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!

Understand the requirements of the internship for which you want to apply. Be sure to discuss it with your IE₃ Campus Advisor. Select second and third choice 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.
Open your online application student account by clicking the "Apply Now" button on the description page of the internship to which you are applying. You can return later by clicking the "login" link on the top right corner of the IE₃ homepage. Don't forget to make a note of your user name and password! It's a good idea to do this well in advance, in case you encounter any difficulties submitting information.

Proofread all materials in your application before you submit them. Spell-check is not a good substitute as it often doesn’t know what you really want to say!
Remember, you'll get an e-mail from the online application system letting you know when all materials have been submitted. If you get a notice that your application isn't complete, or you think there is an error, make sure you follow up before the deadline!
Even if you trust your editing skills, you can overlook errors. Have a friend or advisor review your materials before you submit them.