully placed in the following sectors:

  • Fashion
  • Arts & Theatre
  • Music
  • Accounting ' Finance
  • Marketing
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business
  • Environment
  • Politics
  • Journalism
  • Publishing
  • Human Resources
  • Public Relations
  • Psychology
  • Law
  • Government & Legislature
  • Not-for-profit

The Business Experience Unit will make every effort to offer students an internship in the field they desire, but students should be aware that the following fields are particularly difficult to secure employment in:

  • Theatre: Performance
  • Stock Market (althrough there are finance and accounting opportunities
  • Law and Law courts

Application Due Dates:
Fall - May 1
Spring - October 15

Internships are unpaid and available in the Fall and Spring semesters. The internships are very competitive and are not guaranteed. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain the appropriate visa to participate in this program.

Students are required to stay in their internship until the end of the semester (students studying in only the Fall semester will finish at Christmas Break). Please note that students on internship in the Spring semester would be required to work through Spring break in the event that these dates coincided with the term.

For international students in the UK, the maximum number of hours you can work is 20 hours per week during term time, regardless of whether the position is paid or unpaid.

Brussels Internships

Students will get course credit for the internship which is equivalent to 45 hours of credit or one semester course.

Students must supply a cover letter and a résumé.

The application material will be screened by the staff at Vesalius College and students will be selected to interview with companies that best match their skills and abilities. The internships are very competitive and are NOT guaranteed. A designated supervisor will offer academic support and guidance during the internship, outlining the assessment and monitoring the progress of the student.

Internships are unpaid and available in the Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Requirements:

  • 2.7 GPA
  • Junior standing

Subject Areas:

  • Communications
  • Business
  • International Affairs

Industries:

  • European Parliament
  • United Nations
  • NATO
  • SWIFT
  • News organizations
  • Defense organizations
  • Corporations
  • NGOs
  • Non-profit organizations

Application deadlines are:
Fall - June 15
Spring - October 15
Summer - May 1