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MSU International Academic Internships: Student Checklist

This checklist supplements materials that will be given to you throughout the application, admissions, and orientation process. Please read all materials that are given to you to obtain complete details. This list is not intended to provide every detail.

Advanced Planning

  • Visit Office of Study Abroad (OSA) Resource Area, 108 International Center to obtain program information sheets and internship descriptions. Alternatively, consider a non-MSU internship offering. The following steps apply to MSU internships. If you select a non-MSU internship and intend to earn credit, see Non-MSU Study Abroad Programs for procedures to follow.

  • Contact your college faculty/staff responsible for internship development, Career Services and Placement (CSP), academic adviser, or your departmental faculty to seek guidance in developing professional and internship goals, discuss your plans, and obtain academic approval.
  • Attend Study Abroad Fair (September and January) and informational sessions held throughout semester
  • Prepare professional resume and cover letter stating professional and personal internship goals (Visit Career Services Network - Resumes and Letters for resume critiquing and tips)

Applying to a Program

  • Obtain an application packet at OSA
  • Submit completed and signed application forms or apply on-line and prepare for a possible selection interview
  • Apply for a study abroad scholarship (deadlines are October 15 and March 1)
  • Prepare to receive a bill and pay the $100 application fee
  • If you plan to use Financial Aid, make sure you have submitted a current FAFSA to the MSU Office of Financial Aid (OFA): OSA will automatically send your internship costs and financial aid request to OFA
  • Wait for notice regarding the acceptance status of your application

Pre-departure Preparation

Once you accept your admission, you may proceed with the following:

  • Apply for a passport (this can take 10-12 weeks)
  • Prepare to receive and pay your bill for the $200 deposit (if applicable)
  • Make flight arrangements and be prepared to pay airline bill
  • Visit MSU Travel Clinic three months before departure to obtain information on immunization requirements
  • Contact your college/department internship coordinator or OSA if you need a release from your residence hall contract
  • Speak with OSA about visa requirements for your country. Inquire from a travel agent or country consular office(s) about visa requirements for additional countries you plan to visit, and follow instructions in a timely manner
  • Prepare to receive and pay your bill for the program balance, if applicable (approximately two months before departure)
  • Attend your internship orientation
  • Contact MSU International Alumni club to identify whether there are MSU alumni at your proposed site
  • Check the State Department web site regularly between now and your departure for information related to safety in the countries you plan to visit
  • Complete all the necessary paperwork for establishing your internship, including signing the learning contract
  • Enroll in the internship course(s) through the usual on-campus enrollment process or as instructed by OSA
  • Prepare to receive and pay a bill for your tuition and fees
  • Complete required academic tasks (if any) and purchase textbooks or materials needed before departure
  • Plan a budget and obtain sufficient funds to cover expenses while abroad. Ensure that these funds are either accessible from abroad (credit card, ATM) or can be carried with you (traveler’s checks)
  • Inform OSA, your family and friends of your location (work and residence) and how you can be reached while abroad

Participation and Beyond!

  • Participate in the internship and carry out assigned duties, responsibilities and expectations as agreed
  • Upon return, submit internship evaluation to OSA
  • Meet with your internship coordinator to debrief
  • Attend re-entry sessions sponsored by OSA
  • Consider all the ways to continue your international experience (foreign language, writing articles, development of web materials, etc.)

9/07
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