With freezing temperatures and snow in the forecast our thoughts are already on Summer 2018. Here are 5 steps you can take now to secure a summer internship abroad.
1. Think about your internship preferences
The world is full of countless internship opportunities and finding the perfect internship can be daunting. Narrowing down the characteristics you’d like in an internship (ex: location, field, type of organization) makes the search much easier.
Our Planning Your International Internship Workbook has great resources to help you brainstorm your preferences.
2. Search for internships
Once you know your preferences it’s time to find an internship. Check out these search resources, including our database with internships just for Badgers.
Our Getting Started video has instructions for using each resource.
3. Work on application materials
Now is a great time to prep your resumes, cover letters and other application materials. Read internship posts carefully for application instructions (for IIP internships these are at the bottom of each post).
Each UW-Madison school/college has a Career Services office with free tips, sample resumes/cover letters and advisors. IIP advisors can also give feedback on application materials if you submit an early application.
4. Research scholarships & funding resources
Going abroad can be expensive so it’s important to think about funding early. Check out our Funding page for IIP, UW-Madison and national scholarships.
Most deadlines are in February and March so now is a good time to plan ahead. You don’t need an internship offer to apply for scholarships and you can apply for multiple scholarships.
5. Make an appointment with IIP
IIP is open for advising during winter break. Click here to schedule an in-person, Skype or phone appointment. Walk-in advising will start again in the spring semester.