If you are seeking to obtain academic credit for your internship with GlobalEd, you will will need the approval of your academic, study abroad or internship advisor at your home university PRIOR to participating in the program. It is NEVER advisable to postpone credit approval until after an internship has been performed. The credit approval process differs from one university to the next and it is therefore necessary to have a clear understanding of your university’s criteria for awarding academic credit for internships. Below you will find descriptions of the most common elements universities look for.
There is no standard criteria for determining the credit worthiness of an internship.
PLACEMENT WITHIN YOUR ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE
Most internships require the interning student to perform within his/her academic discipline. Students whose universities require that the internship be applicable to their major or minor need only state so in the application. The combination of your application, resume and the interview we will hold with you will help GlobalEd determine the criteria for the placement. Universities who wish to authorize the actual placement may also do so. In this case, GlobalEd would promote the student to local businesses, draft an internship profile once interest is expressed on behalf of the company and send it to both the student and university advisor for consideration and approval.
PROGRAM DURATION AND WORK HOURS
The number of hours an intern must work may be a factor in determining whether an internship is credit worthy. The credit requirement among universities for work hours varies considerably ranging anywhere from 40 to over 180. GlobalEd establishes a minimum of 120 hours for its internships, both summer and semester, which seems to satisfy the vast majority of universities. Work hours are closely monitored, logged and confirmed by the onsite internship supervisor. GlobalEd can easily accommodate students whose universities require more time dedication and/or hours by simply extending the duration of the program. For example, some universities require a 10 week internship, while others may require 140 hours of onsite work. Each additional week allows students to add up to 20 hours to the total hours worked.
GOAL SETTING AND PLANNING
Goals cannot be achieved without proper planning and constant reviewing. In the first days upon arrival students will be expected to write down their goals for the internship program (including personal and professional goals), assess how realistic they are, adjust if necessary, and map out their plan to achieve those goals. The plan must include the stated goals, which must tie into the job description, a work schedule and a calendar/timeline to show the path marked to achieve those goals. During the first days of the internship, the student and supervisor will review the student’s plan and possibly recommend changes. Every week the student will have to review the stated goals and determine what actions need to be taken if he/she is not on course.
COACHING
Successful internships require close and periodic monitoring. GlobalEd manages expectations and guides the experience of each student by holding periodic meetings with the student either individually or in teams. During these sessions, students will share their experiences and views with each other, discuss individual and team projects, learn theory on self awareness, culture and team dynamics, apply this knowledge in the internship and provide feedback through their journals
ESSAYS – GETTING CREDIT FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP
The academic component of GlobalEd’s internships also requires students to document their experiences through essays that address the acquisition of skill sets considered to be of most value by employers seeking to hire recent graduates.
Be sure to discuss the requirements of your university in order to receive credit for your internship.
For more information, visit our Credits and Transcripts page and contact us!