Berkeley Global Internships
Earn academic credit while gaining practical internship experience from anywhere in the world with Berkeley Global Internships!
In-Person and Virtual Global Internships for Summer 2023
Earn academic credit while gaining practical internship experience in locations around the world!
Berkeley Global Internships offers project-based in-person and virtual academic internships in a variety of industries in both domestic and international locations.
We offer:
• One-on-one program advising
• Placement in an internship based on your academic background, experience, and interests
• Professional development workshops to prepare you for your internship
Benefits of a the Global Internship Program
Dedicated career support. Our global team of advisers will support you through professional development workshops including resume writing tips and interviewing skills for success. They will also help find and confirm your internship opportunity in the career field of your choice.
Earn credits and satisfy requirements. This program allows students to earn academic credit for their internship experience, so you don’t have to choose between making progress towards your degree and a study abroad experience. In addition, this program will satisfy the L&S International Studies Breadth requirement, and may satisfy additional breadth or major/minor requirements.
Gain valuable skills for today’s global workplace. Develop global competencies and skills such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving that will prepare students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.
Expand your network. This program provides students with the opportunity to expand their global professional network. It’s a great launching point for students who hope to live or work abroad in the future.
View Berkeley Global Internships 2023 locations
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Applications open December 1, 2022 for Summer 2023 programs.
Open to Berkeley students and visitors. Space is limited. All applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join one of our Virtual Global Internships Program Information Sessions.
For advising information, visit the Berkeley Study Abroad Advising page.
Already have an internship but need academic credit? Visit the Independent U.S. Summer Internship Credit Option.
Please note that all program locations are subject to change. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of important dates and deadlines.
For summer 2023, Berkeley Global Internships will be offering the following in-person international program locations**:
- Barcelona, Spain (NEW)
- Buenos Aires, Argentina (NEW)
- Haifa, Israel
- London, UK
- Paris, France
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Singapore
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Sydney, Australia
- Toronto, Canada: Engineering
And the following in-person domestic locations in the United States:
- SF/Bay Area, California
- Los Angeles, California
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Atlanta, Georgia
- NYC, New York
In addition, Berkeley Study Abroad will be offering the following regional virtual program locations:
- Domestic U.S.
- Asia
- Europe
- Latin & South Americas
**These locations are subject to change.
As part of the Global Internship program, all participants will be required to enroll in a total of 6-units of coursework through UC Berkeley. Please see each program page for a detailed overview of the required course options. As a part of the Virtual Global Internship program, all participants will be required to enroll in one 3-unit course, and have the option to enroll in additional courses through UCB Summer Sessions.
1. Complete the online application (Applications open December 1, 2022)
2. Notification of selection for the Global Internships program (By end of February 2023)
3. Attend virtual placement orientation to prepare for your meeting with the Global Internships Team (March 2023)
4. Attend interview preparation workshop online (April 2023)
5. Be matched with an internship based on your background and interests (April-June 2023)
6. Virtual interview with your internship organization or company (May-June 2023)
7. Confirmation of placement (June 2023)
8. Internship begins (June 2023)
Berkeley Global Internships are open to all majors and undergrads who:
• Are 18 years or older at time of application.
• Have successfully completed at least one year of college coursework by the start of the program.
• Are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program or have graduated within the last 12 months.
• Have a 2.0 GPA or higher.
• Meet any additional location-specific requirements.
International students applying to domestic locations must:
• Have completed one year of full time study at a college in the United States in the year immediately preceding their internship
• Be authorized for F-1 Curricular Practical Training or J-1 Academic Training under federal visa regulations
Q: Will summer 2023 internships be in-person?
A: Berkeley Study Abroad is cautiously optimistic about a return to select in-person programs in summer 2023. Please check our website in November for an update on summer 2023 program availability.
Q: Will there be virtual internships available in summer 2023?
A: Yes, virtual internship programs are now available in four regional locations: Europe, Asia, Domestic U.S., and Latin & South Americas.
Q: Is the virtual internship program synchronous or asynchronous?
A: Your internship responsibilities will be project-based and can be completed on your own schedule (asynchronous). However, check-ins with your supervisor or team meetings may be synchronous and will vary based on local time zones.
Q: Will my placement be in English, or do I need to speak the local language?
A: All placements are anticipated to take place in English, however additional language skills may be helpful based on job scope. The exceptions include the Paris and Buenos Aires locations, which have limited English placements available. It is suggested that applicants to these programs have a strong grasp of French or Spanish, respectively.
Q: Do I have to enroll in courses? Can I participate in the internship only?
A: Yes, internships are completed for academic credit and oftentimes, course enrollment is required for visa purposes. To participate in the Global Internships program, you must also enroll in the required course(s).
Q: How does the placement process work?
A: Each internship is tailored to the student based on their skills, knowledge, industry trends, and availability each year. As a part of the placement process, you will have the opportunity to articulate your preferences to our partners, who will then work with you to find your personalized placement.
Q: How do I prepare for my placement meeting? Is it a formal interview?
A: The placement meeting is an informal conversation with your international advisor to discuss your internship goals. To prepare, we encourage you to consider: a) What do you hope to gain through your internship experience and how does this program fit into your academic plans, future education and/or career goals? b) What type of internship you are looking for (Please do not request a specific employer, but rather indicate the kind of work and the type of skills you would like to gain). The answers to these questions will help our advisers find a placement that most closely matches your needs.
Q: Are the internships paid?
A: No, internships are unpaid and completed for academic credit.
Q: What does a typical work schedule look like?
A: Typically, students spent Monday through Thursday at their internship site, and Fridays were reserved for academics. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, your work schedule could vary, depending on the employer’s needs. Your team may only go into the office on select days, or your hours could be shifted if after work events or opportunities arise. Please expect your days to be flexible - you may work from a local coffee shop for the day or your projects may require you to be on-site.
Q: Does my financial aid apply to the Global Internships program?
A: Yes, your financial aid can be packaged for your participation in the Global Internships program. Please keep in mind that in order to qualify for summer aid, you must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester units. For more information on financial aid or resources to calculate your estimated aid, please visit: https://studyabroad.berkeley.edu/finances/financial-aid-advising
