Internship or Study Abroad Requirement

At the heart of the translation program at the University of Iowa lies the indispensable component of practical experience, epitomized by the mandatory internship or study abroad requirement for the Bachelor's degree. This requirement serves as a cornerstone for budding translators, offering a multifaceted array of benefits essential for their academic and professional growth, empowering studies to embark on their journey as proficient, culturally-attuned translators poised to make successful and meaningful contributions to a globalized world.

Option 1: Internship

An internship is a temporary work experience provided by an organization to a student. It's a hands-on opportunitiy for students to apply the knowledge and skills they've gained in the classroom to real-world situations within their field of study. Internships can vary in duration, from several weeks to several months, and can be either paid or unpaid. They can allow you to gain real-world experience, explore career paths, build professional networks, enhance skills, boost your resume, and increase job opportunities in the future.

Option 2: Study Abroad

To be effective citizens and to excel in their chosen careers, UI students must develop cross cultural competencies, and we must provide them opportunities to learn to function successfully and with ease in global environments. The learning and discovery guided by faculty at the University of Iowa reshape our understanding of the world, improve quality of life for many, and create economic benefits in the State of Iowa and around the globe.

What is the process for getting an internship?

Opting for the internship will provide you with many opportunities to learn and apply skills in a real world environment. See the following steps for choosing an internship and how to get your internship registered for your major.

Before Your Internship

  1. Decide when you will do your internship and talk to your advisor early.

    Consider your academic and personal schedule and decide when you want to complete your internship. You may choose a summer or semester-long internship. Then meet with your academic advisor to discuss your interests, career goals, and potential internship opportunities. You can also meet with a Career Coach at the Pomerantz Center to provide you with guidance guidance on finding relevant internships and offer valuable advice on the application process.

  2. Find internship opportunities.

    Start your internship search well in advance to give yourself enough time to research opportunities, apply, and secure a position. Use our internships opportunities list below to access some interesting internship opportunities. This list is not exhaustive and you are encouraged to search beyond this list if you wish.

  3. Apply for your internship.

    Once you’ve identified protentional internship opportunities, apply by submitting your resume, cover letter, and any additional application materials required by the employer. You can apply through the company’s website, attend recruitment events, or reach out to advisors for assistance in finding suitable opportunities.

After You Get Your Internship

  1. Sign up for TRNS:3491 and fill out the internship agreement form.

    In order to get credit for your internship to complete your degree requirements, you will need to (a) register for the appropriate class and (b) complete the internship agreement form. This document outlines the terms and responsibilities of the internship and is signed by you, your academic advisor, and your supervisor at the internship site. Make sure everyone involved has a copy of the agreement.

  2. Begin your internship.

    Schedule regular check-ins with both your faculty advisor and supervisor to discuss your progress, address any concerns, and set goals for the internship. We recommend that you schedule check-ins with your faculty advisor after the first week, 3-5 weeks in, and at least one week before completion.

  3. Complete the final assignment.

    To receive academic credit for your internship, work with your adviser to determine your final assignment. This could include a reflective paper, a presentation, or a portfolio showcasing your work and accomplishments during the internship.

Finding and Funding an Internship

The resources below are meant to help you in your search for an internship. These include organizations that students have worked with before and resources that can help you in your search.

Good Places to Start Looking

The following list is a good place to start looking for internships opportunities. This list is not exhaustive, however.

Other Helpful Resources