Work Placement Programs

Work Placement Programs place you in a job, usually procure work permits, and sometimes assist with housing. These programs are especially advantageous in a foreign language environment. Programs also act as an “exchange” in which someone from abroad has an equivalent experience in the U.S. Check individual program websites for information and advice from past participants.

  • AIESEC Michigan
    AIESEC is an international organization providing over 6,000 internships in nearly 90 countries. Internships range from business and technology to teaching English. U of M students should contact the U of M chapter. Non-U-M students should contact the AIESEC national office. Citizens of all countries are eligible.
  • American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF)
    The American-Scandinavian Foundation has several internship placements including chemical engineering/chemistry placements in Sweden and forestry and life science placements in Finland. ASF also provides services for obtaining legal work permits in Scandinavian countries.
  • CC USA
    Offers paid work programs in Australia and New Zealand. Also offers placements as camp counselors in Croatia and Russia.
  • Cultural Vistas
    Cultural Vistas offers many different internship programs in Germany (most are paid), unpaid internships in Argentina, Chile and Spain, and a fellowship in Russia. Cultural Vistas programs include the following:
    • Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals consists of two months of intensive German, four months studying at a German institution, and a five-month internship. Most expenses are paid, but CBYX recommends that participants have some spending of their own; no application fee. Specified age of participants is 18-24. Application deadline is mid-December for the following academic year. 75 participants are selected.
    • Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program offers a 9-month professional internship program to individuals with graduate degrees in the fields of Business Administration, Economics, Law, Political Science, Public Administration/Policy, and Mass Communication/Journalism. All expenses paid; no application fee. Application deadline is mid-October for the program beginning the following September. 20 participants are selected.
    • Internship Program is for current or graduating students and arranges paid internships for 3-12 months in Germany. There is a program fee.
    • University of Michigan Summer Internship Program in Germany offers paid 3-month summer internships to University of Michigan students and graduating seniors with at least two years of German (or the equivalent). Many positions are paid. There is an administration fee for the program.
    • Internship Program in Argentina or Chile offers unpaid 3-month internships to juniors, seniors, and recent graduates or a combination 1-month Spanish language course followed by a 2-month internship. There are program fees. Internships in Argentina and Chile are available year around.
    • Alfa Fellowship Program (Russia) is a professional development exchange program placing qualified American citizens in work assignments at leading Russian organizations in the fields of business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, and government. Applicants must be proficient in Russian, possess a Master’s or higher, and have at least two years of experience working in their chosen field. This fellowship accepts 10 people each year.
    • Cultural Vistas Fellowship Up to 12 fellows will be selected to take part in this multinational professional development program that includes eight-week summer internships in Argentina, Germany, and Singapore. This fellowship opportunity is funded by Cultural Vistas. This fellowship is aimed at students from groups historically underrepresented in education abroad. Applicants may not have any previous study or work abroad experience.
    • IAESTE Offers paid internships in 30+ countries for students of architecture, engineering and sciences. Application deadline is in January.
  • LSA International Internship Program
    Offers internships abroad in several countries. Internships in French speaking countries (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Quebec, and Francophone Africa) require good conversational French. Placements in Turkey have no strict language requirements. Placements in Spanish-speaking countries require at least four semesters of college-level Spanish. Some positions may offer stipends. This office plans to continue to expand opportunities, so check website for most up-to-date offerings.
  • Cultural Embrace by API
    Offers paid work placements and internships lasting from one month to one year in a variety of fields. Fees for all programs vary depending on duration and country. Placement types include hospitality, English teaching, and childcare positions. Placements are located in Australia, China, Europe or New Zealand.
  • The Institute of International Education Latin America (IIE)
    Interns have the opportunity to work within the various departments that form IIE/Office for Latin America, including Education Advising, English Language Learning Tools, Scholarship Administration, and Publications. Interns receive a monthly stipend to help cover living costs in Mexico City. Deadlines for application: Summer (June-August): February 15; Fall (September-December): June 1; Spring (January-May): September 22.
  • InterExchange
    InterExchange offers paid and unpaid placements worldwide that range in duration from 3-12 months. Some of their many work programs include English teaching, Au Pair placements, and work/travel programs. Opportunities available in several countries around the world. Program requirements and level of assistance vary. There are fees.
  • International Cooperative Education Program
    Not-for-credit summer internships last at least 2 months. Paid and unpaid internships available throughout the world, with the majority of paid positions located in Germany, England, China, Belgium, Singapore, and Switzerland. Applicants must have studied the appropriate foreign language for at least one academic. Jobs in various industries. Participants between the ages of 18-30. Citizens of most countries are eligible. Apply in the fall, or no later than February for Summer placement. There are fees.