Frequently Asked Questions

Application and Enrollment

Who can enroll in a Global Internship Program?

Global Internship Programs are open to currently enrolled UCLA undergraduate students who meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Undergraduate student
  • Minimum of 90 units completed by end of Spring 2024
    • Units can include AP and/or transfer credit
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Good academic standing
  • For certain programs, additional requirements may apply (i.e. course prerequisites, language skills, major/minor requirements, etc…)

How do I apply for a program?

Click the link to the Global Internship Program online application. Be sure to read the application information carefully. When your application has been submitted, you will receive an application number on the screen and by e-mail. Be sure to keep this number for future reference. All programs require approval by the International Education Office. You will receive e-mails regarding your application status. A deposit is not required until you have conducted an advising session with our onsite partners and your application has been approved by the International Education Office.

If your application is approved, you must submit a $300 non-refundable deposit payment through our secure online credit/debit card form in order to secure your spot on the program. If you pay by credit/debit card, an additional 2.75% surcharge will be assessed. Payments by e-check will not incur this surcharge.

Where can I find my application number?

Your application number can be found in the subject line of your application or confirmation e-mail. It is a 1-to-4 digit number. Contact UCLA IEO if you cannot locate the number.

How will I know if I have been admitted into the Global Internship Program?

After successfully submitting your application, the International Education Office will review your application and send you an email update within 5 business days. Students that meet the eligibility criteria will be asked to attend an advising call with our in-country program partners.

Through this advising call our in-country partners will learn more about your qualifications, experience and career goals. The call will help them determine whether you are a good match for available internship opportunities in the host country. After the call is completed, the in-country partners and UCLA will decide whether to offer you acceptance into the Global Internship Program based on your qualifications and the pool of applicants. Applicants will hear back regarding acceptance to the Global Internship Program in mid-January.

When is the last day to apply for a program?

Application Dates for Summer 2024 Programs:  October 23 – November, 2023

Can I apply for more than one Global Internship Program?

No, students can only apply for one Global Internship Program at a time.

Can I switch into another Global Internship Program?

Prior to the November 27, 2023 application deadline, you may switch your application to a different Global Internship Program. Please reach out to the IEO staff for assistance in switching your application.

*Please note that your application will only be considered for one Global Internship Program. You cannot apply for two at the same time.

When is the last day to cancel my Global Internship Program enrollment?

Cancellation Deadline: February 14, 2024

Please do not enroll in a Global Internship Program unless you are sure you intend to participate. Remember that your deposit is non-refundable. See our Cancellation Policy. The cancellation deadline is February 14, 2024 at 11:59PM. Paid program fees (minus $300 nonrefundable deposit) are refundable until February 14, 2024 at 11:59PM.

When do Global Internship Programs usually fill up?

All Global Internship Programs have a limited number of placements available for each location. The application is open from October 23 – November 27, 2023. Students who apply within this time frame will be given equal consideration for acceptance into the program.

What materials do I need to submit with my application?

Upon submitting your application you will need to submit a copy of your resume, a Statement of Purpose, and a passport style photo of yourself. Please see below for more information regarding your resume and Statement of Purpose.

Resume

As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload a current copy of your resume. Please take time to appropriately format and spell check your resume before submitting. For assistance with your resume, you can use the VMock tool provided by the UCLA Career Center.

Statement of Purpose

As part of your application process you will be asked to complete a Statement of Purpose. Responses should be well thought out and demonstrate why you are a strong candidate for the Global Internship Program. It’s highly encouraged to prepare your responses in advance. Please see the questions below to assist you in preparing your answers.

  • Personal Introduction: Please give some  general background on yourself and why you are interested in participating in the Global Internship Program? (700 characters maximum)
  • Location of Interest: What makes you interested in interning in the particular city or country you selected for your program? For virtual programs, what makes you interested in conducting a virtual internship? (600 characters maximum)
  • Career Goals: Within your career field, which specific sector are you interested in working in and what do you hope to gain from this global internship experience? How will this experience assist you toward reaching your career goals? (700 characters maximum)
  • Why should you be selected? What do you think makes you stand out as a strong candidate for the Global Internship Program? Why should you be selected for the program? (600 characters maximum)

I am having trouble uploading my files. What should I do?

You may email the files to info@ieo.ucla.edu and the IEO staff will upload them on your behalf.

What if I do not have my passport upon submitting my application?

All participants must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after their program end date. If you do not have a passport upon submitting your application, you will need to apply IMMEDIATELY in order to assure that your passport arrives on time. Some programs may require that you obtain a visa to conduct the internship, which means you will need your passport well in advance of your program departure date in order to apply for the visa.

For instructions on how to get a U.S. passport, you can go to the U.S. State Department websiteCurrently, the routine processing timeline for passports is approximately 10 – 13 weeks. 

Are there any immunizations required for my Global Internship Program?

Some Global Internship Program locations may require immunizations. We recommend you visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information about health and safety abroad in your particular program location. We also recommend you visit the Ashe Center Travel Clinic to complete a health evaluation where they can provide advice customized to your health status and travel plans, immunizations, and prescriptions as needed.

Is a COVID-19 vaccine required to participate on the Global Internship Program?

Per the University of California, a condition of physical presence at a location or in a University Program, all covered individuals must participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral: COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Please see Policies page for full details and requirements.

*Please note that some Global Internship Program locations my have more rigid COVID-19 vaccination requirements due to host country entry requirements or program partner policies. You can learn more about these requirements on your particular program page.

Internship Placement

How long will it take to get placed into an internship site?

Placement Process

After enrolling in the Global Internship Program, our program partners will work with each student one-on-one to find the best internship match. Internship placements are customized to a students’ personal and career goals, interests and experience.

Interview Process

Starting in April and moving into early June, the internship placement process will occur. Our program partners will arrange interviews with local organizations and companies based on each student’s individual goals. Students will interview with one Host Company at a time. On-going interviews will continue with prospective internship site managers until there is a match between both the student and the Host Company. Please note that placement timelines for each student vary and may extend up to departure. We guarantee all students an international internship placement.

How does the internship placement process work?

Please review our Placement Process & Timeline video to learn more about how the placement process works.

How many hours per week will I intern?

In-Person Placements

  • Students will intern approximately 32 hours per week. Total weekly work hours and mode of work (in-person vs hybrid) will depend on the specific internship site needs. The internship will have the majority of the work time take place in-person at the company’s office workspace

Virtual Placements

  • For virtual placements, students will intern between 20 – 30 hours per week.

Financial

Are internships paid?

No, internships are not paid. Internships are for academic credit only.

Is there Financial Aid available?

Yes, there is financial aid available for eligible students. Please note that students must be enrolled in both the mandatory and optional course (total of 8 units) to be eligible for financial aid. For more information, please see our Financial Aid section of the website.

How do I pay the balance for my program?

Final payments can be made via MyUCLA or by check at the Cashier’s Office in 1125 Murphy Hall.

When can I begin making final payments?

Students can begin to make final payments for their Global Internship Program fee after course enrollments are passed at the beginning of February.

Travel

How do I get a passport?

For instructions on how to get a U.S. passport, you can go to the U.S. State Department website. Currently, the routine processing timeline for passports is approximately 10 – 13 weeks.

Please note, all participants must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after their program end date. If you do not have a passport upon submitting your application, you will need to apply IMMEDIATELY in order to assure that your passport arrives on time. Some programs may require that you obtain a visa to conduct the internship, which means you will need your passport well in advance of your program departure date in order to apply for the visa.

Do I need to get a visa?

Some programs may require that you have a visa in order to intern in the host country. Please reference the “Travel & On Site Experience” section of your Global Internship Program webpage for more specific visa information.

Are there any immunizations required for my Global Internship Program?

Some Global Internship Program locations may require immunizations. We recommend you visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information about health and safety abroad in your particular program location. We also recommend you visit the Ashe Center Travel Clinic to complete a health evaluation where they can provide advice customized to your health status and travel plans, immunizations, and prescriptions as needed.

Can I travel during my Global Internship Program?

The Global Internship Program is an intensive study abroad experience. Internship sites will expect students to complete their weekly hours and will not be providing vacation days during the program. Although it may be possible for students to conduct short weekend trips, all longer trips should be conducted prior to or after the conclusion of the Global Internship Program.

Academics

Will the courses I take in the Global Internship Program transfer to my UCLA transcript?

Yes, the courses taken on the Global Internship Program will automatically transfer to your UCLA transcript.

I am a past program participant. How can I request a transcript?

Past participants can view and request transcripts on MyUCLA.

How do I drop a required course?

Each Global Internship Program consists of a required 195 internship course. Students are automatically enrolled in this mandatory course and it cannot be dropped.

More information about the coursework offered for a particular program can be found on each specific program page under the “Academics & Eligibility” tab.

How can I enroll in the optional CESC 130 course?

You can enroll in the optional CESC 130 course during the Global Internship Program application process by applying for an 8-unit program. If you have already submitted your application and forgot to add the optional CESC 130 course, please contact IEO staff at info@ieo.ucla.edu for assistance. You can add the optional course anytime before the final program application deadline.

*Please note that in order to be eligible for financial aid you MUST be enrolled in the optional course, so that you are enrolled in a total of 8 units.

How do I drop an optional course?

The optional course may be dropped by contacting IEO and requesting to drop. If the optional course is dropped by Friday of Week 2 (by 5 PM PST) you will receive a full course refund. After such time, the optional course may be dropped for NO REFUND until the Friday of Week 8.

*Please note that in order to be eligible for financial aid you MUST be enrolled in the optional course, so that you are enrolled in a total of 8 units.

On Location

What will my housing be like?

Housing varies from program-to-program. Visit the “Housing & Meals” tab on your program page to read a brief description of the housing offered. Complete details for housing, including address information, will be sent to all program participants in the spring prior to departure.

Can I provide my own housing?

All students participating in the Global Internship Program are required to stay in program designated housing. For students with dependents, please contact IEO staff at info@ieo.ucla.edu to discuss your particular needs.

Can a guest stay with me in Global Internship Program housing?

Guests (including spouses, children, other family members and friends) are NOT allowed in Global Internship Program housing or on any Global Internship Program related activities. The Global Internship Program does not assist with housing arrangements for family, friends, or other guests of program participants.