Looking for a way to gain credit while exploring the world? International internships are an excellent way to combine your studies and being overseas. Students with international experience - especially international work experience - have a step up on their peers in a plethora of ways - maturity, experience, ability to work in different environments, and a more global worldview.

We were lucky enough to sit down and chat with Cynthia Engel, Europe and Oceania Regional Director for IE3 Global Internships, in the Oregon University system, about internships, placement, creating an international internship program, and more. Here's what she had to say...

WE: Please tell us about IE3 Global Internships...

CE: IE3 Global Internships has been on the cutting edge of international internships since 1996.  Initially established to foster global competence through professional experience abroad, the original program (Global Graduates – the Oregon International Internship Program) received $4 million in federal funding. To date we have sent more than 1500 interns to over 82 countries worldwide.

Much has changed since those early years – and not just the name. Demand for international internships has grown. The internet has opened up new means of communication. IE3 has expanded partnerships to include universities throughout the western U.S. IE3 leverages the long history of the program to maintain standards and requirements of both internship sites and potential interns.

Our Mission Statement: IE3 Global Internships provides opportunities for students to grow personally, professionally and cross-culturally. Students integrate their academic experience into professional practice through high quality, affordable and rigorous international internships that help them develop the global competencies employers seek: intercultural competence, adaptability, creativity, global awareness, stewardship and job skills.

WE:What was the genesis of your program?

CE: A brainchild of Jack VandeWater, IE3 Global Internships grew out of a $4 million peace dividend grant from the department of defense to promote international exchange for university students in a unique and innovative way.

WE:Who can participate in your internships?

CE: Juniors or Seniors enrolled in a partner university (Oregon University System schools + U Alaska, U Montana, U Washington, Central Washingon U, Western Washington U, U Utah)

WE:Where are your interns placed?

CE: All over the world – we have placed students in over 82 countries to date.

WE: How can students benefit from international work experiences?

CE: IE3 Internships provides students with an opportunity to take their academic preparation and apply it to practical work settings.  It is an opportunity to explore their career interests while also expanding their own understanding of themselves and their world views.

WE: How can other universities create a thriving internship program, as yours is?

CE: Our program is successful because of the close connections we maintain with the students, with the faculty at our partner schools and with our host organizations.  We spend the majority of our time cultivating and maintaining supportive and collaborative relationships with all three stakeholders to ensure there is a benefit for everyone when a student participates in an internship abroad.

WE: How do faculty members and overseas locations work together to provide the best internship for each student?

CE: Almost all our sites are referrals from faculty at our partner campuses so everyone participating has a vested interest in the success of the internships.  This creates accountability and buy-in from all the the stakeholders:  the students, the faculty, the host organizations and our program.

WE: Thanks so much, Cynthia! We highly recommend international experiences for *all* students - your program is an incredible opportunity for students to grow - and change the world!

For more information, please see:

http://ie3global.ous.edu/

and to read student stories, please see:

http://ie3global.ous.edu/blog/