Widening Participation in Study Abroad International Internships vs Study Abroad
Aurora Pulido- Ortega Head of University Relations Europe & Americas aurora@theinterngroup.com
Widening Participation in Study Abroad Dual focus: Professional Development & Cultural Immersion Mission: To provide the best international internship program globally, delivering our students with the best professional, personal and educational experience.
The Intern Group so far 2011 January: Founded with a pilot summer program in Colombia 10 students interned with FIFA for the Under-20 World Cup Full programs launched in Colombia and London 2013 Opened programs in Madrid and Hong Kong 2014 Program launched in Melbourne Future Looking towards launching a programme in New York (2015) Growth from 20 internship bookings in 2011 to over 500 in 2013 Developed a team of 25 full-time staff
The Intern Group Programmes Internship (in English) A private room in a shared appartment Events and activities to immerse them in the culture Airport Pickup 24/7 Local Emergency Support Visa support Transport during their stay Professional Development Workshops Certificate at the end Minimum Duration : 6 weeks up to 6 months All year round, monthly start dates June/July/August busiest season
The Intern Group Internship Sectors Banking & Finance Marketing, Advertising & PR International Business HR Fashion Entrepreneurship Real Estate Law NGO s Government & Politics Medical Electives Art
Partners with more than 200 companies
The Intern Group Student Application & Recruitment Process 3 STEPS Online Application Skype/Telephone Interview Local Director final decision
The Intern Group 6 & 8 Weeks Programme Costs 6 Weeks London - 3,300 Madrid - 2,600 Hong Kong - 3,400 Melbourne - 2,600 Colombia 2,100 8 Weeks London - 3,790 Madrid - 3,000 Hong Kong - 3,800 Melbourne - 3,120 Colombia 2,420
The Intern Group Universities our students come from UK Durham University UCL University of Bristol University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Kent University of Manchester University of Nottingham Sussex University Warwick University USA Northeastern University University of Michigan Vanderbilt University Boston University University of Cambridge California State University Columbia University Fordham University USA, UK, Asia Pacific, Mixed Europe
Widening Participation Abroad Intern vs Study Abroad Our alumni views on Intern vs Study Abroad CHALLENGES For the students For The Intern Group FOR YOU! (Universities) QUESTIONS
Widening Participation Abroad The TIG participant Average length of the programme: 2-3 months 1st or 2nd year at University From USA & UK Degrees: Business, Finance, Government & Politics, Marketing Most of them speak a second language
Widening Participation Abroad 2013 Alumni Survey Will the trend of internship abroad signal the end of traditional study abroad? According to our alumni YES! 100 surveys & 10 Interviews 86.05% our alumni would choose intern abroad over study abroad 95,35% found their internship very useful for their careers
Alumni Survey Employability Reasons Work experience and network CV building Potential employers focus more on working experience than education Networking!!! Experience seeing how your industry works from an international company Exposure to an industry of *your choosing*. This allowed me to test the waters of an industry in which I might want to pursue a full-time career, which is a commitment for the rest of my life.
Alumni Survey More Intense Culture Exposure You can immerse yourself in the culture more and you are on your own without a bunch of other Americans. Independent living - I learned to live like a functional adult, something some of my study abroad peers need to learn Even though my placement was in English, my colleagues at work, at home, on the streets, everything was in Spanish
More intense learning Alumni Survey Academic Reasons Studying is part-time, internship is full-time You can still earn credits I could practise over the summer the language I ve been studying for two years
Will the trend of internship abroad signal the end of traditional study abroad? Our alumni said YES, if you ask me? NO
Alumni Survey 2 Types of Students A) Less confident student Less risky option (than study abroad) in academic & commitment terms what if I don t like it? B) Career Driven More affordable Perceived as better value for their CV s
Trends Short Term placements Shorter periods of time abroad BUT they do a second placement Students coming back for a second placement Students using intern abroad as preparation for study abroad
Alumni Survey CHALLENGES FOR STUDENTS FOR THE INTERN GROUP FOR UNIVERSITIES
Challenges STUDENTS Not enough International Internships Lack of support from their university in terms of: academic credit, language support, choosing a provider. Students believe that it s possible to do both (study & intern) but Universities (academically) aren t flexible Financial support
Challenges The Intern Group Academic content vs No academic content Busy summer months (non flexible with semester months) Who is in charge? International or Career office? Central department or Faculties?
Challenges UNIVERSITIES Incorporating mobility periods of different lengths within the academic year structures? Definition of international experience? Short internship programme included? = help you meet targets? Increase in numbers = increase in work (not always increase budget) this type of programme can be the solution? Working with Providers? Liability? Quality of the placement? Do you think intern abroad will become more popular?
Thank you Any questions please get in touch: aurora@theinterngroup.com