CRCC Asia Summer Internships
- Spend 6 or 8 weeks as a full-time intern in one of many exciting cities across East & South Asia
- Gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in your field
- Build your resume and expand your professional network
- Internships are conducted in English so there is no foreign language requirement
- Earn KU credit for your internship
- A significant number of $4,000 - $6,500 scholarships are available to participants in this program. Visit Freeman East Asia Internship Scholarships to learn more!
- CRCC Asia offers an automatic $200 discount to Pell-Grant recipients
Participation in an international internship allows students to experience the benefits of studying abroad while also gaining real-world professional work experience. Only a small percentage of students study abroad – and even fewer intern abroad - so participation in an internship overseas can give you the professional advantage you need to succeed by giving you in demand global skills. The University of Kansas (KU) has partnered with CRCC Asia, an internship and study abroad program provider, to offer high-quality placements in multiple locations throughout Asia. The internships, for which you earn academic credit from KU, are unpaid. They are available in a wide-range of fields including architecture and real estate, business, engineering, finance and accounting, green technology, logistics, legal, information and technology, hospitality, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, marketing, public relations, advertising, media and creative industries, NGO's (non-profits), travel, and tourism.
CRCC Asia strives to place students in internships that directly relate to their course of study, thus ensuring the quality and academic relevance. Placements are based on student skills, interests, and professional goals as well as the project needs and work cycles of internship sponsors. The companies and organizations selected as internship sites are carefully monitored by site visits and student assessment.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a vibrant fusion of ancient temples, bustling street markets, and sleek skyscrapers. Known for its world-famous street food and dynamic nightlife, the city offers an exciting cultural immersion at every turn. As Thailand’s economic powerhouse, Bangkok is a hub for industries like tourism, digital marketing, finance, and logistics. Interns here can experience a fast-paced urban environment while enjoying weekend getaways to tropical islands or historic ruins.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City pulses with energy, motorbikes, and a youthful entrepreneurial spirit. The city blends French colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers and a thriving café culture. It’s a growing center for startups, tech innovation, and manufacturing, making it an exciting place for students interested in business, engineering, or development work. Affordable living and a welcoming local culture make it a top choice for adventurous interns.
Kansai Region (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe), Japan
The Kansai region offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the historic temples of Kyoto to the culinary delights of Osaka and the cosmopolitan charm of Kobe. It’s a cultural heartland of Japan, known for its warm hospitality and deep traditions. Kansai is also home to major industries like manufacturing, biotechnology, and international trade, especially in Osaka and Kobe. Interning here means balancing meaningful work with weekend trips to castles, mountains, and ancient shrines.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a high-tech metropolis where centuries-old palaces coexist with cutting-edge design and K-pop culture. The city is known for its efficient public transport, 24/7 lifestyle, and deep-rooted traditions. As a global leader in electronics, entertainment, and fashion, Seoul offers internship opportunities in industries ranging from AI and robotics to media and design. Students can explore vibrant neighborhoods, hike scenic mountains, and enjoy some of the best food in Asia.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai dazzles with its futuristic skyline, historic waterfront, and cosmopolitan flair. As China’s financial capital, it’s a major player in banking, international trade, and tech innovation. Interns in Shanghai gain exposure to global business practices while enjoying a city rich in art, cuisine, and culture. Whether you're sipping tea in a traditional garden or networking in a skyscraper, Shanghai offers a dynamic and unforgettable internship experience.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is a friendly, modern city nestled among lush mountains and hot springs. Known for its night markets, bubble tea, and efficient metro system, it’s a great place to live and explore. Taipei is a growing hub for semiconductors, software development, and green energy, offering exciting opportunities for tech-savvy students. The city’s blend of traditional temples and contemporary culture makes it both comfortable and inspiring for young professionals.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is an exciting metropolis where ancient shrines and robed monks meet neon-lit skyscrapers and robot cafés. It’s a global leader in technology, manufacturing, finance, and design, offering world-class internship opportunities in everything from robotics to fashion. Despite its size, Tokyo is incredibly safe, clean, and efficient, with endless neighborhoods to explore. Students will find a unique mix of tradition and innovation that makes every day an adventure.
All programs combine a full-time internship with CRCC Asia's credit-bearing Internship Course to provide professional exploration and specific skills development. You’ll learn to contextualize real-world experience while gaining an understanding of the internship site’s work, mission, and audience, how these potentially relate to your academic study, as well as the organization’s position in the broader industry or field.
Credit has been pre-approved to transfer to KU for 3-6 credits, depending on your length of program and course selection, and will post to your KU record upon receipt of your transcripts 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.
- LA&S 490 – Internship Exploration (3 credits for 6-week program, 5 credits for 8-week). Open to students of any major and level. Fulfills KU Core Goal 6.1 Integration and Creativity.
- GIST 495 – Global Internship (3 credits for 6-week program, 6 credits for 8-week). Open to students of any major and level.
- JMC 507 (3 credits for the 6-week program; JMC 507 [3 credits] + JMC 409 [3 credits] for the 8-week program). 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 for the 6-week program; PSYC 483 [3 credits] + PSYC 402 [3 credits] for the 8-week program). Open to psychology majors and minors
Please Note: Some academic departments offer departmental internship credit not listed above, so students are encouraged to check with their department about other credit options. Past participants have received internship credit through ACCT, ADS, BIOL, BUS, COMS, EVRN, FMS, HNRS, HSES, SPLH, etc. Click here to view a list of other common Internship Credit Options.
Program participants will live in serviced apartments with single bedrooms and shared common areas. The details vary depending on location but all are modern, fully furnished and well located.
All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more.
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. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile 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 Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
- Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
- First Generation Students
- Physical and Mental Health Histories
- Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
- Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Students of Color Abroad
- Students with Children
- Students with Financial Need
- Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
- Visible and Invisible Disabilities
Open to students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Open to all majors and both undergraduate and graduate students.
For a full breakdown of the costs & fees, please see the CRCC Asia Program Cost page.
Freeman Foundation Scholarship
- A significant number of $4,000-$6,500 scholarships are available for all participants in a CRCC Asia internship. See Freeman East Asia Internship Scholarship on KU Study Abroad Scholarships to learn more!
Application Procedures
Step 1: Complete KU application. Below is a list of the required documents and questionnaires.
a. Statement of Purpose Essay
b. Unofficial Transcript or Advising Report
c. Recommendation letter - academic and/or professional
d. Academic Plan and Approval Form
Step 2: Complete CRCC Asia's Internship application. See the CRCC Application Instructions in the Required Readings section of your Jayhawks Abroad account for details.