A study abroad internship could be one of the most amazing, career-enhancing decisions you make in college. In the last two years, over 600 UCEAP students scored academic credit for their study abroad internships. Plus, many received UCEAP internship awards for sharing their exceptional experiences upon return.
There’s a wide range of internship options, but here are just a few examples from recent returnees.
Code a Social Media App
Internship Provider: Gamify in Madrid, Spain
The Gamify team interviewing with mobile app startup, Videona
Working with a small startup team at Google Campus, I wrote code, fixed bugs and improved the design of an app. I researched and implemented a translation service within the app. It was a fun and interesting challenge!
Jared Penner, computer science major at UC Santa Cruz
European Transformations
Protect the Earth
Internship Provider: Frontier Lab in Osaka, Japan
Cutting rock samples at Osaka’s Frontier lab
I researched the environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing. At the end of my program, I presented my discoveries to a panel of professional scientists and engineers. My internship inspired me to join the list of people who dedicate their lives to minimizing negative human impact on the planet. I became, as my professor calls it, an ‘Earth Doctor.’
Xin Yi Tan, earth science major at UC Santa Barbara
STEM Research, Osaka University
Prevent Violence Against Women
Internship Provider: World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland
Attending a policy meeting
I was responsible for gathering and analyzing the data on violence against women by various countries. Through data collection and research, I discovered the most effective violence prevention measures.
Marisa McConnell, public health major at UC Berkeley
Global Studies, University of Geneva
Rebrand a Fashion Marketing Strategy
Internship Provider: Krisp Clothing in London, England
Preparing for the London fashion show
I identified a new target market for a London clothing designer, snapped creative product images, and created social media graphics. To prepare for a fashion show, I introduced a video marketing campaign, styled the outfits for models and developed materials for the trade fair booth.
Talia Wun-Young, communications major at UC Santa Barbara
Research and Analyze Macroeconomic Trends
Internship Provider: US Embassy in Berlin, Germany
US Embassy in Berlin
Every day, I published economic and political reports. I researched Germany’s rising right-wing extremism issues and analyzed macroeconomic trends.
Jennifer Nguyen, political science major at UC Davis
Design Costumes for an International Film Studio
Internship Provider: Barrandov Studio in Prague, Czech Republic
Photographing costumes at the Barrandov film studio
I was literally picking out the costumes and accessories that actors would wear in a television series. This was my first studio job —and a cool one at that!
Capri Kuliopulos, film and digital media major at UC Santa Cruz
Promote Peace in Foreign Service
Internship Provider: US State Department in Bangkok, Thailand
American interns and US Ambassador Glyn Davies
I visited immigration detention centers and helped collect data on the population of locals and visitors to Thailand. My internship clarified my desire to work in foreign service in the future.
Rachel Tang, political science major at UC Los Angeles
Create Engaging Customer Communications
Internship provider: Okayama Denim in Tokyo, Japan
Using my artistic skills for the company
I created a comic strip to communicate how people should care for their denim in a way that was enjoyable and easy to comprehend. Having the chance to experience Japanese work culture and practice my communications skills will be instrumental in determining my future success.
Lincoln Leichti, communications major at UC Santa Barbara
International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
Promote Art Activism
Internship Provider: Human Rights Nights in Bologna, Italy
Advertising at a street fair with fellow interns
One year ago I did not expect to work in Italy, let alone advocate for a greater cause. I worked on important human rights issues as immigration, poverty, human trafficking, and child labor.
Emma Moriconi, world arts and cultures major at UC Los Angeles
Publish Magazine Articles
Internship Provider: Fringe Festival in Prague, Czech Republic
A morning at the office with English-style tea
I designed creative and humorous interview questions for Fringe Festival performers. This experience reassured me of my passion for writing, marketing, and public relations. The writing portfolio I created will help me get my first job.
Samantha Lee, sociology major at UC Los Angeles
Teach School Children
Internship Provider: Scuola Fanciulli in Florence, Italy
Teaching English to fifth-graders in Florence
I came to Florence without any knowledge of Italian language and culture. After just a year, I’m fluent in Italian, understand a new culture, and my mind is set on becoming a teacher!
Jaqueline Rojas, sociology major at UC Santa Barbara
Resolve Political Issues
Internship Provider: Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland
In the main debate chamber of The Scottish Parliament
I spoke with local constituents, drafted briefings, and wrote speeches and policy proposals. Through this, I began to understand the needs affecting a particular Scottish constituency. I learned to resolve those issues through the debates and procedures of Scottish Parliament.
Raniz Bordoloi, economics major at UC Berkeley in Edinburgh, Scotland
Empower Communities in Need
Internship provider: New Leaf Development, Inc. in Cape Town, South Africa
A mentor giving advice to new entrepreneurs
I created a digital marketing strategy to connect passionate mentors with new entrepreneurs from township communities that struggle to maintain decent living conditions. I have always wanted to help others, and this was my first opportunity to work with a non-profit aimed at uplifting impoverished communities. The experience opened my eyes to the harsh realities surrounding inequality and gave me a chance to improve people’s lives in a significant way.
Samuel Waterstone, communications major at UC Santa Barbara
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Ready to have your own amazing internship? Here are 5 steps to set up an internship abroad.
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