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Volunteer and Internships

Participation in volunteer or internship opportunities abroad is an excellent way to immerse oneself in another country's way of life. For more information about internships in London, England and Brussels, Belgium, please refer to the information at the bottom of this page. For information about volunteer opportunities in Latin America please continue to read about our our Experiential Learning Abroad Programs (ELAP).

ISA-ELAP is the division of ISA that arranges and prepares students for volunteer placements. 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, 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 placement.

ISA has created an exciting new Spring Break Volunteer Program open to all language levels. This expands upon the existing ELAP programs offered in Latin America. To find more specific information about the Spring Break Volunteer Program please click here.

Programs Available

Alumni Comments

See how others have been enriched by their volunteer experience.
Click here to read comments from ISA-ELAP alumni.

Admissions Process

The following materials are required in applying to ISA-ELAP programs:

Résumé, profile form, official transcript, volunteer expectations form, ISA application, and deposit must be received at least eight weeks prior to the start of a program. Full program payment and complete paperwork must be received at least four weeks prior to the start of a program. If you submit the application and deposit through the mail, your payment will be deposited/cashed after your ISA-ELAP placement is confirmed.

*If you have applied to ISA but have not completed the ISA-ELAP Profile Form, which is necessary for placement, please download it (PDF)here.

Eligibility Requirements

  • 4 semesters or 6 quarter units of Spanish for 6 or 8-week ISA-ELAP programs and ALL ISA-ELAP programs in Chile
  • 3 semesters or 5 quarter units of Spanish for 10, 12, or 16-week ISA-ELAP programs
  • 2 years attendance at a college or university
*A 15-minute phone interview in Spanish will be scheduled with you to confirm your language level.

What's Included

All ISA-ELAP programs include room and board (equal to ISA program at the site), medical insurance, pre-departure information, support of the ISA resident staff, volunteer or internship placement, on-site orientation, cultural activities, Spanish instruction and tutorial assistance with the Spanish language, airport reception and transfers, and a certificate of volunteer hours completed (which may be used towards receiving academic credit at your university). ISA-ELAP provides support throughout this process. Also, a donation will be provided to the organization upon successful completion of the program.

Excursions

Excursions are included for those students participating in a standard ISA program (excluding Intensive Months). For excursions, entrance fees to museums and monuments, ground transportation and lodging are included. You may add an excursion on-site if one is not included in your program. To view a list of excursions that are offered at each site please search under the country that you are interested in.

Pricing Options

The most common ways to participate in ISA-ELAP:

  • ISA-ELAP only
  • ISA program followed by ISA-ELAP (ISA program can be a semester/trimester, summer, or intensive month program) 1
  • ISA-ELAP program followed by an ISA program (ISA program can be a semester/trimester, summer, or intensive month program) 1
  • Incorporate ISA-ELAP into an ISA semester program 2

Contact an ISA-ELAP Coordinator (elap@studiesabroad.com) to discuss which option best suits your learning goals and time availability.

1 Use the Add-on ISA-ELAP program prices (Add 4, 6, or 8 weeks).
2 Semester/Trimester: ISA Program Price + $400 (ISA-ELAP volunteering will begin approximately 3-4 weeks after ISA program begins).

Ideal ISA-ELAP Profile: Important Attributes for Participants

  • Patience with yourself and others
  • Desire to participate and learn
  • Comfortable with minimum supervision
  • Personal initiative
  • Reliability

Volunteering abroad through ISA-ELAP is very exciting, but it can be challenging at times. ISA-ELAP is not for everyone.

Photo Gallery

Contact ELAP

Email: elap@studiesabroad.com
Phone: 1-800-580-8826

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

Click here for an example of companies that have offered internships in the past

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