Career Development

Did you know... 

Studying abroad builds the skills employers seek! 

Studying abroad is an excellent way to develop some the top skills employers seek. World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report, highlights analytical thinking, creative thinking, and resilience/flexibility/agility as some of the most in-demand competencies, with leadership and social influence growing as an up and coming in-demand skill. 

Where Are They Now

And Where You Could Be...

Our GW Study Abroad Alumni have leveraged the skills they gained from studying abroad and at GW to land opportunities in careers or pursuing further higher education all around the world! 

 

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I studied abroad in Vienna, Austria during the fall semester my junior year to enhance my German language skills and continue my studies in a new environment. I had the unique opportunity to stay with a host mother during my program, which massively improved my spoken German. In addition, I completed a part-time internship with the Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe offices, which gave me a more thorough understanding of central European work culture.

 

I was delighted to return to Vienna a few years after graduating for a position with the International Atomic Energy Agency. My knowledge of Austrian culture and language significantly eased the move abroad. Though my daily work is in English, I use the Austrian dialect I learned on an almost daily basis. My coursework in European and international politics provided ample background for my current work, where I communicate with two dozen Member States of the IAEA.

 

Studying abroad is not only an opportunity to experience life in another part of the world, but also to determine whether that location and lifestyle may suit you in a future career. I am endlessly thankful for my opportunity to study abroad, and I am proud to continue to use my skills and experience in my current role.
 

Amelia Martin 
BA in International Affairs & Economics 

 

 

I have had the privilege of studying abroad at Queen's University Belfast in the UK, Yonsei University in South Korea, and National Taiwan University in Taiwan. These international experiences have enriched my understanding of cultural nuances and honed my ability to navigate through diverse cultural environments.

My time abroad has cultivated my flexibility, cultural awareness, and adaptability, shaping me into a well-rounded international affairs professional. While studying in Taiwan, I had the unique opportunity to intern at the New Taipei City Government's Secretariat of International Affairs, marking my first professional experience abroad and paving the way for my career in international affairs outside of the US.

Patrick Ko 
The Global Bachelor's Program Graduate
BA in International Affairs

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The Resource Hub

Incorporating Study Abroad Into Your Career Search & Journey

Increase the Benefits

Find a Program with Additional Experiential Opportunities

GW Chile (GW Study Program)

The GW Chile Spanish Track traditional and for-credit internships, which students can opt to complete alongside their regular coursework. Our students have interned at a wide range of sites over the years, including NGOs, think tanks, museums and galleries, media organizations, charitable organizations and places of business. Each placement is tailored to a student's particular academic and professional interests. Upon arrival in Chile, the program director works individually with each student to find a suitable placement, helps students update and proofread their resumes/CVs, and accompanies them to their on-site interviews. Students work at their internship site for 8 to 10 hours weekly, gaining invaluable work experience, forging professional networks, improving the scope of their Spanish to encompass workplace vocabulary and widening their range of engagement with Chilean culture beyond university and home life.

Students who choose to add on academic credit follow all of these same steps, but in addition to their weekly on-site work they are also paired with a professor from their area of study who works with them individually on a written research project. This project, which draws on the student’s on-site work and culminates in a formal paper, grants students academic credit and a letter grade. The total workload is similar to one full course. This project requires a high level of commitment and allows students the unique opportunity to do a deep dive into an academic topic of their interest.

For students who choose to do a traditional internship, a typical course load is generally four or five university courses plus the internship. Students who choose a for-credit internship will generally take three or four university courses in addition to the for-credit internship project.

Internship sites vary from semester to semester and specific placements cannot be guaranteed, but you can review past internship sites (PDF).

Danielle White, for-credit internship, Fall:

"My time with Good Neighbors Chile allowed me to learn in depth about the Chilean education system and the challenges that are faced by students. My job was to address these challenges through building a creative curriculum that promoted holistic social emotional learning for grade school students, and also assist with the programming of youth development events. I had the opportunity to simultaneously work with a very caring professor to write a comparative research paper on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country's schooling system; which was not only informed by academic research, but also the relationships that I built throughout this internship and my time at PUC. I have had the privilege to pick the brains of professionals who have worked in the education sector, while also cultivating relationships with my peers at the university, who shared their personal experiences with the school system. This ultimately brought us closer together through the exchange of stories and culture. The result of this experience was not only a professional academic piece that has enriched my knowledge, Spanish speaking abilities, and has opened the door for various job opportunities, but it has led me to completely shift my future academic/work endeavors toward International Education Policy so that I can continue this important work. Additionally, I was able to develop lifelong connections and friendships with some amazing people."
 

Isabella Rizzo, traditional internship (not for credit), Spring:

"Working at UC English allowed me to become more integrated into the La Catolica community. Sometimes it can feel hard to break into social groups, but through my 1 on 1 interactions with students, I was able to make friends and also learn more about Chile, and improve my Spanish! The staff at UC English are just as wonderful as the students, and the team was so supportive of me and my work. I could not recommend doing this internship enough if you are passionate about teaching English, connecting with the local community, and giving back to a school and a country that will give you so much during your time here!"

Additional Student Examples:

• Marcos Turk interned at Espacio Público, a prestigious local policy institute, where he co-authored an article on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants in Chile (summary available here).
• Isabella DeShayes completed her internship at Fundación Iguales, one of Chile's most prominent NGOs in the field of sexual diversity and gender rights. Her team even did a shout-out post at the end of the semester to thank her for her contributions. You can read more about her experience in the blog post she wrote about it.
• Cameron Hayes helped out at Corporación Cultiva, which focuses on reforestation of native forests. As a Geography major, he was able to practice and strengthen his GIS skills, mapping out sites for possible reforestation in the Chilean province of Chacabuco. He also participated in one of Cultiva's reforestation days, planting seedlings in the Bosque Urbano de Quilicura.
• Abigail DiLorenzo worked at Good Neighbors Chile, which advocates for children's rights in the fields of education and mental health, where she assisted the marketing and communications team in content creation, research and grant applications

University of Sydney (GW Exchange & Direct Enroll Spring Friendly Program)

Complement your academic study at the University of Sydney with relevant industry or research experience via the internship program. Interns complete a minimum of 120 hours in an industry or research placement with one of USyd's many partners or academics. The Internship unit of study (ARTS 2600) is worth 6 USYD credit points, equivalent to 4 US Credits, and is taken alongside your other units of study.

Parallel to your work or research placement are four professional development workshops, academic reading and a range of assessments, including a final project report.

Placement is competitive and based on key performance indicators such as GPA, prior academic studies, as well as the interests of the applicant and host. Though every effort is made to place all eligible applicants, placement is not guaranteed.

Host partners offer placements in the following roles and industries. This list is non-exhaustive and USyd can accommodate other placement interests as required.

Industry Placements:

• Accounting, Economics and Finance
• Advertising, Marketing and Sales
• Architecture and Urban Planning
• Business and Management
• Charity
• Education and Tutoring
• Engineering and Information Technology
• Events, Public Relations and Social Media
• Policy
• Media and Communications
• Retail and Fashion

Research Placements:
Students are matched with an academic from the University of Sydney to learn research methods and assist with a research project in their field of study.

Queen Mary, University of London (GW Exchange)

Queen Mary offers students the opportunity to undertake an internship as part of the Study Abroad Programme. Internship opportunities are run in collaboration with our partner, Arcadia University, the College of Global Studies through the London Internship Programme.

Students on the Queen Mary London Internship Programme will undertake three modules at Queen Mary and will be placed into an internship in lieu of studying a fourth module. Students will be allocated an internship alongside their study and complete a seminar/tutorial at Arcadia’s London Centre related to the internship.

The internship is a 'for credit' module and will not appear on your Queen Mary transcript. You will however be issued a separate transcript by Arcadia detailing the internship. Arcadia awards four credits for the internship.

• Placement options include: Advertising; arts; business operations; film & television; accounting and entrepreneurship; hospitality; journalism; law; politics; marketing; non-governmental organizations; psychology; public relations; and theatre. Arcadia's Internship Placement Guide outlines more placement details.

Please be aware of earlier application deadlines for the Queen Mary London Internship Programme:

• May 1st for autumn (fall) entry (September)
• October 1^st for spring entry (January) 

Interested students must indicate their interest in the Internship Programme within their Course Selection Fillable Form in their GW Passport application. 

Queen's University Belfast (GW Exchange & GBP Cohort)

Queen’s has recently launched a new Civic Engagement Research Project.

Students will engage in research projects led by a Queen’s University Belfast academic, collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, and charities, gaining practical experience in project design, problem-solving, research, teamwork, and communication while addressing real-world challenges. 

University of New South Wales (GW Exchange)

UNSW Sydney offers a range of internship programs integrated within its classes, providing students with hands-on experience in their fields of study. For those looking for an introductory experience, “Creating Your Career: Employability for the Future” (CDEV2000) enables students to identify where they may need to develop to align with prospective employers, with the support of a team of career coaches from UNSW Careers. For students seeking a more direct internship program with a partner organization, “WIL Experience Term” (CDEV3001) and “Practice of Work” (CDEV3000) are designed to help students deepen their academic knowledge by applying it directly to work learning, thus developing their professional skills and capabilities. These courses are available for both domestic and international students, and are offered across all three terms and UNSW's summer term. Participating in these internships help students build professional networks and enhance their employability, making them versatile candidates for competitive job markets post-graduation!

Australian National University (GW Exchange)

Special Industry Project (CBEA3001)
The Special Industry Project (SIP) is an interdisciplinary work-integrated learning course at the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE), and has contributed to solving business cases presented by organizations across Australia. Every semester, undergraduate students across The Australian National University (ANU) have the unique opportunity to participate in SIP. They work closely with industry partners to deliver solutions to business cases.

• Special Industry Project (CBEA3001)

Australian National Internships Program (ANIP) 
Experience the heart of Australian policymaking and politics firsthand. ANIP offers internships that are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students across all academic disciplines. Please note that ANIP requires a separate application process parallel to course nominations.

•  Australian National Internships Program 

Charles University (Semester in Prague - East & Central European Studies)

Volunteer Opportunities: 

ECES cooperates with local schools and organizations in order to give students the opportunity for further immersion into the Czech culture while serving the local community. ECES students often help local high school students practice their English and learn about foreign cultures. Volunteers are expected to lead small group discussions on various topics like culture, history, etc. 

Alumni Internship Opportunity: 

If you are an alumni of the Charles ECES program, you are eligible to return to Prague to join the ECES Alumni Interns! The East and Central European Studies Program Intern will work alongside the International Programs Officers and Director of International Programs to facilitate the ECES Program. The intern will be responsible for completing office-related tasks, as well as working with ECES students throughout their studies in Prague. The length of the internship may range from 4-7 weeks during the summer term, to 4-10 months during the academic year. Start and end date to be discussed on an individual basis. Tasks may include:

• creating informational materials for students,
• facilitating student movement within Prague during scheduled program activities,
• assisting with daily office tasks,
• working with student databases,
• assisting to maintain correct information on the ECES website,
• facilitating cross-cultural experiences for ECES students through workshops, activites, contact with local students, etc.,
• and facilitating day trips and activities.

During this internship, there is also the possibility for the intern to develop a project based on his or her own interest in cooperation with the Assistant Director of International Programs. Any such special project will be discussed at the beginning of the internship, and will be the responsibility of the intern.

SIT Programs

SIT's pedagogical approach to their programs is such that each program includes either an Independent Study Project or Internship and Seminar, or both, to allow students the opportunity to utilize what they're learning in practice.

The Independent Study Project offers students the opportunity to conduct field research on a topic of their choice within the program’s thematic parameters. The project integrates learning from the various components of the program and culminates in a final presentation and formal research paper.

The Internship and Seminar offers a 4-week internship at the end of the semester with a local organization related to the program's theme. Regular reflection and assessment sessions will be held with the academic director to review the progress of the internship, and the learning process associated with the internship experience. Students will complete their internship and submit a final paper. 

USAC Programs

USAC internships abroad are a great way for students to enhance their educational experience. Participating in a structured work or research experience with an international organization, whether in-person or virtually, will help students gain valuable skills and hands-on experience while expanding their professional network and immersing themselves in the workplace culture of their host country.

An internship placement fee may be required of  students participating in an in-person USAC internship. This fee helps offset the costs of securing quality internship placements and helps provide a range of professional development activities, including an online internship seminar, career workshops, and panel discussions.

Internships are available at all GW-approved USAC locations with the exception of London Metropolitan University. 

Junior Year Munich 

The Junior Year in Munich Program has arranged internships in a wide variety of interest areas, such as marketing, publishing, education, automotive industry, ecology and the environment, health care, e-commerce, government, foreign service, international trade, economic development and urban planning.

Study Abroad students are also  competing with other university students in Munich for internships and must go through an interview process. Thus, internships cannot be guaranteed, and placements may always be the student’s top pick or most ideal placement.

Students earn credit for academic work associated with the internship, not for the internship experience alone. In order to receive credit for an internship, students must first sign up for and participate in JYG 5890 Overseas Internship, a 3 credit bearing course, and they must submit an internship portfolio to the instructor by the end of the semester in which the internship occurred.

Learn more about the opportunities

IFSA Programs

Study in: Barcelona, Prague, Shanghai

• Students are able to engage in real world work experience through internship opportunities across many multinational companies in the area.
• Students’ goals are carefully considered, tailoring the placement process to ensure the best possible fit for them. Final placements depend on the students’ skills, prior experience, and availability.
• Students, once placed into an internship, are expected to devote at least 120 hours to working at the host organization that they are assigned to. Final placement opportunities are at the discretion of the local organization and their internal application process; as well, there is an initial IFSA application process in coordination with the IFSA enrollment counselor to determine the best fit for each student
• Local language knowledge is not always required but often preferred. 

IFSA Universidad de la Habana

• Students have the opportunity to participate in part-time, non-credit bearing volunteering opportunities in Havana. Students work with the local IFSA office to find the best placement at various local companies and organizations based on the student’s interests and abilities.
  • Examples of volunteering opportunities previously:
    • English language tutor for Cuban university students
    • Environmental clean up initiatives
    • Community involvement at the Cuba Libro literary cafe

DIS Programs

Dive into research abroad

Take advantage of the unique opportunity to join a lab or research group abroad, allowing you to collaborate with local researchers, take part in a project, and train your skills with a mentor.

Research Assistantships embed you within an active research project, while lab courses give you the chance to apply classroom learning and develop your lab and research skills.

Learn about our lab and research opportunities.

Bring classroom learning into the field

Joining a practicum gives you the special opportunity to enter into a local organization and get professional experience while using your classroom learning in a new context.

Practicum opportunities include several topics and feature the chance to work with a local startup, teach in a school, or join in a local psychology clinic.

View all practicum courses on the Course Finder.

Hone your technical and artistic craft

Workshops and studio courses are the perfect chance to develop your craft, receive expert feedback, and build up your portfolio.

Your options range from songwriting and music production to graphic design and architecture to textiles, creative writing, photography, and beyond.

Explore all workshop and studio options on the Course Finder.

Student Experiences: 

"I got the chance to be a part of a research group out of DIS copenhagen. It was only the second semester of these research so I was able to not only participate in research but in the formation of the critical question and methods. I worked under two mentors who also were my professor in two other class and along side 5 other researchers. We researched how investment behaviors and outcomes differed by gender. it was a part of the gender economics discipline which is very much still evolving. I was able to develop my own indepdent research question under the umbrella of the intersection between environmental and gender economics. Under the mentorship of my professors I researched the gendered engagement with ESG investment structures and how that reflects a deeper difference in value structures between genders. I loved the experiences i got while being a part of this. I met some awesome professionals and got great experiences with being a part of professional meetings. I was also able to present in the final research conference which was a great experience for my professional development. I loved loved loved every minute at DIS between the research opportunity and my amazing homestay. " - Sylvia MacMullan, DIS Copenhagen 

CIEE Programs

The benefits of an international internship program impact every part of your life – professionally, academically, and personally. When you intern abroad with CIEE, you’ll not only gain real-world work experience in an industry you’re passionate about, but you'll also expand your global network, develop valuable skills, and earn on-the-job training that will round out your resume to help you stand out in today’s increasingly globalized and competitive job market. 

Through CIEE's personal placement process, you will have dedicated resources while preparing for your international internship. Each step of the way, CIEE staff is committed to helping you define your career goals, identify the ideal location for your industry, source the perfect host employer, and more. Our team is on the ground in each city with a well-established model for matching you with the right internship placement. CIEE internships provide students hands-on experience with local, regional, or international organizations and businesses within the host community’s context.

In addition to working about 120 hours over the course of the semester at the designated placement, students participate in a mandatory internship seminar course. Through a series of in-person orientations students get to know fellow interns and local staff. You will interact with course material that supports your learning objectives. Once settled in, you will be required to attend a series of intercultural learning activities such as guest lectures, company visits, and local excursions. 

Internships and related opportunities are available on the following GW-approved CIEE programs: 

• Arts & Sciences in Botswana
• Arts & Sciences in Ghana
• Business + Culture in Paris
• Business, Language and Culture in Shanghai
• Communications, New Media and Journalism in Seville
• Communications, New Media and Journalism in Prague
• International Business + Culture in Seville
• Language + Culture in Lisbon 
• Liberal Arts in Seville
• Middle East Studies in Amman
• Semester in Rome
• Semester in Paris
• Sustainability and the Environment in Monteverde
• Arts & Sciences in  Cape Town (volunteerism) 

 

Student Experiences: 

"During my internship, I learned to write policy pitches to a general audience about emulating Zero Waste initiatives in C40 cities. I also learned how to write and edit blog posts from interviews I conducted myself with another student. Additionally, I planned out a community garden space for local composting initiatives." - Charles Hersch, CIEE Sustainability + the Environment at Monteverde, Costa Rica

CET Programs

CET Internships Abroad

 

Bridging Theory And Practice

Internships with CET bring together the best of academic and experiential learning abroad. CET Internships combine your professional goals with your academic interests. Through immersion in a professional context and hands-on engagement in an organization, you are able to test out the theories you learn in the classroom, practice your target language (if applicable), and gain valuable work experience.

 

Gain Professional Experience Abroad

Internships are available on the following CET programs: Prague, Shanghai, and Taiwan and are credit- bearing. In the summer, programs offer not-for-credit internships as well. CET Florence offers stellar volunteer opportunities, as well.

 

In-The-Classroom Meets On-The-Job

Your internship course puts your internship placement into context. Readings unpack larger cultural and theoretical issues, and class sessions provide a space to discuss, reflect, and learn from each other's work experiences. Not-for-credit internship students also get the benefits of this reflection through participation in weekly discussion sessions with on-site staff members.

 

Custom Fit Placements

CET has extensive connections in each of the host communities, so you have great options for placement. We match your interests, major, academic focus, and language skills with internship host needs. We help you find an organization where you can realize your personal, professional, and academic goals.

 

Support Every Step Of The Way

Once you start your internship placement, we help you navigate the workplace culture and maximize your contributions on the job. Your on-site staff and internship professor are there to help problem-solve any issues that arise. And throughout the semester, you learn to take ownership of your experience as you make connections, earn from your peers, and translate your work into an eye-catching resume or graduate school application.

 

Check out these Student Resources to learn more or visit the CET Internship Page to see examples of some specific opportunities or reach out request a copy of a particular location's Internship Packet.

 

Student Experiences: 

 

"While studying abroad in Florence with CET Academic Programs I had the opportunity to volunteer weekly with The British Institute of Florence. I facilitated discussions with groups of Italian English language learners ranging in age from 19 to 75. These discussions spanned in topic from US and Italian politics to future goals and favorite foods, allowing students to expand their vocabulary and improve their English. This experience increased my cross-culture awareness and knowledge of language learning processes, especially while studying Italian myself. Combined with my courses on Italian culture and history, this volunteer experience greatly contributed to my self-development and enriched my abroad experience. I gained insight from locals on embracing the Italian lifestyle and became more eager to take advantage of all that Florence has to offer." - Jaz Abbey, CET Florence