CIEE Summer Global Internships


Image of Besalu, Spain
Students will participate in an international internship that allows them to experience the benefits of studying abroad while also gaining real-world professional work experience.
Location: Multiple Locations
Language of Instruction: English
Term: Summer
Program Type: Internship
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Spend 8 weeks living like a local in the exciting international city of your choice
  • Gain in-demand global skills, build your resume, and expand your professional network
  • Earn 5-6 KU credits for your internship
  • Explore during evenings and weekends
  • See ‘Location’ section below for program dates and application deadlines
  • CIEE offers up to $1,500 in need-based grants for Pell-eligible students
  • CIEE offers up to $1,500 towards airfare for new programs through their Trailblazer Grant (Edinburgh and Milan for Summer 2024)
  • A significant number of $2,500-$5,000 scholarships are also available to participants in Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo internship programs. See Freeman East Asia Internship Scholarship on KU Study Abroad Scholarships to learn more!

CIEE Global Internship programs are built just for you! All locations offer a wide range of internship opportunities across a diverse set of industries. When you apply, CIEE works directly with you to find an internship that suits your unique needs and professional goals. Learn more about CIEE’s personalized placement process.

This eight-week program includes a full-time internship and an integrated online academic course. Extra-curricular cultural activities in and around your host city complement your coursework and immerse you in the history and culture of the city. Internship positions are non-paying.

Please Note: All program dates and application deadlines are currently tentative

Applications are due February 1st for internships in:

  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Glasgow, Scotland
  • Lisbon, Portugal
  • London, England
  • Milan, Italy
  • Paris, France
  • Rome, Italy
  • Seville, Spain
  • Shanghai, China
  • Singapore

Applications are due February 15th for internships in:

  • Amman, Jordan
  • Berlin, Germany
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Dublin, Ireland
  • Monteverde, Costa Rica
  • Prague, Czechia
  • Santiago, Chile
  • Sydney, Australia
  • Tokyo, Japan

Amman, Jordan

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

Amman boasts ancient history alongside its diverse, vibrant modernity. It is an accessible, cosmopolitan city with numerous museums and art galleries, not to mention a delicious variety of Arabic foods, like hummus! One minute you’re atop the highest of Amman’s seven foremost hills, where the ancient citadel offers spectacular views all around – and a fascinating look back to the Bronze Age. Later that same day, you’re window shopping on trendy Rainbow Street after a tasty meal at a restaurant with sidewalk tables. With its reputation for being a safe and hospitable city, Amman is home to inhabitants from all over the Middle East. The city provides a safe and stable environment for students to learn about the region.

Learn more about the program in Amman

Barcelona, Spain

Program Dates: May 20 – July 13, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Barcelona is one of Southern Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, home to more than 2,000 startups that primarily develop their activity in industry, life sciences, and mobile & software technologies. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding international internship, look no further than our Global Internship program in Barcelona!

Learn more about the program in Barcelona

See past Barcelona internship examples

Berlin, Germany

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

Are you looking for an insider’s perspective on Europe’s largest economy? Interning abroad is an excellent way to explore industries of interest, network with international professionals, and develop new skill sets. Berlin boasts booming tech firms, non-profits, and multinational companies where you can expand your business portfolio. A summer internship in Berlin provides a unique professional opportunity in a city of larger-than-life architecture, vibrant nightlife, and famous historical landmarks.

Learn more about the program in Berlin

Cape Town, South Africa

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

Against the backdrop of the towering Table Mountain, people from different backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities call Cape Town home. The city serves as a commercial and industrial entry point to Africa and houses regional headquarters for many companies, nonprofits, and NGOs.  Cape Town is Africa’s most popular destination for many reasons, starting with its glorious climate and natural attractions – from Table Mountain to stunning beaches. Situated on the southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is a vibrant multicultural city with a rich selection of day and night activities. The city is also a microcosm of the challenges facing many African countries in transition – how to successfully operate within a global economy while grappling with the vast socioeconomic inequalities that are the legacy of the colonial and apartheid past. 

Learn more about the program in Cape Town

Copenhagen, Denmark

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Expand your business portfolio and broaden your life experience by spending your summer interning in Copenhagen, Denmark's dynamic and beautiful capital. During your internship, you'll learn about the work culture in Denmark and build your network abroad in business, science, or technology. You'll be encouraged to explore smaller companies and organizations, including the innovative work of our many Danish startups!

Learn more about the program in Copenhagen

Dublin, Ireland

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

Guinness and emigrants were Dublin’s most notable exports for much of the last century, but over the last 30 years, rapid economic growth has turned Dublin into a magnet for people from around the world. Ireland’s open, globalized economy hosts the European headquarters of many multinational corporations; in finance, pharma, technology, and social media. Dublin is a great destination for a challenging and rewarding internship experience - with Ireland’s stunning rural landscapes and historic villages beginning at the edge of the city. 

Learn more about the program in Dublin

Edinburgh, Scotland

Program Dates: May 20 – July 13, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Edinburgh’s beauty is both staggering and inimitable. But the city is far more than just a pretty face. Take a closer look and there’s much more to discover. The capital city of Scotland and home to the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh is modest in size with a population of 0.5 million people, but boasts a large and diverse student population. Edinburgh is Scotland's capital and home to a thriving business sector. Edinburgh hosts key financial services and technology firms and is a major education and tourism center. As a result, CIEE Edinburgh offers a wide range of internship opportunities across diverse industries.  

Learn more about the program in Edinburgh

Glasgow, Scotland

Program Dates: May 20 – July 13, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Home to renowned art galleries, world-class museums, inspiring street art, leafy green spaces, historic landmarks, world- renowned architecture and a legendary music scene, Glasgow is considered Scotland’s commercial and cultural epicenter. The city’s particular location between Highland and Lowland Scotland and its distance from Edinburgh, the country’s capital, make Glasgow a prosperous market center. Not only is Glasgow the largest city in Scotland – it’s also the largest economic region of the country, and accounts for a third of Scotland’s business base, research, power, and employment opportunities.

Learn more about the program in Glasgow

Lisbon, Portugal

Program Dates: May 20 - July 13, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Located at the very tip of Europe, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. With one of the most eclectic collections of museums and picturesque postcard views from the city’s seven hills, it will most certainly captivate your eye! Despite being known for its history and blend of Roman and Moorish architecture, Lisbon has also developed to become a modern and vibrant city, home to innumerous startups, Michelin-Star restaurants, and trendy design and street art scene.

Learn more about the program in Lisbon

London, England

Program Dates: June 17 - August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Home of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games, London is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. London is at the cutting edge of the arts scene and provides access to music, fashion, free museums, comedy, and theater. There are abundant opportunities for enjoying London – with eight Royal Parks right in the heart of the city and more green space than any comparable city in the world.

Learn more about the program in London

Milan, Italy

Program Dates: May 20 - July 13, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Say hello to Milan, the second-largest city in Italy and the country’s unofficial fashion capital. Home to some of Italy’s major fashion brands, a booming wine industry, the oldest shopping center in the world (the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II), and a thriving international student community, there is plenty to experience and explore in the cosmopolitan city of Milan.

Learn more about the program in Milan

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

Monteverde lies along the continental divide at the crest of the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain chain in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, which is blanketed by the cool and wet Cloud Forest extending into the Atlantic lowlands. The Cloud Forest provides a striking contrast to the deciduous forest on the Pacific side. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was established in 1972 to protect the entire ridge above Monteverde and down into the Peñas Blancas Valley. As a result of its unique history and geography, Monteverde is a stunning home to exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife and sustainability projects, including agriculture, energy production, water conservation, forest management, and biodiversity conservation.  

Learn more about the program in Monteverde

Paris, France

Program Dates: May 20 - July 13, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Paris hosts unforgettable sights, from the Eiffel Tower to the Arc de Triomphe to the Sacre Coeur Basilica. France’s capital and largest city, Paris offers peaceful parks, lively nightlife, and innumerable cobblestoned neighborhoods to wander around. Iconic stone Haussmann buildings line bustling boulevards and contrast with the impressive modern glass and steel structures in La Défense, Paris’ financial district. Open-air markets with fresh food and flowers are scattered around residential areas, and a bakery is never more than a short walk away. 

Learn more about the program in Paris

Prague, Czech Republic

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

The Czech Republic is a modern-day success story, having established itself as the most politically stable and economically prosperous of the post-Communist countries of Europe. CIEE Prague, located in the historic Vyšehrad neighborhood of Prague, is housed in a former seat of the Catholic Church’s provost and is close to many of the city’s historical sites and cultural activities.

Learn more about the program in Prague

Rome, Italy

Program Dates: May 20 - July 13, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Rome is simply a one-of-a-kind destination. Once the center of Western civilization, and with a history spanning almost 3,000 years, Rome houses some of the world’s most-visited attractions. It also includes Vatican City, an independent country within Rome’s boundaries and the seat of the Pope, not to mention the home to the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Thanks to its unparalleled beauty, Rome repeatedly hosts international movie productions – more recently for “The House of Gucci,” the upcoming “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning,” and Angelina Jolie’s “Without Blood.” 

Learn more about the program in Rome

Santiago, Chile

Program Dates: June 12 – August 5, 2023
Application Deadline: February 15, 2023

With over 7 million residents, Santiago is the most populated city in Chile, with a rich cultural identity mixed with other Latin American and European cultures. Santiago is considered one of the "smartest” cities in Latin America due to its achievements in sustainable development, leading in renewable energies and innovation investments in the region. Santiago, the capital of Chile, is a 40-minute drive away from international ski resorts in the Andes mountains, one hour away from vineyards in Maipo and Central valley, with large parks, natural reserves, and a two-hour drive to the beaches of the central Pacific coast extending to Viña del Mar, Valparaíso, and Algarrobo where surfing and other water sports can be practiced.

Learn more about the program in Santiago

See past Santiago internship examples

Seville, Spain

Program Dates: May 20 - July 13, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Seeking a life-changing experience in Spain? Then, Seville is your destination. As a Global Internship student, you will have the chance to live in a vibrant cosmopolitan city with many opportunities to experience the business entrepreneurial personality of Sevillanos first-hand. Don’t miss the occasion to explore the city’s colorful streets, become captivated by the immemorial culture surrounding you, and fall in love with the heart of Andalucia. Discover a city brimming with life and history and learn how it has evolved through the centuries and inspired the rest of the world.  

Learn more about the program in Seville

Shanghai, China

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024*
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

Shanghai is a model city and leading driver of China's trade and economic development. Today, with a population of 24 million, Shanghai is home to the world’s largest container port, some of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth, and the world’s first commercially operated magnetic levitation transport system - the high-speed Maglev train - along with one of the fastest-growing rapid transit systems in the world.

Learn more about the program in Shanghai

See past Shanghai internship examples

*Tentatively running in 2024, but subject to change

Singapore

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024

A hub of international commerce, Singapore is one of the world’s most globalized economies. This island city-state hosts the Asian headquarters of many multinational corporations across a range of industries. It is an ideal venue for a challenging and rewarding internship program as well as an exciting place to explore - from its remarkable landscape to diverse blends of cultures and cuisines.

Learn more about the program in Singapore

See past Singapore internship examples

Sydney, Australia

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

Australia is the sixth biggest country in the world and Sydney is its business hub and the country's launching point for exchanging goods, services, and ideas with its Asian neighbors. Sydney is one of the Southern Hemisphere's leading centers for startups, trade, finance, tech, and media production. With a population of around five million, Sydney is a cosmopolitan city consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in globally because of its social inclusion, diversity, tolerance, and healthy lifestyle.

Learn more about the program in Sydney

Tokyo, Japan

Program Dates: June 17 – August 10, 2024
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

Not only is Tokyo one of the most dynamic and modern cities in the world, but it’s also one of the world’s most popular trendsetters. From technology to fashion, cuisine to cinema, Japanese culture has traveled far and wide around the globe.

Learn more about the program in Tokyo

See past Tokyo internship examples

All programs combine a full-time internship with CIEE’s credit-bearing Academic Internship Course to provide professional exploration and specific skills development. You’ll learn to contextualize real-world experience while learning about local business culture, intercultural communication, professional development, and linkages between local and global industry trends.

Credit has been pre-approved to transfer to KU for 5-6 credits in the following ways and will post to your KU record upon receipt of your CIEE Academic Record (CAR) after the program ends. You will complete an Academic Plan & Approval Form with your academic advisor as part of the KU application process to indicate how you will transfer the internship course credit back to KU.

Please Note: Some academic departments offer departmental internship credit not listed below so students are encouraged to check with their department about credit options.  Past participants have received internship credit through ACCT, ADS, EVRN, FMS, HNRS, HSES, SPLH, etc.

  • LA&S 490 – Internship Exploration (5 credits) Open to students of any major and level.Fulfills KU Core Goal 6.1 Integration and Creativity.
  • GIST 495  (3 credits) + GIST 495 (3 credits) – Global Internship (6 credits total) Open to students of any major and level. 
  • BIOL 490 - Internship & Practical Application (6 credits) Open to students of any major and level completing an internship related to Biology. Fulfills KU Core Goal 6.1 Integration and Creativity.
  • BUS 310 (1 credit) + BUS 400 (5 credits) – Business Internship (6 credits total)  Open to business majors who have completed BUS 210 or equivalent.
  • JMC 507 (3 credits) + JMC 409 (3 credits) – Practicum in Journalism (6 credits total) Open to journalism majors who have completed JMC 345, 415, 430, or 460 with a grade of 2.0+ and good academic standing in Journalism and Mass Communications.
  • PSYC 483 (3 credits) + PSYC 402 (3 credits) – Undergraduate Internship Psychology (6 credits total)  Open to psychology majors and minors.

Program housing, which is included in the program fee, varies by location and typically consists of shared apartments, shared dorm/residence halls, or hotel-style accommodation. Students will be housed with other CIEE Global interns and/or local students. All accommodations include kitchen access, laundry facilities, internet, and convenient access to public transportation. Except for interns in Costa Rica, participants are responsible for their own meals.

Please note that homestays are also an option in Barcelona and Seville and include single rooms, weekly cleaning, laundry access, and 2-3 meals daily (varies by location). 

Excursions and Activities

  • Get to know your peers by participating in recreational activities and enjoying local cuisine.
  • Visit historical sites from ancient to modern to expand your understanding of the local culture.
  • Explore the arts scene with trips to local galleries, museums, concerts, and theater performances.

Professional Development

  • Refine your resume and interviewing skills for the local business culture.
  • Explore the professional working world of your host city through organizational site visits, industry networking events, and guest lectures.
  • Participate in workshops that will help you make the most of your internship.

Getting Around

Students commute to their internships and most program activities via local public transportation. Introduction to the transportation system will be provided during the on-site orientation and students will be responsible for securing their own public transportation pass.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Participants must have sophomore standing and above at time of participation and cumulative GPA of 2.5. There are no language requirements for CIEE Summer Global Internship Programs.

Additional visa restrictions may apply and CIEE will advise students as part of the early application process.

Please note that participants in the Singapore program must be between the ages of 18 and 25 during the internship program and calendar year of the program.  Additionally, Internships related to political science & foreign affairs are prohibited due to immigration and government regulations in Singapore. Internships related to healthcare and involving patient contact and/or access to patient information are also prohibited by regulations in all locations, but pre-health majors may have placement opportunities in fields such as community health or research.

Application Procedures:

Step 1: Complete KU application by application deadline listed in "Location" section for location you are applying to.

  1. Statement of Purpose Essay
  2. GPA Requirement Questionnaire
  3. Un-official Transcript or Advising Report
  4. One recommendation - academic or professional
  5. Authorization to Release Student Information
  6. Academic Plan & Approval Form
  7. Student Conduct Verification
  8. Financial Aid Questionnaire
  9. Passport Information Required Reading
  10. CIEE Application Instructions Required Reading

Step 2: Complete CIEE's Summer Global Internship application by deadline specified in "Location" section for location you are applying to. See the CIEE Application Instructions in the Required Readings section of your Jayhawks Abroad account for details.

Grants & Scholarships:

CIEE offers scholarships and grants to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following CIEE scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Summer Scholarships & Grants section of the CIEE website.