If you are a student, either undergraduate or graduate, with limited time to devote to international volunteer service abroad, we recommend one of GSC’s short-term, four- to six-week Volunteer Abroad Programs. Short-term programs are designed to fit into your busy schedules and make your next spring, summer or winter break one to truly remember.
Short-term GSC Program options include working with Tanzanian community groups in HIV/AIDS prevention and nutrition education, teaching principles of sustainable agriculture in
International Internship Programs: 9 Weeks
For students with more time to spend in-country and/or looking to gain academic credit for their service-learning program, we recommend a nine-week or longer internship. These internships can be arranged for any program that GSC offers. The HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Programs, as well as the International Health Internships in
Obtaining Credit
Many GSC volunteers have received academic credit for completion
of a nine-week internship. The key to gaining academic credit is beginning the
process early and working with a professor or academic advisor to create your
academic program. Professional in-country staff in both countries can help you
reach your goals and learning objectives.
Global Service Corps (GSC) offers students internships for each
of its programs in
- Receive credit through your own college or
university
- Receive credit through the University at
- Take the internship for no credit
Please note that if one opts to receive academic credit, GSC will provide the
student with documentation to verify their program participation in order to
obtain credit. GSC is not responsible for evaluating academic success or
securing credits for the student.
International Internships for credit
through your own University/College
Your own institution may already accept this type of an internship and have in
place procedures to grant credit. Please review the “Valuable Reminders” below
to help assure that you receive credit from your own institution.
International Internships for credit
through SUNY-Albany, contact:
University at Albany, SUNY
Office of International Education, SL G40
1400 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12222
International Internships - No Credit
You may choose to take the internship for no credit, in which case you will receive
a certificate after completion to add to your transcript. This will show that
you completed an overseas program, which may satisfy internship requirements
that many schools and departments now require.
Know your academic status. Be aware of what requirements are left for you to complete your major, minor and general education (GE) requirements. Ensure that the program will be accepted by your institution if you decide to pursue credit through your own school. If you decide to pursue credit through SUNY-Albany, verify that the credits will transfer to your university. Visit your academic advisors and let them know your plans to do an internship abroad. Give them information on what the program entails and what learning experience you hope to have. They might be able to offer suggestions on the best way to deal with the administration as well as your department. Make an Academic Information Packet for your time abroad with all of the necessary documents from your institution and/or SUNY-Albany. Carry with you the contact information of your advisors and contacts, including E-mail, telephone, address, and fax number.
