Testimonials
"I'm sure when I ponder my life experiences, during the twilight of my years, I will regard my six weeks in Thailand as six of the most sensational weeks of my life... I traveled to Thailand hoping for an enriching experience. What I found exceeded my wildest expectations."
Chris Cox, International Health Program, Thailand
FOR STUDENTS SEEKING INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER INTERNSHIPS

Short-term Volunteer Abroad Programs: 3-8 Weeks 

               

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 Tanzania or teaching conversational English in Thailand. A unique short term immersion program in Buddhism is offered in Thailand.

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 Cambodia and Tanzania, have been popular with pre-med and medical students as well as students looking into a career in international public health.

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 Cambodia, Tanzania and Thailand. There are three options for participants to consider after selecting their international internship program:

  • Receive credit through your own college or university
  • Receive credit through the University at Albany, New York State University (SUNY-Albany)
  • Take the internship for no credit


The following will describe these options as well as important steps to keep in mind if you are arranging credit from your own institution or through GSC’s partner institution, SUNY-Albany.

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
(518) 591-8170


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.

Valuable Reminders for Students Considering International Internships

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.