The internship is arranged through agreement with partner organizations operating internationally. It includes a program of experiential learning, on-site mentoring and thorough academic evaluation. The internship will comprise 15 credit hours of coursework.

The International Studies Internship builds on the study-abroad experience SSU students gain through their travel semesters in Asia and Europe. Both academically and personally, these two semesters encourage valuable international understanding and cultural awareness. Moreover, the SSU Liberal Arts curriculum and the selection of International Studies courses, offer students a comprehensive undergraduate program as a solid foundation for the Postgraduate Internship. *

The International Studies Intern is guided by an SSU faculty supervisor and an on-site mentor working with an SSU-approved partner organization. Though most internships are unpaid, they provide value through the integration of undergraduate academic coursework in International Studies with valuable on-the-job experience. Gaining familiarity with an international work placement can help an intern decide on a particular career-direction. In the competition for entry-level positions and graduate school admissions, students with relevant internship experience through a Postgraduate Diploma in International Studies have a clear advantage.

The learning objectives of the Internship are at once academic and professional. The student has opportunities for mentored learning in the context of a supervised field-placement. Applied skills are developed in a professional setting, research and writing along with oral and interpersonal communication skills are refined. All of this comes together as a remarkable opportunity to develop creativity, imagination and vision in a professional, cross-cultural setting.

To complete the diploma, students must:

1. have completed a B.A. in International Studies at SSU or its equivalent.
2. be in good academic standing (2.7 GPA overall and in IS courses)
3. apply for post-graduate diploma at least 9 months prior to tentative departure date relevant to International Studies
4. develop a detailed Internship Proposal approved by SSU
5. obtain an SSU-approved on-site supervisor
6. carry out the internship full-time for a minimum of 16 weeks
7. complete all academic and program assignments

Applying for the Internship

1. Obtain an Internship Application Packet, read and complete the enclosed documents thoroughly **
2. Complete an interview with the Academic Dean and members of the International Studies Committee
3. Complete a successful interview with the sponsoring organization or agency
4. Complete and sign the Internship Job Description provided by the Internship Supervisor

* Applicants from other institutions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
** Please note: in order for applications to be considered, St. Stephen‘s University requires the student to check the proposed country‘s risk level on the Foreign Affairs website: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/faq/tip_prv-eng.asp#1 . St. Stephen‘s University does NOT endorse a student to leave for a country that the Foreign Affairs website deems as high risk.