International Internships

International Students enrolled in certificate programs can arrange for an unpaid internship in their field of study. UCSC Extension’s internship course “Business Practices for International Students” can be taken for a maximum of 3 units per quarter. In order to receive these 3 units, interns must work a minimum of 90 hours during the quarter they are enrolled in the course. Interns may work more than 90 hours, but will only receive a total of 3 units. 

In order to secure an internship and enroll in “Business Practices for International Students,” you must:

1. Arrange your own job placement. UCSC Extension does not assist in job placement. To secure an internship, we recommend that you:

• Identify several organizations or businesses that you would like to intern with.
• Send a cover letter and resume to the Human Resources Department or an appropriate contact at each company. Be sure to indicate that you are interested in an unpaid internship. It  may be helpful to include the UCSC Extension Internship Description letter which explains the program to potential employers.

2. If you are chosen for the internship, you should receive an offer letter from your employer. This letter must include:

• Your job description
• Verification that you will work a minimum of 90 hours over a 3 month period
• Your supervisor’s official title and contact information
• The following statement: “This is an unpaid internship, the student will not receive any kind of payment including but not limited to stipends, tuition reimbursement, medical insurance, or worker's compensation.”
• Without this statement the letter cannot be accepted.

3. Once you have secured an internship and received an offer letter, you can apply for the “Business Practices for International Students” course. You must apply for this course on or before the application deadline. In order to apply for the course, you must:

• Send an e-mail to the international advisor with the subject “Internship Application,” indicating that you want to enroll in “Business Practices for International Students.”
• Forward the International Student Advisor your offer letter via e-mail or present him/her with a copy of the letter.

4. The International Student Advisor will then enroll you in this course.

5. At the end of each quarter your supervisor must submit a short evaluation of your work. Your supervisor can submit a letter, send an email directly to the International Advisor, or use this form. The evaluation must be submitted on or before the deadline, or you may fall out of status.

6. You will receive a pass/no pass grade. This course applies ONLY toward your full-time requirement. It DOES NOT apply toward your certificate.