Home » Application Information »

Tips for a successful application

STEP ONE: Get (Your Resume) Ready!

  • Visit the career center on your campus to create and refine your resume. Specify that you are applying for an international internship.
  • Include your language(s) as skills and give an honest assessment of your ability. Don't forget English! In some internships, your proficiency in English may be a unique strength.
  • Include your international experience. Study abroad, travel, homestays, international work camps -- they all demonstrate that you have some experience in another culture.
  • Include highlights from your academic coursework that are applicable to the internship site. This may be as bullet points or as a summary under your education.
  • Proofread, proofread, proofread -- and then ask a friend or advisor to proofread again!

STEP TWO: Get Set!

  • Understand the requirements of the internship for which you want to apply. Be sure to discuss it with your IE3 Campus Advisor. Select alternate internships that are also interesting and relevant.
  • Discuss the finances of the internship with your IE3 Campus Advisor and any funding sources (e.g. financial aid office, bank for loan, parents, etc.). Each internship has different financial considerations depending on location and duration. Your IE3 Campus Advisor can provide you with a budget sheet to work out the expenses you will incur. This is also available on the IE3 website.
  • Confirm that the job description will fulfill your academic credit requirements.
  • Write a thoughtful essay and cover letter. Do not use a cover letter template and just cut and paste. While they may provide good guidelines, applying for an internship through IE3 is different than cold calling. Use this as an opportunity to really show what you know about the organization and to demonstrate what you bring to the table.

STEP THREE: Go!

  • Proofread all materials. Spell-check is not a good substitute as it often doesn’t know what you really want to say!
  • Don't trust your editing skills? Have a friend or advisor review your materials before you submit them.