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 3-6 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
  • 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

 

Barcelona, Spain

Program Dates: May 15 – July 8, 2023
Application Deadline: February 15, 2023

Barcelona’s location in the Mediterranean, its transport infrastructures, as well as its trading, entrepreneurial, and open economy, have made the city an unbeatable meeting point for international businesses. Add in Barcelona’s culture, rich in the arts, architecture, and history, and you have a compelling backdrop for a challenging internship experience.

Learn more about Barcelona and see past internship examples (.pdf) »

Berlin, Germany

Program Dates: June 12 – August 5, 2023
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023

Looking for an insider’s perspective on Europe’s largest economy? Berlin offers booming tech firms, non-profits and multinational companies where you can expand your business portfolio. A summer internship in Berlin offers a unique professional opportunity in a city of larger-than-life architecture, vibrant nightlife, and friendly, English-speaking locals.

Learn more about Berlin and see past internship examples (.pdf) »

Copenhagen, Denmark

Program Dates: Not being offered in Summer 2023
Application Deadline: NA

Copenhagen has undergone a transformation in the past decade and has emerged as a “must-stop” destination in Europe. Fine dining, natural wines, and its reputation as an environmentally friendly city has earned top billing from foodies, students, and those seeking refuge in one of the “happiest countries in the world.” Despite playing host to over 600,000 residents, Copenhagen retains an old-world, small village feel – with more bicycles than cars traveling its streets. Students discover and endless array of cultural activity, history, architecture, and more, in one of Europe’s safest capitals.

Dublin, Ireland

Program Dates: June 12 – August 5, 2023
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023

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.

Lisbon, Portugal

Program Dates: May 15 - July 8, 2023
Application Deadline: February 15, 2023

Older than London, Paris, and Rome, the hilly seaport of Lisbon has always been a major European political, economic, and cultural center. The capital city is full of intriguing contrasts, with tiny, charming shops featuring hand-painted tiles and  fading facades and narrow, cobblestone streets instead of generic shopping malls. With a generous attitude towards foreigners, a holiday vibe, and a mild climate, Lisbon is  a welcoming place with plenty to explore.

London, England

Program Dates: June 12 - August 5, 2023
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023

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, museums (which are all free!), 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 London and see past internship examples

Prague, Czech Republic

Program Dates: June 12 – August 5, 2023
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023

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 Prague and see past internship examples (.pdf) »

Rome, Italy

Program Dates: May 15 - July 8, 2023
Application Deadline: February 15, 2023

With a history of over 2,500 years and a population of 4.3 million, Rome is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. The city is home to hundreds of churches, monuments, museums, as well as some of the most visited places in the world - Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon - all of which you’ll have a chance to see for yourself.

Seville, Spain

Program Dates: May 15 – July 8, 2023
Application Deadline: February 15, 2023

The capital of Spain’s Andalusia region, Seville has mastered the delicate balance of preserving its magnificent past and offering the conveniences of a modern commercial hub. It’s the birthplace of Baroque painter Velazquez, celebrated sculptor La Roldana, and the city where Ferdinand and Isabella ruled Spain in the late 15th century – not to mention home of the ingenious barber of Seville and tempestuous Carmen. With a population of approximately 700,000, Seville offers a rich array of cultural activities that include flamenco to classical, pop, and jazz concerts.

Learn more about Seville and see past internship examples (.pdf) »

Cape Town, South Africa

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

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.

Learn more about Cape Town and see past internship examples (.pdf) »

Santiago, Chile

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

With more than 7 million people, Santiago is the most populated city of Chile with a rich cultural identity mixed with other Latin American cultures.  Santiago de Chile is considered one of the "smartest” cities in Latin America due to its achievements in sustainable development.  It is also the first place in the region to invest heavily in renewable energies and innovation. 

The capital of Chile is close to international ski resorts in the Andes mountains, vineyards in Maipo valley, large parks, natural reserves, and the beaches of the central coast extending to Viña del Mar, Valparaíso and Algarrobo.

Learn more about Santiago and see past internship examples »

Sydney, Australia

Program Dates: June 12 – August 5, 2023
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023

Sydney’s origins trace back to an area inhabited by Indigenous Australians for over 30,000 years, first visited by Europeans in the 1770’s and settled as a penal colony in 1788. With a population of around five million, Sydney is a cosmopolitan, open-minded, and multicultural city. Nearly half of its residents speak a language other than English at home and 36% were born overseas. Sydney is consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live globally, and it is renowned for its social inclusion, diversity, and tolerance.

Learn more about Sydney and see past internship examples (.pdf) »

Shanghai, China

Program Dates: Not being offered in Summer 2023
Application Deadline: NA

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 Shanghai and see past internship examples (.pdf) »

Singapore

Program Dates: June 12 – August 5, 2023
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023

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 - with its remarkable landscape and diverse blends of cultures and cuisines.

Learn more about Singapore and see past internship examples (.pdf) »

Tokyo, Japan

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

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 Tokyo and see past internship examples (.pdf) »

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 3-6 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, BIOL, 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 - Practicum in Journalism (3 credits) Open to journalism majors who have completed either JMC 415 or JMC 560 (or JMC 435) with a grade of 2.0+, and at least eleven hours of journalism with a GPA of 2.5+, both overall and in journalism.
  • 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. 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.

Lastly, please note that CIEE requires all program participants to be fully vaccinated two weeks prior to departure.

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.