SDSU Student Guide: How to plan your internship with Intern Abroad HQ

👩‍💻 Why choose Intern Abroad HQ?

At Intern Abroad HQ, we make it easy to gain meaningful career experience, in exciting and supportive environments. We provide access to unique internship placements around the world, opening doors to help you explore interests, gain academic credit, build soft skills, and navigate the transformative journey from student to professional.

We are trusted by thousands of students from around the world and top rated in our field. In partnership with SDSU, we are committed to ensuring your health, safety, and peace of mind. SDSU carefully vets their affiliated partners, to ensure responsible cooperation.

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🎓 The Intern Abroad HQ Application Process for SDSU students

Please refer to the SDSU International Internships Advising doc here for updates.

Step 1: Attend a mandatory International Internships Advising Workshop facilitated by GEO’s International Internships Advisor.

These are held regularly year-round at SDSU. At this workshop, you will be guided through activating your GEO Portal account and submitting your Advising Questionnaire.

Step 2: Submit your applications by the SDSU universal deadline.

You will be required to submit two applications. Both will be due by the SDSU deadline.

• The first application will be submitted via your GEO Portal account.
• The second will be submitted directly to Intern Abroad HQ.

Submitting an application with Intern Abroad HQ is easy. Applications are received as a formal expression of interest and can easily be edited at a future date.

All SDSU students are required to submit an application to commence the process. You will need to use your SDSU email address and indicate your desired destination, internship field, start date, and duration.

Please take care to complete the application in detail, since your relevant studies and experiences should be included.

Step 3: Receive a reply

Once your application to Intern Abroad HQ has been submitted, it will be received by a relevant Intern Abroad HQ Program Manager. They will review and accept your internship application, according to your eligibility and program availability. If you express any questions or uncertainties during the application process, your Program Manager will be happy to assist.

Intern Abroad HQ will then respond to your application, via email, providing more information about the next steps. This will include a reminder on instructions for how to get the internship experience underway with the SDSU GEO team.

Once your GEO International Internships Advisor has been reviewed and approved your GEO Portal application, they will notify Intern Abroad HQ that your application can proceed.

Once approved, bingo! You’ll be notified via email that SDSU has approved your participation and you will be instructed to officially confirm your internship participation in the GEO Portal and with Intern Abroad HQ (via payment of Program Fee deposit to Intern Abroad HQ).

Submit Your Internship Application

🤝 Support provided to SDSU students before and during their internship abroad

Throughout your internship journey, you’ll receive four layers of support to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience. Together, these four layers of support create a comprehensive safety net to help you thrive and navigate any challenges you may face during your internship abroad:

1. Your International Internships Advisor at SDSU:

The SDSU International Internships Advisory team provides expert guidance on everything from academic credit requirements to navigating graduation, financial aid, and traveling abroad.

They provide advice and support to students related to academic, graduation and departmental requirements, financial aid and considerations, support for traveling and living abroad, and how to navigate the SDSU system.

Students are also required to enroll in SDSU-approved discounted travel insurance. GEO is here to support students every step of the way, ensuring your global internship experience is seamless and truly transformative.

2. Your Program Manager at Intern Abroad HQ:

They are your go-to person during all stages of your internship. They will support you before, during, and after your internship, answering questions about your application, placement details, visas, or any logistical challenges you may face. They’ll also assist with general inquiries, helping ensure you feel confident and prepared. If you need further clarification or guidance at any point, they are there to assist.

3. The In-Country Coordinating Team:

Once you’ve arrived at your internship destination, the In-Country Coordinating Team takes over as your primary source of support. They will help you navigate your new environment and serve as your point of contact for anything related to your placement, accommodation or local issue. Whether it’s emergency assistance, questions about local culture, or help with settling in, your local team will be there to ensure you feel supported and safe throughout your internship.

4. Your Internship Placement Supervisor:

An important layer of support comes from your internship placement supervisor, the person you will report to directly during your internship. They will be your primary contact for questions regarding your tasks, responsibilities, and overall performance at the organization. Should any concerns arise about your work or internship placement, your supervisor will help address them, providing guidance and feedback to ensure a positive experience.

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📚 How to select between the credit options for your internship abroad

As an SDSU student, you will need to indicate to SDSU whether you will be taking your internship for credit. There are three relevant options available to you.

Option 1

Complete internship hours and additional coursework during your Intern Abroad HQ program to earn US credits through Intern Abroad HQ’s School of Record partnerships

How it works:

• Once registered, select the relevant ‘Academic Credit’ add-on in your MyIAHQ portal. The options are: Earn 1-5 US Credits, Earn 6-10 US Credits, or Earn 11-16 US Credits.
• For each credit, you must complete 40-45 internship hours (generally about 1 week of interning), one personal reflection (included in our Experiential Learning Curriculum) and one final assignment.
• After you have completed your internship program, you will receive an unofficial transcript from one of our Schools of Record: the University of Montana (for those obtaining 1-5 credits) or Warren Wilson College (for those obtaining 6-16 credits). The transcript will include a course code, number of credits earned, and a letter grade (A to F), which is based on your submitted assignments.
• Official transcripts can be requested for easy credit transfer back to SDSU.

Option 2

Earn credit via SDSU after completing your internship

How it works:

• Enroll in a corresponding internship class at SDSU that you will take in the semester immediately following your internship program. You may use your experiences from the program when submitting class assignments that prompt you to engage in reflections and make connections between what you have been studying and what you learned during your internship.
• Connect with your academic Advisor to understand what requirements they have for your internship to grant you academic credit on completion. Requirements may include completing a certain number of internship hours and having an internship supervisor sign off your participation.

Option 3

Participation-only allows you to complete internship hours without enrolling in additional coursework.

• Once you have confirmed your academic needs for the internship, let us know what requirements your internship needs to fulfill. We’ll review your academic requirements, connect with your advisor, and support with any paperwork you might need to complete.

Earn US credits through Intern Abroad HQ’s School of Record partnerships

💬 What do SDSU students say about their experiences?

SDSU students choose to intern abroad for a range of reasons. Perhaps the experience is linked to an academic program or specific career goal. Maybe you’re seeking to explore more of the world, while you have the opportunities, time, and support in place to do so. It could be that friends and classmates are traveling this summer and you’re motivated by FOMO! Whatever the reason, you can be sure of one thing: there’s no doubt that international experience can do wonders for your personal and professional development. Just check out these insights from our SDSU Intern Abroad Alumni!

“What I enjoyed the most about my internship with Intern Abroad HQ and accommodation was that I was truly in the heart of Valencia. I got to explore and see some “tourist” hot spots, but the majority of my stay I was surrounded by locals and got to truly feel the charm of the city. My internship really enhanced my love for medicine and taught me useful practices that I would have never learned in the states. On a personal level, I feel that I grew in so many ways and became a more independent and confident version of myself. Thank you Intern Abroad HQ for allowing me to have this unforgettable experience!” - Jenna Le Piere, Medical intern in Valencia, Spain

“My questions were answered and I was able to get a clear path to success in my internship. My host family was very welcoming and comforting; they took really good care of us and I hope to be able to visit them once again in the future.” - Ari Lombrozo, Environmental Conservation intern in Costa Rica

“I loved this internship so much. I knew going into my study abroad program that my life would be changed, but I didn’t realize how much of a positive impact it would have on me. I loved becoming friends with people around the world and learning from them. I learned more scientific skills that I will use in the future!” - Maya Frank, Marine Mammal Research & Conservation intern in Greece

“I loved this internship so much. I knew going into my study abroad program that my life would be changed, but I didn’t realize how much of a positive impact it would have on me. I loved becoming friends with people around the world and learning from them. I learned more scientific skills that I will use in the future!” - Maya Frank, Marine Mammal Research & Conservation intern in Greece

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