An internship is a professional-level learning experience in the workplace. It provides an opportunity to apply learning from the classroom in a real situation. Internships may be paid or unpaid, and they may be full- or part-time. They may be local, national, or international, and they may be for academic credit or non-credit (but immigration laws require that international students register for credit).

INT 399 (Internship in International Studies) may be taken by students only with approval of the International Studies Program Director. The Director will also determine whether or how the INT 399 course will be counted toward the student’s chosen theme and area.  To take INT399 a student must negotiate a learning contract with an academic supervisor, and provide the program with a report on the internship.

Internships may also be taken under the EXP 396 course offered through Experiential Education and Career Services. EXP 396 also requires an approved learning contract.

In addition, some education abroad programs offer internships. For example, the College of Arts & Sciences has an internship program in Cape Town, South Africa, each summer. To search for internships abroad, go to the University of Kentucky Education Abroad’s Search site: https://abroad.ad.uky.edu/index and under “Program Type” click “Intern Abroad” to see UK approved internship programs around the world. 

Students interested in setting up an internship in the Lexington-Bluegrass region should contact the UK Career Center for assistance in finding, applying for, and participating in internships. Students may also contact organizations or businesses directly, but at present there are no formal agreements between the International Studies Program at the University of Kentucky and internship providers. 

Internship Opportunities

Below are internship opportunities that are relevant to International Studies majors.  Please note that the inclusion of these internships does not imply endorsement. This list is intended to serve as a starting point for International Studies students.