The College of Communication Arts and Sciences participates in many English-speaking programs worldwide. With successful completion of a proficiency test in German, French or Spanish, students have additional placement location options for International Internships. In addition to location, students should examine costs, which will include tuition, program fee and flight to and from the location.
ComArtSci students who are interested in doing an International Internship should first meet with their academic advisor to discuss how the program would fit into their degree requirements. They should then schedule an appointment with Jennifer New (jnew@msu.edu), Associate Director of Academic and Student Affairs and Coordinator of Education Abroad in the Communication Arts and Science college to begin the application process.
To start learning more about specific programs, use the Education Abroad Office's program search portal. Then select 'Programs' and search 'Internship' as a key word. Program fee information can be found on individual program pages.
General Sequence from Application to Approval to Departure
While the sequence of Application-Approval-Departure varies slightly from student-to-student and major-to-major, a typical sequence is:
- Explore opportunities by searching the Office of Education Abroad website and/or or visiting with the ComArtSci International Internship Coordinator.
- Discuss with your academic advisor how the internship credits fit into your course of study. Please note that many programs require that students enroll in 12 credits to participate.
- Make an appointment with the International Internship Coordinator for your official program interview. Bring hard copies of your tailored resume and cover letter to your appointment. Please refer to the directions below and the Cover Letter and Resume Examples for International Internship document for directions on how to correctly write your resume and cover letter.
- Upon approval by the Coordinator to participate (pending OSA Judicial clearing), apply for the program online.
- Schedule an appointment with the ComArtSci Career Services Office for review of resume and cover letter. Make necessary changes to your documents after review meeting.
- The Office of Education Abroad notifies the international provider of your acceptance. The provider will contact you, seeking for your resume, cover letter, and other materials.
After official approval notification from the Office of Education Abroad:
7. Arrange flight to the international location based on program dates.
8. Attend mandatory orientation led by the Office of Education Abroad.
9. Coordinate with your academic advisor and Coordinator on enrolling for credits in designated course sections.
Resume Tips
You need to make sure your resume is accurate and up to date. Your resume and cover letter will be used by the international program office (in the host country) to place you in an internship. You will be best served if your skills, accomplishments and professional interests are clearly articulated. Please acquire a “Career Passport” and schedule a meeting with the Career Services Office for guidance.
Cover Letter Format
Your cover letter for an international internship will be different from a cover letter if you were applying to a domestic job or internship. Please see the suggested guidelines for each paragraph below.
1. Paragraph one – Write this as though you have already been accepted into the program. Keep in mind that you are introducing yourself to the organization that will place you in an internship. Have enthusiasm in the intro paragraph. Make a statement as to why you want that specific country and express your excitement for an international internship opportunity.
2. Paragraph two - Start talking about you – relevant coursework, skills, personal attributes.
3. Paragraph three and four – Present information on knowledge and skills learned through specific experiences. Share what you have accomplished and present information from specific work experience (transferable skills).
4. Conclude with reiteration of excitement, skills, and then area or field of work regarding your preference is for placement. You should provide your top 3 preference areas for the types of work you will be doing on your internship.
Coordinator Contact Information
For all questions or to setup an appointment, please contact the International Internships Coordinator:
Jennifer New
jnew@msu.edu
Phone: 517-355-8988
To schedule an appointment, visit: http://student.msu.edu .