East Asian and International Business Institute

East Asian International Internships: Questions and Internship Listings

Questions

Why should I find an internship?

Internships provide valuable opportunities to gain experience in any interest area. In current job searches, an applicable internship can be the deciding factor in YOU getting the job over an equally qualified candidate. It is also a great way to network, gain new skills, and improve upon your strengths.

Can I do an internship for college credit?

You can always do an internship for Wittenberg credit. First, take steps to talk to your advisor. You will both have to create a form of evaluation, or your respective department might already have internship evaluation requirements. Second, contact the Career Center or Registrar’s Office to gain the necessary forms. Third, after turning in all of your forms, make sure to check with the Registrar’s Office in case there are other forms, requirements, etc. that you must complete. For more information, please look at Wittenberg’s Career Center homepage.

Do I have to do my internship for credit?

No, you do not have to do an internship for credit, but internships for credit are strongly recommended for unpaid internships. Once again, an internship is a resume builder., so if you have the opportunity to work in a short term internship, do not hesitate to do so. Unpaid internships within the United States must follow strict labor regulations.

Can I complete an internship while studying abroad?

Yes, you can. The key is to gain all of the necessary information and complete required forms far ahead of your departure to guarantee that everything will go smoothly. Different countries have different laws providing guidelines for how many hours and where foreign students can work. If you are interested in doing so, please stop by the Career Center to look at the “Internship book” which shows all of the internships done by Wittenberg students over the past several years (including those completed in foreign countries).

Are there any websites that list internship programs for Japan, China, Korea, or Thailand?

There are many great programs with the sole purpose of helping college students locate internships in foreign countries (including East Asia):
Cross Cultural Solutions
Projects Abroad
Intern Abroad

A Sample of International Internships

The Ohio State University and Global Professional Service Corps

The Global Professional Service (GPS) Corps places individuals in 1-11 month internships throughout China.
Internship placements vary based on each individual's field of study/expertise, internship length and Chinese language ability.
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GPS Corps can place individuals with any level of Chinese language skill, from zero to native-speaker.
This is a fee based opportunity. Costs are $3,300 + $600 per month which includes a one week introductory workshop
For more information, contact Professor Xiaobin Jian at Jian.1@osu.edu

Projects-Abroad.org

A fee-based non-profit which will place students in a variety of countries and disciplines based on students' backgrounds and expertise.
Journalism, business, and social work are just some of the areas of possibility around the world, including China, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Vietnam, and Mongolia.
Contact projects-abroad.org

Nambu Foundation

Internships available to both junior and senior undergraduates, as well as graduate students
Provides opportunity to work in a Japanese company for a two month period in the summer
Applicants must have Japanese language skill level of at least “conversational”
All internships are given a work-related stipend, reimbursed a majority of airfare costs, and provided company housing
Nambu Foundation Web site

Dow Jones Newswires Asia-Pacific Internship Program

Internships are available to all undergraduates
Assist newswire reporters in researching, drafting, etc.
Preference is given to those with a knowledge of an East Asian language and major related to journalism, as well as an awareness of financial markets
All internships are given a small stipend, but housing must be provided by the individual
Dow Jones Newswires Asia-Pacific Internship Program Web site

Indiana 4-H Japanese Intern Program

Internships are available to anyone over the age of 18 and under the age of 25
Must have some ability to communicate in Japanese
Participants are required to work with a sponsoring Japanese organization, take language classes, and complete an independent research project
Interns are provided with airfare, housing accommodations, a monthly stipend, and insurance
Indiana 4-H Japanese Intern Program Web site

The United Nations University Internship Programme

Internships are available to those who have completed their undergraduate studies
Must have a related major, such as international relations, political science, geography, etc.
Intentions are to “To promote interaction and dialogue between young scholars and UNU”
Can apply for three to six month internships at four period throughout the year
All internships are located at the UNU in Tokyo
The United Nations University Internship Programme Web site

Thailand Service Corps

Any undergraduate or graduate student can apply
Interns can participate in programs focusing on Healthcare, Buddhism, HIV/AIDS and Education
If internship for credit is desired, a Thai faculty sponsor will be assigned to the participating student
Project dates vary throughout the year and program costs do apply
Thailand Service Corps Web site

JETRO International Internship Program

Wittenberg University is a part of a consortium of universities in the US, UK, and Canada
Purpose is to “provide services related to trade and investment promotion and regional and development-related research” in which interns can participate and learn from
Accommodations, salary, etc. are dependent on the host company
Applications are usually due by late October
Please come to the Career Center for more information
JETRO International Internship Program Web site