United Kingdom &
Republic of Ireland

United Kingdom & Ireland: Beyond the Classroom

The information below is for 2007-08.

United Kingdom

University of California Student Intern Program

The EAP Study Centers in the UK maintain a website of internship opportunities available for students during and following their term/year abroad. These are open to students at all EAP locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. These non-unit bearing internships are in business and industry, the professions, government, the arts and non-profit public interest groups. Although most are located within the London area, the Study Centers are working to expand options into other areas.

London Fall Semester Internships

Past EAP participants have taken advantage of London’s exciting wealth of internship opportunities in virtually every field of interest. The internships are volunteer, i.e., not paid, and they do not offer academic credit. During the orientation in London, ACCENT staff will provide interested students with more information about these opportunities. Past students also recommend that participants take the initiative to begin exploring these options as soon as possible after arrival. The internships require a significant time commitment and increased personal transportation costs.

Northern Ireland

Queen's University, Belfast

Queen’s University in Belfast offers a 12-week internship opportunity with the Northern Ireland Assembly that enables students to work in various offices of the Assembly and learn about the Northern Ireland government. The internship is recognized as a double module (i.e., it equals two-thirds of a semester load), and interns spend about three days per week working at the Assembly. Advanced political science majors are encouraged to submit an internship application along with their EAP application for an internship during the fall or spring semester at QUB. The internship application should include a resume and a statement (not to exceed 750 words) of reasons for wishing to participate in the internship. If candidates are short-listed on the basis of their application, they will be interviewed by telephone or video-conferencing in early May. Students nominated for the internship by QUB must then undergo security vetting and clearance before a placement can be formally offered. Students must have a strong background in political science and must have taken a course in political science research methods at UC prior to departure. The internships are popular and competitive for both local and international students.

Republic of Ireland

The National University of Ireland, Cork

Internship opportunities specifically designed for international students are offered through campus departments and organizations. Internships are available for one semester, with the possibility for reapplication for a second semester.

EAP students with an interest in political science may apply for an internship at the Department of Politics.

Future law school students may intern with the Faculty of Law and assist with current research projects. The Freshwater Ecology Laboratory utilizes interns with a background in zoology or ecology for field projects, lab sampling, and other research-related activities. Additional opportunities exist for students in philosophy, social sciences, and information science. Those interested in applying should submit with their UCC application a statement of their field of interest along with reasons why they are qualified for an internship. For more information on these and other opportunities, as well as specific application instructions, visit the UCC International Education Office website.

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