Interested in pursuing an American degree in France? Learn about options through IAU's degree-granting institution - The American College of the Mediterranean.

Bachelor's and Master's Programs

Semester Internships

Adapting to a new culture involves not only learning the language and culture, but also gaining a better understanding of the work environment and how methods and habits may differ from one's home setting. IAU provides access to unpaid, for-credit internships available at local enterprises for fall and spring semester students at its locations in France, Italy, Spain, and virtually.

Language Requirement:
  • France: Note that students interested in interning in France should have at least four semesters of college-level French or the equivalent. While placement cannot be guaranteed for those without upper-level French language experience, it is possible for students with lower-level French to be placed. These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis. Students should provide their resume and response to the Internship Questionnaire when applying for an internship placement in France. 
  • Italy: There is no minimum language requirement for students interested in interning in Florence, Italy, although those with experience with Italian will have a greater range of placement opportunities. Students should provide their resume and response to the Internship Questionnaire when applying for an internship placement in Italy.
  • Spain: There is no minimum language requirement for students interested in interning in Barcelona, Spain, although those with experience with Spanish will have a greater range of placement opportunities. Note that students interested in interning in Madrid, Spain should have at least four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent. While placement cannot be guaranteed for those without upper-level Spanish language experience, it is possible for students with lower-level Spanish to be placed. These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis. Students should provide their resume and cover letter in Spanish in addition to two letters of recommendation when applying for an internship placement in Madrid. Students should provide their resume and response to the Internship Questionnaire when applying for an internship placement in Barcelona. 
  • Virtual: There is no minimum language requirement for students interested in interning virtually, although those with experience with Spanish, French, or another language will have a greater range of placement opportunities. Students should provide their resume and response to the Internship Questionnaire when applying for a virtual internship placement.

Preparing for the Internship: Before the internship begins, students will work with the IAU Internship Coordinators to prepare a resume in French, Italian or Spanish, depending on their program of study, to practice interviewing standards and techniques, and to prepare for placement in a local enterprise. Virtual interviews for these positions will be conducted prior to the semester, and students will also receive their internship placement offer before they arrive on-site. Due to the careful placement process, students are expected to complete their internship without interruption.

Internship Expectations: During the semester, students complete a seminar directed by the IAU Internship Coordinator in tandem with their internship experience. They meet and communicate regularly to follow their progress, learn about topical issues in European labor, and work on their reports and final projects. Students can expect to spend 10-20 hours per week at their internship placement along with an additional 2 hours per week of academic study outside of their internship. Students will be expected to work in 4-hour blocks as a minimum (perhaps more) and have a regular work schedule during the semester. Please note that students interning in Madrid, Spain should expect long commutes (45-60 minutes) to and from the internship. Students are awarded 3 credits upon the successful completion of their internship.

Fields: Internships are available in the following fields. Reach out to the U.S. Office of Admissions for previous and current examples of internship placement opportunities.

  Commercial Development   Research
  Community Management    Public Relations
  Communications   Sales
  Education   Social Media
  Event Planning   Support - Purchasing - Finance
  Human Resources   Theatre
  Law   Tourism
  Library Science   Translation
  Marketing   Web Development & Animation
  Museum Science   And more!

Application Requirements:

On-Site Application Due Dates
  Fall Semester   May 1
  Spring Semester   October 5


Please keep in mind that participating in an internship is unlike any other course because it involves significant preparation and expectations are set early on in the placement process. Students cannot withdraw from the internship once preparations are finalized. 

Internship Requirements:

  1. Regular communication with Internship Coordinator throughout the internship placement.

  2. Signature to an internship agreement between the student, Internship Coordinator, and Company Mentor outlining expectations, work assignments, and policies. 

  3. 10-20 hours at the internship site each week (number of hours vary by program location). 

  4. Participation in the weekly academic component of the internship course alongside placement hours. 

  5. Demonstration of reliability, enthusiasm, and professionalism throughout the entire placement process.

Courses

Academics