Once you have established an internship position and a candidate has been selected, there are a few things to think about. In addition to the logistics of Orienting an Intern, it is important to understand the situation your intern might be facing.

Interns are moving between two cultures. While all interns receive a thorough orientation abou thteir host culture, health and safety, and cultural issues, they are nonetheless going through a transition period as they leave behind their classes, friends and family, and become professionals in a host country.

Your welcome will set the tone for their experience in your country. As a host, whatever you can do to help them feel at home and included in the organization and the culture, will also help them be more productive for you.

Suggestions to Make the Intern Feel at Home
Include the intern in all aspects of the organization. They are there to learn about how things are done. If there are events after work, a friendly invitation makes the intern feel like part of the team. In some cases the intern may have a list of things that he or she wants to experience in your country. If he or she does, help the intern find people that can include him or her in these experiences.

Culture Shock
Some interns may experience culture shock, which is a natural response to dramatic change in the cultural environment. Symptoms of culture shock can include extreme homesickness, sleeplessness, anxiety and depression. If you notice any of the above symptoms, discuss it with the intern or with the regional director who can check in with the intern. If you would like more information on culture shock, you can read about it in the Predeparture Handbook given to interns.

Medical Issues
All interns have medical insurance through the IE3 Global Internships program. They have a 24 hour number to call in a medical emergency to ensure that large hospital bills will paid by their insurance. Please discuss this with your intern in the orientation, so you know what to do in an emergency.