Beyond studying abroad there are many other options for a global experience. International internships, research, volunteer work and graduate programs provide students with the experiences for professional and personal growth. To assist with these programs, we have vetted and found some amazing outside companies to give you a secure experience.
After researching opportunities for these experiences, you will need to meet with an Education Abroad advisor in the Center for International Studies to be sure that you complete the necessary documents for your time abroad. If you are looking to obtain academic credit, there are others on campus you need to connect with to make sure you are completing the necessary documentation.
For your health and safety you will need to have international health insurance. If the provider doesn't include any as part of your program, we can help you obtain the health insurance we have for students studying abroad.
Internships abroad are (for the most part) unpaid internships. With that, there is a fee that you will need to pay to do the internship but for most of the providers, this includes the accommodation, placement, and other necessary costs that you would be paying for at home as well. The experiences you gain abroad will make you stand out to employers and bring a unique perspective to your future career.
There are also some internship providers that offer Internship + Study abroad options that you can do both while abroad.
API
Interning abroad through API is the perfect way to accelerate your career path through career exploration and cultivation. Our program has been developed to give you the best career development training and resources as you prepare for a meaningful and successful career. (Argentina, Australia, Chile, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, Scotland, and Spain)
CAPA International
Enhance your resume and stand out from the pack. Gain personal and professional skills with an internship in an exciting global city! (Argentina, Australia, China, England, Italy, Ireland, and Spain)
CEA
CEA takes care of that problem by relying on our locally-based staff, who know what you're looking for, keep your interests in mind, and make sure you can make the most of your time overseas. In addition, CEA internship abroad programs include housing, health and safety support, and social activities. (Argentina, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, England, France, Ireland, Italy, and Spain)
CISabroad
Primarily a study abroad company, CISabroad also offers internship opportunities overseas for one-12 months. CISabroad will customize your internship to your own individual personal goals. (21 international locations and Hawaii)
Global Experiences
Join their community of over 7,000 global alumni by taking the first step towards an unforgettable international internship!
International Studies Abroad (ISA)
Adding more dimension to the study abroad experience, ISA emphasizes the importance of interacting daily with locals to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, community and language of the host country. (Australia, China, England, Japan, Ireland, New Zealand, South Korea, and Spain)
Maximo Nivel
Get practical work experience, develop Spanish language skills, and build your international network. At Maximo Nivel, internship programs start every Monday throughout the year. Internships placements are available across a wide range of career fields in Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Peru. If you’re an aspiring international intern, you can choose from a 4-week practicum, an 8-week internship, or you can organize your experience abroad for up to 24-weeks!
World Endeavors
Customized for each individual, World Endeavors will find a program best set to you in order for you to gain career skills in your field.
College Counseling and Student Development (M.S.)
The College Counseling and Student Development Master's program at St. Cloud State University has the option for you to complete your required internship abroad. Contact your advisor for more information on how to move forward.
Volunteering abroad allows you to gain experience in service while seeing the world. Unless you have worked with your advisor on how this would work for academics, volunteering abroad will not be for academic credit and you will not be able to use financial aid to pay for your time abroad but this is a way you can add to your resume to make you stand out.
Here are two directory companies that you can search for volunteering opportunities abroad.
Research abroad is another unique way to go abroad. Rrigorous, academic research abroad is a fantastic way to build your resume and a stepping stone to other career opportunities. Some of these options can be used for academic credit or can be done as a personal learning experience. If you are planning to obtain academic credit, you will need to work with the Education Abroad office to make sure everything is in place.
Here are a few options on where to obtain research abroad opportunities.
EuroScholars
EuroScholars is a unique research abroad Program for highly talented undergraduate students from US and Canadian institutions looking for an international research experience. They offer research projects at five internationally renowned European Research Universities in almost any discipline.
Fulbright
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide.
SIT
SIT offers field research experiences through their study destinations in exceptional locations.
There are two options for obtaining graduate degrees or graduate level credits abroad.
If you are looking to obtain your full Master's degree abroad, then that is an option as well but will require more of a direct process on your own. While we can help answer questions, we are not able to help process any of the forms or paperwork you will need to complete with the university abroad. Most master programs abroad last one year but you will need to budget time and money on making this a reality. St. Cloud State alumni have gone on to receive their masters abroad so it is a reality if you want it!
Study Portals
This directory will help you know the steps on the application process but also to find a program that best fits what you are looking for in a masters degree.
Pros and Cons of Earning a Graduate Degree Abroad
This is a great article to get you thinking about a degree program abroad.
FAFSA
Read more about how US citizens can use financial aid to cover international degrees
