The Step-by-Step Guide to How it Works
Many non-governmental organizations, social enterprises, and other institutions around the world often seek international interns to meet their organizational, programmatic, and/or research needs.
This is where Isla Internships Abroad comes in... Isla helps our partner organizations and social enterprises build their capacity to better serve their beneficiaries and communities by placing talented interns, like you, in meaningful internship positions.
How does it work? Upon receiving your online application, Isla will match your particular skill set, education, and interests to one of our partner organizations where you will work on a specific project or projects that will keep you engaged during the duration of your stay in-country. We help you every step of the way!
Give a little. Gain a lot!
1. Explore and Discover the Options
Research international internship options by first checking out one or more of the following:
Whatever you choose, we will customize an internship just for you! This means we will help you find an internship with one of partner organizations that is a good fit for your particular skill set, background, and interests and also meets the needs of your host organization!
If you are undecided and need more help, no problem! You can still apply! We are available via email at [email protected] or we can get on a Google Meet call with you to guide you through the options and the application and placement process.
- Discover our Isla Destinations
- Browse through our Search Internships listing
- Search internships by clicking on a specific Sector or Career Field below.
Whatever you choose, we will customize an internship just for you! This means we will help you find an internship with one of partner organizations that is a good fit for your particular skill set, background, and interests and also meets the needs of your host organization!
If you are undecided and need more help, no problem! You can still apply! We are available via email at [email protected] or we can get on a Google Meet call with you to guide you through the options and the application and placement process.
Sectors
Career Fields & Skills
2. Complete the Online Application
- Once you have decided on your destination and internship choice(s), complete the online application and submit the $80 application fee. Send us your university transcripts, your resume (CV), and two letters of reference. Please note that you can save your application and go back to it at any time. It's easy!
- Upon receipt of your application and fee, Isla will give you a call for an interview. We want to learn more about you to ensure the best fit internship placement just for you.
3. Internship Placement and Acceptance
- An invitation to join Isla will be sent to you with your internship offer. We will also send you your Scope of Work and an internship contract.
- Pre-departure preparations begin with lots of guidance from the Isla team.
- Learn about Isla internship program fees here.
- Paying for your internship? Your university or college most likely offers scholarships and grants specifically to help defray the cost of an international experience, including internships abroad. If you're a student, contact your university's international or education abroad office. They will also help you with the numerous national scholarship programs, such as the Gilman, that offers funding for internship programs like ours. Combining funding sources can make your internship abroad doable and very affordable. Another option is crowdfunding. To learn more go to our Funding Your Internship page.
4. The Isla Internship Abroad Experience
Gain valuable international work experience, life skills, new friends and colleagues, cultural awareness and sensitivity, and the confidence to help you develop personally and professionally. Isla will provide guidance every step of the way before, during, and after your internship experience! Apply now!
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Isla Internships Abroad
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Isla Internships Abroad is committed to inclusive sustainable global development fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing opportunities to individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and identities. We strive to create an inclusive environment in which our participants from different walks of life feel valued and supported. We are committed to welcome individuals of all backgrounds from around the world, offering an enriching experience that values unique perspectives where each participant can thrive, learn, succeed and excel in their chosen fields while contributing to a global community. |
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Isla Program FAQs
More Questions?
Here are the answers to commonly asked questions...
Where will i INTERN?
Isla interns will work with our partners non-governmental organizations in support of their efforts in their communities. Through the process, our partners identify needs and challenges that they and their community face. Isla interns help fill the gaps or needs of the organization.Interns play an integral role in executing a specific project. Thus, many of our partner organization's needs become internship opportunities.
What qualities are we looking for in an intern?
- Past university coursework or work experience in areas related to the work of our partner organizations.
- Past work, volunteer or field experience, which demonstrates initiative and leadership
- Reasonable level of knowledge and interest in the chosen destination
- Appreciation of cultural and economic diversity
- Genuine respect, patience, and curiosity toward cultures in the countries where we work
What else will make me a competitive applicant?
Isla's primary objective is to provide qualified, motivated and capable interns who can help further the mission of building capacity within local non-governmental organizations (NGO) and social enterprises in developing world communities. We are very selective in reviewing applicants for the available internships. We want to ensure that both participant and host organizations are given the best opportunity to reach their full potential.
Isla internships are specifically developed in response to requests from our local NGO partners. We only place interns with organizations that have developed clear objectives and have demonstrated need. Interested applicants should review the list of currently available internship opportunities and apply for those for which they have direct experience or interest. Isla looks for participants who demonstrate flexibility/adaptability, attention to detail, a strong interest in working with diverse communities, creative problem-solving ability and cross-cultural communication skills.
Isla internships are specifically developed in response to requests from our local NGO partners. We only place interns with organizations that have developed clear objectives and have demonstrated need. Interested applicants should review the list of currently available internship opportunities and apply for those for which they have direct experience or interest. Isla looks for participants who demonstrate flexibility/adaptability, attention to detail, a strong interest in working with diverse communities, creative problem-solving ability and cross-cultural communication skills.
Does Isla Have an age requirement?
Do you have an age requirement? You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in an Isla internship. The most competitive applicants will have at least two years of college academic or work experience relevant to the internship for which they are applying, as well as a demonstrated interest in living and working internationally.
Is there a language requirement to participate?
Applicants should have a strong command of the English language.
DOES ISLA ACCEPT NON-US CITIZENS?
Yes! We work with all people interested in providing their support as an intern with our local partner organizations. Please talk with an Isla staff member handling your application about any specific questions you have on coordinating your application.
How WILL MY INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT BE DETERMINED?
Your internship, hosted by one of our local partner organizations, are directly based on the needs of the organization. When a local organization enters into partnership with Isla we jointly go through an institutional self-assessment (ISA) process where the organization identifies specific objectives and needs. Each partner-hosted internship is unique and has a position description developed to meet the needs identified by the organization. Typically, work will focus on technology or skills transfer, support for ongoing program work in the field, research needs, and office capacity-building. Most importantly, each internship has a work plan that is intended to help the host organization.
Can I RECEIVE ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR MY INTERNSHIP?
Most colleges and universities provide credit for participation with our internship program. Often your school will have to qualify us prior to your internship if you wish to receive credit. Please check with your university to determine its policies and let us know how we can help. We do not provide credit directly through our organization.
Are THERE GRANTS OR SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO HELP FINANCE MY PROGRAM?
Most colleges and universities offer scholarships and grants specifically for the purpose of engaging their students in meaningful international experiences. If you're a student, check for these scholarship opportunities at your university. Please note that it is possible to combine scholarships to make your internship doable and possibly at no cost to you!
In addition, numerous organizations and agencies offer funding for international internship programs like ours. You may qualify for the following national scholarships.
U.S. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant.) Pell grants may be used for study and internships abroad as long as the students receive credit for the experience. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.
The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. The Gilman Scholarship Program is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year college or university to participate in study and intern abroad programs worldwide.
Gilman Application Deadlines - The Gilman Scholarship accepts applications twice a year.
- The March 2023 Deadline application for the Gilman opens in mid-January 2023 for applicants whose in-person programs or internships start between May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024. This cycle encompasses Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Academic Year 2023-2024, and Spring 2024 programs or internships. The application deadline is Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 11:59pm Pacific Time, and the advisor certification deadline is Thursday, March 16, 2023. All applicants are notified of their status via email. All advisors will also be notified of scholarship recipients via email and will have access to the status of each student in their Gilman Advisor account.If an applicant is not selected for the March 2023 Deadline, they may re-apply for the next cycle as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements and their program or internship falls within the start dates.
- The October 2023 Deadline application will open in mid-August 2023 for applicants whose in-person programs or internships start between December 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024. This cycle encompasses Winter or January term 2024, Spring 2024, Maymester 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Academic Year 2024-2025 programs. The application deadline is Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 11:59pm Pacific Time, and the advisor certification deadline is Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Please be aware that the application deadline is in Pacific Time and take into consideration any time difference as you prepare to submit your application. All applicants will be notified of their status via email in December 2023. All advisors will also be notified of scholarship recipients via email and will have access to the status of each student in their Gilman Advisor account. If an applicant is not selected for the October 2023 Deadline, they may re-apply for the next cycle as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
The InterExchange Foundation Christianson Fellowship awards up to $10,000 to young Americans who are passionate about helping communities abroad thrive and are eager to learn about the local culture. Fellows identify a project or an organization working on an issue they care about, and with the support of the Christianson Fellowship, contribute their skills and passion to that endeavor for at least six months on-location abroad. This intercultural experience is a meaningful way to help others, improve skills, and gain insight about another culture.
Christianson Fellowship applicants must be:
- U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents
- Between the ages of 18 and 28
- Participating in a work, internship, or volunteer abroad program*
- Committed to a program duration abroad of at least six months
- Willing to submit blog posts during their project and a written report upon completion
The Christianson Fellowship cycle includes three annual deadlines:
- March 15
- July 15
- October 15
For Graduate Students: The Boren Fellowships (from the Boren Awards website...)
"The Boren Fellowships are designed to give graduate students maximum flexibility to pursue their academic goals alongside their study of the target language. As noted above, Boren Fellows may concentrate only on language study during their time abroad -- such an application will be given equal consideration. Language study throughout the duration of the grant may be supplemented with any or all of the following activities:
- Academic Internship: Boren Fellows may conduct internships related to their degree programs while abroad. Internships conducted during the period of a Boren Awards grant may not be remunerated, nor may they be conducted with the U.S. or a foreign government. If you have questions about an internship with an organization with ties to the U.S. or a foreign government, please contact us at [email protected] or 1-800-618-6737 ext.1. Boren Fellows also may not work as journalists while abroad, even if the work is freelance or unpaid.
- Classroom Study: Boren Fellows may enroll in or audit courses in their academic disciplines at host-country institutions while abroad.
- Research: Boren Fellows are encouraged to conduct research related to graduate theses or dissertations while abroad.
Applicants proposing internships, other classroom study, or research are strongly advised to secure letters of affiliation from overseas host institutions or faculty and attach them to their applications.
All elements of the proposed program -- language study, internships, other classroom study, or research -- should be tied to U.S. national security and public service in the application essays."
Application deadline is 24 Jan 2024.
Contact Isla to learn more about how you can find scholarships at your school and elsewhere.
Is it possible to receive language training while I intern?
Yes, there are qualified language tutors available at our program site. We will help facilitate language lessons but arrangement for times and payment will be done by the participant. Language lessons must be completed outside of work hours.
After successful completion of my internship, May I request a letter of reference?
Absolutely! We will provide documentation and letters of recommendation upon successful completion of our program. Please let the Isla staff member handling your application know about any internship documentation requirements once you have been selected for placement.
Can I decide to extend my Internship during my program?
Yes! However we ask that interns provide us 30 days notice if they want to extend their internship so that we can coordinate with the site team and any relevant local partner organizations and host families. This helps to ensure that work in the extended period will continue to be impactful.
Is health insurance provided with my program?
Yes! Every program participant is provided with Travel Medical Insurance & Emergency Evacuation Assistance through Seven Corners, a leading travel insurance provider. This service maintains an emergency phone line that is available 24/7. Certificates of insurance are issued before the participant arrives in country. You can read about the specifics of this insurance here.
You are also welcome to purchase additional insurance through Seven Corners if you wish to have extended health coverage or to cover your personal belongings from theft or damage. You can contact Seven Corners directly to learn more about expanding your coverage.
You are also welcome to purchase additional insurance through Seven Corners if you wish to have extended health coverage or to cover your personal belongings from theft or damage. You can contact Seven Corners directly to learn more about expanding your coverage.
What safety precautions does Isla take for participants?
Safety and security for our staff and program participants is of the utmost importance to our organization. International development work carries inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated, but we take every effort to ensure that risk factors are mitigated. Our safety approach has been developed by our the Isla ED who provided for the safety and security of over 300 Peace Corps Volunteers, among other safety and security related activities throughout his career. We reduce risk by integrating participants with the local community and ensuring that our local staff provide the key behavioral and practical safety protocols for our interns.
Key aspects of our health and safety approach include:
Key aspects of our health and safety approach include:
- Training interns on safety competencies that include cultural integration, local health and safety concerns and approaches to dealing with the most common safety issues.
- Maintaining an in-country staff with connections to the local communities who are available 24/7 in case of emergency.
- Regular check-ins with participants throughout the duration of their program.
- Access to a 24/7 emergency line based in the US for issues requiring emergent care or support.
Do I need a visa to intern abroad?
No in some countries and yes in others! In any case, acquisition of the appropriate visa is the responsibility of each Isla participant. Currently, for Bulgaria and Kosovo, a tourist stamp and permission to stay for 90 days is issued upon arrival in country. Uganda and India issues 90 day visas online for holders of U.S. passports. Visa requirements vary for passport holders from other countries, and can change at any time without notice. Please discuss any passport/visa questions with the Isla staff member handling your application.
What is included in my program fee?
The program fee includes:
- Isla support before, during, and after the internship experience.
- Customized internship placement
- Pre-departure orientation including help with credit arrangements, funding possibilities, cultural guidance, and travel logistics.
- Airport pickup, welcome reception dinner, and an orientation to the local culture and workplace environment upon arrival in country
- Lodging in shared apartments or with a host family
- In-country social activities, events, and travel tips.
- Travel, medical, and emergency evacuation insurance
- 24/7 on-the-ground support from our professional locally-based staff
- Facilitates academic credit for course, research, or capstone project requirements in coordination with Isla staff, the student, and host organization
- Networking opportunities with local and international professionals working in global development and in your field.
- Professional career guidance from Isla
- Certificate of internship completion with documented internship activities.
- Reference letter from Isla upon request
What is not included in my program fee?
The program fee does not include flights, visa fees, incidental expenses (including health insurance deductible), mid-day meals, weekend excursions and any other personal expenses. Please note that a 5% transaction fee will be added to your program fee invoice to cover the cost of international transfer fees and charges.
What is your policy on payments, cancellations, and refunds?
Isla is a relatively small social enterprise that invests many hours into building customized internships for you. That investment involves an enormous amount of time working with our partner organizations. We do all this while keeping our prices below all our competitors. The majority of our costs are accrued before you even arrive. Therefore we are unable to refund our intern's payments in the event of any force majeure. This includes, pandemic, natural disasters, war or any other event that is completely beyond the control of Isla. In the unlikely event that your internship is not completed, we will work closely with you to build an alternative internship that we will offer to you at cost.
Program fees, less the non-refundable deposit payment, may be fully refunded provided the request is processed by Isla more than forty-five (45) calendar days prior to the scheduled start date. Refunds are also subject to a $200 cancellation fee to cover expenses already incurred by Isla on behalf of the participant, plus any additional cancellation costs such as a non-refundable accommodation bookings and deposit fees.
Cancellations and Refund Policy
Program fees, less the non-refundable deposit payment, may be fully refunded provided the request is processed by Isla more than forty-five (45) calendar days prior to the scheduled start date. Refunds are also subject to a $200 cancellation fee to cover expenses already incurred by Isla on behalf of the participant, plus any additional cancellation costs such as a non-refundable accommodation bookings and deposit fees.
Cancellations and Refund Policy
- The confirmation deposit is non-refundable.
- If a cancellation is made effective more than 45 days prior to the start date of the program, the program fee paid, less the deposit, will be refunded. Refunds are also subject to a $200 cancellation fee to cover expenses already incurred by Isla on behalf of the participant, plus any additional cancellation costs such as a non-refundable accommodation bookings and deposit fees.
- We are unable to refund our intern's payments in the event of any force majeure. This includes, pandemic, natural disasters, war or any other event that is completely beyond the control of Isla.
