Advising Students
Students invariably have a long list of questions when applying for an international internship.
- How do I pick the right internship?
- Am I a strong candidate for the internship?
- When should I think about interning?
- How do I pay for it?
- What credit will I earn?
- What is the application process?
The following information will help you advise students when they are choosing an internship, applying, and preparing to depart.
Initial Advising
The Campus Advisor should be the first and primary point of contact for students interested in an IE3 internship.
Most students will meet more than once with their Campus Advisors before applying, and be in regular e-mail/phone contact with the Advisor. Some students arrive with an internship site already chosen, and a good sense of what that internship entails; others will have only a rough idea of what they would like to do, and require significant guidance in selecting appropriate sites for application.
At an initial meeting, it is important for students to come away with a clear understanding of the following: - Range of internships available: Students can be guided in using the website, and identifying all internships that might be of interest to them - including looking at parts of the world they might not initially consider - Internship requirements: Students should be encouraged to read position descriptions thoroughly, and to know what the qualifications are for the sites they are considering - Program timeline: Students need to be aware of application (and scholarship) deadlines, application processing time, and a sense of when they will know of placement - Program costs: Students need to be clear on IE3 and institutional program fees, and fact that tuition is not charged in addition to the program fee - Credit and financial aid arrangements: Students need to work directly with faculty on their campuses to arrange credit, and should understand how the Campus Advisor interacts with financial aid - Who does what: It is important at this stage that students understand the distinct roles of the Campus Advisor and regional director - Who to contact for more information: After interns have met with their Campus Advisors, they are welcome to contact the Regional Director(s) for more details about the sites in which they are interested
Applicants
Once students have selected a site/sites to apply to, it is the Campus Advisor's role to work with that student through the application process, answering questions, following up with information, and receiving the student's application. Campuses will have their own procedures for students to follow as well as the IE3 application process, and students should be clear on what those are. Once a completed application is received by the Campus Advisor, it should be sent to the IE3 Program Assistant (along with the accompanying deposit check). Students should then be interviewed by the Campus Advisor, and the interview report sent to the appropriate regional director.
Students and their Campus Advisors will be informed simultaneously of a students' acceptance at a site, and Regional Directors strive to keep Campus Advisors abreast of developments with the students' site details, and other information.
Student applicants will continue to require support from the Campus Advisor as they work through arranging credit with campus faculty and financial aid, and prepare for departure. Many campuses require that students attend their own campus study abroad orientations, in addition to the mandatory IE3 orientation. This is a good idea, as that orientation will cover campus procedures and regulations, as well as other basic travel information that may not be covered by IE3.
During and After the Internship
Once a student has left on his/her internship, he/she should remain in contact with his/her Campus Advisor and regional director. The Regional Director will expect the student to notify him/her of all travel plans, arrival times, and contact information that is not established before departure. The Regional Director, along with any on-site support, will be the students' first point of contact for questions or problems, but the Campus Advisor stays an active partner in the students' experience. It is important for the Campus Advisor to be aware of credit-granting arrangements, and to serve as a liaison between the student and the campus partners involved: faculty, academic advisors, registrar, and financial aid. Being in active contact with the student while he/she is on an internship is essential not only for the smooth running of the program on your campus, but is also an outstanding way to learn first-hand about IE3 sites and what they have to offer future students from your institution.
In Case of an Emergency
In the event of an emergency, students are instructed to be in touch with any on-site coordinating staff, and with their IE3 Regional Director. The Regional Director will then contact the Campus Advisor to let them know of the event and any response made or required. For weekends and after hours, students have the number for the OSU Public Safety office, who in turn have all of the personal contact information for IE3 staff and the Director of the Oregon University System International Programs, Mr. Paul Primak. OUS, IE3, and home campus staff will work together to resolve any crises which may arrive, along with the site staff and relevant local authorities.
Returning Students
When students return to their campuses after their internships, Campus Advisors follow up with them to learn about their experiences, growth, and any feedback they might have for the program. They will often require clarification about how to go about completing their required work for credit, and the process through which credit is awarded. The IE3 regional director will notify the Campus Advisor of a students' completion of their final reporting requirement, and share the students' final report with the Campus Advisor.
It is hoped that returning students will remain involved with the IE3 program on your campus, speaking with interested students, and presenting at information sessions and orientation for future students. These returnees are the finest ambassadors for the IE33 program, and we encourage you to make use of them!