Home » Advisors and Faculty »

Customized and Self-Arranged Internships

Students interested in a customized or self-arranged internship must first contact their Campus Advisor to discuss the considerations of each (see below for key considerations). If a customized or self-arranged internship appears to be a viable option for the student, the Campus Advisor will begin a conversation with a Regional Director regarding likelihood of placement. If a customized or self-arranged placement seems possible, the Regional Director will create an online application for the student and provide them with any necessary log-in information.

Applicants for individualized or customized internships will be asked to provide an Individualized Placement Statement through an additional questionnaire on their online application. This will provide the additional information that the Regional Director and in-country contacts require to find an appropriate fit for the student's interests. Sample Individualized Placement Statements can be found here and applicants will also be directed to these samples for their reference.

Customized Placements:

A “customized” placement option is generally not listed in the IE3 database of options. Instead, the Campus Advisor, Regional Director and student have discussed together the possibility of finding a placement in a specific location that meets the student’s specific career interests. Customized placements are only available when the regional director has agreed to explore options for the student in their desired placement locations. Placement is through OUS and/or personal contacts who have agreed to assist us in finding options if possible. These contacts are not professional placement agencies (unlike in an individualized placement). Key considerations of customized placements:

  • Placement is not guaranteed and the likelihood of placement is ambiguous; the student, Campus Advisor and Regional Director agree to stay in close contact through the placement process to ensure expectations and process are clearly understood and accepted by all.
  • Customized internships are not available in all locations, or in all academic/professional areas.
  • There is currently no set additional fee for this option, however a fee may be charged if an outside provider is found who can arrange such an internship. Students would be notified of such a fee before they are committed to the placement and refund policy.
  • It is up to the discretion of the relevant Regional Director as to his/her capacity to take on the additional responsibility of placing students in customized internships given the region, term and his/her upcoming student and work load.
  • Students are willing to submit application materials ahead of the regular deadline to maximize time available for locating suitable placements.
  • Students are willing to write cover letters and resumes that clearly and specifically articulate their career interests, skills and qualifications to assist the regional director and his/her contacts in finding a well-matched placement.
  • Students are willing to remain in active communication with the regional director with regards to withdrawing, postponing, moving to second choice option or continuing to move forward with seeking suitable placements.

Self-Arranged Placements:

A “self-arranged” internship is one where students have located, developed and secured an internship independent of IE3 and our resources and have contacted either their Campus Advisor or IE3 directly to facilitate the logistics of making their internships possible through their home universities. Key considerations of self-arranged placements:

  • Students are seeking a viable means through which to earn academic credit and financial aid for their experience.
  • Students are seeking mentorship and support from IE3 regional directors with regards to pre-departure training and support during their internships abroad (including health insurance).
  • Students provide an outline of anticipated expenses for the internship to the Campus Advisor and to the Regional Director to assist with creating an accurate cost sheet for the internship placement.
  • Students are independently responsible for researching and moving forward with the visa process.
  • IE3 will provide appropriate paperwork and letters of support when necessary
  • Students agree to abide by the guidelines established by IE3 in both the learning agreement and the participation agreement despite having made all internship arrangements independent of IE3.

Individualized Placements:

An “individualized” placement option is listed as a possibility in the IE3 database of internships available for the location requested. Placement is through an in-country professional placement agency (e.g., Pathways Australia, India Study Abroad Center, Volunteer Adventure Corp, CLIDA, etc.) that works to find a specific site on behalf of the student for an additional fee that is specifically outlined on the cost sheet. Key considerations of individualized placements:

  • Students are willing to write cover letters and resumes that clearly and specifically articulate their career interests, skills and qualifications to assist the placement agencies in finding a well-matched placement.
  • Students recognize, understand and accept the additional financial commitments to this option.
  • Students are provided with the added benefit of an in-country support person/ organization to assist them with any issues regarding their internships throughout the internship duration.
  • Students recognize and accept the initial ambiguity of this option and have established a second internship site choice or a separate back-up plan in case the placement agency is unable to secure a suitable placement.
  • Students are willing to remain in active communication with the regional director with regards to withdrawing, postponing, moving to second choice option or continuing to move forward with seeking suitable placements.
  • Students will make themselves available in a timely manner for interviews with the placement agencies via telephone prior to placement.
  • Students clearly understand and accept that exact placement is not guaranteed but if this is the case, placement in a related field is likely.