Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of internships do you offer?

We offer internships in a wide range of fields, from business and politics, arts and education, communications and media, to health related fields and certain sciences, and more. The internships available depend on which site you choose and in some cases on your previous background in the type of work in question. We are constantly developing new placements in various fields, so please check with us if you are interested in an internship that you do not see listed on our materials.

When are the programs held?

All centers offer a program for both Fall and Spring semesters. The London, Brussels, Edinburgh and Bonn centers offer an eight-week Summer program. London and Brussels also offer Spring quarter programs.

How good must I be at German, French or Spanish to do an internship in Bonn, Berlin or Madrid?

Bonn, Cologne, Berlin and Madrid must be proficient in German and Spanish, respectively, apart from technical terms which are invariably acquired reasonably quickly. No foreign language skills are required for the Brussels program as the courses are taught in English and students can intern for English-speaking MEPs or in English-speaking businesses. However, students who have a very good command of any of the European Union official languages can possibly be placed with an MEP from that particular country. Bear in mind that your proficiency will improve.

What are the basic qualifications for applying?

Applicants must be juniors or seniors by the time the program begins, with a GPA of 3.0 or above. Students who have just completed the sophomore year are eligible to apply for the Summer programs.

Can graduate students apply?

Graduate students can apply to the Brussels summer program (internship only). The other programs require that students be undergraduates due to visa restrictions.

How much work will it involve?

In all sites semester students work at least three days per week, depending on the needs of the organization. Many students work four days, taking two half-days off to go to classes. It is left to you and the person to whom you are assigned, to work out your schedule at the beginning of the program. Interns must be flexible; sometimes your projects will have deadlines, and you could be asked to pitch in extra hours with the rest of the staff! Summer students work full-time, five days a week, and do not take courses.

Am I guaranteed an internship?

The internship is an integral part of our program, rather than an optional add-on. As such we guarantee that you will have an internship. However, we cannot guarantee specific placements ahead of time as circumstances may change last minute.

How much does it cost?

The fees for each program center are found on the dates and fees page. A portion of this fee is used to cover your housing costs. Your advance payment assures the immigration authorities in each country that EPA holds sufficient accommodation funds at the time of entry into the country. Depending on the program center, students may choose between shared apartments or homestays.

Is there an application fee?

There is no fee to apply for an EPA Internships program.

What is not covered in the program cost?

Airfare, daily commuting, meals and personal expenses.

Does EPA offer any scholarships or financial aid?

Unfortunately not. However, in many cases any financial aid you already have can be applied to EPA programs. Your Study Abroad Office should be able to advise you.

What type of person succeeds best in an internship?

The most important attributes are motivation, cooperation, open-mindedness, flexibility and a willingness to become involved.

Is it a problem if I've never had a "real" job before?

Your success in your internship isn't necessarily defined by past work experience. Many of the skills needed for an international internship, such as flexibility, accountability and a willingness to help where needed, can be learned in classes or through activities such as community service. It's important to detail experiences on your resume that show you can be a committed employee, even if the job was unpaid or short-term. It's also important to give the internship provider an understanding of what makes you tick, and how that relates to their organization.

Must I be majoring in the same field as the internship I apply for?

Not necessarily. There are some internships where enthusiasm and willingness overcome any lack of background knowledge. However, students who want a very specialized placement (e.g. medical research) would need a more relevant academic background than, for example, a history major who chooses a theater internship. The final decision rests with the internship provider.

Can I choose a specific place?

Yes, you may request a particular institution or department, but we cannot guarantee that it is where you will definitely be placed. While we are eager to match your interests as closely as possible, we may know of a place to which you will be more suited or which will offer you a better immersion into the field you've chosen. Or it may be that the place you have requested is unable to accept an intern at the time of the program.

If you make a specific request, you must do so in a cover letter attached to your application. Likewise, you should not refer to specific institutions in your essay, because this makes it difficult to then send your documents to another placement.

Can internships in other fields be organized?

Yes. Provided we are given enough notice, it is quite often possible to make special arrangements. Normally, we need to receive such applications no later than eight weeks before the program actually begins. We also ask that students applying for a new field to list one or two alternative fields that are listed in this website in case the special request cannot be filled.

Is there any chance of being paid for the internship work?

No. EPA programs are strictly academic internship programs. Most US institutions will only award academic credit for unpaid placements. Furthermore, governments have strict rules about this and, if students are paid, most of the placements would not be available.

Will I get credit for this program?

See the "How to Apply" section for an explanation of affliated versus independent student applications. Academic credit can be obtained through the University of Rochester or Northern Illinois University if your home institution does not grant its own credit for our program. Check "Participating Institutions" to see if your school is listed as an affiliate.

How are internships assessed?

Your internship supervisor will submit an evaluation of your work performance. Depending on your credit-granting institution's requirements, you will be asked to submit an analytical journal or paper on your internship experience. This information is used by your credit-granting institution to determine a grade for your internship.

What if things go wrong?

One variable that no one can foresee is how well the various individuals concerned in the internship will get along. If there is a clash of personalities or other serious problems, an alternative internship will be offered after mediation by the program site director. It is the student's responsibility to let the director know of any concerns. They will work towards a resolution together, but the final decision rests with the program director.

When will I find out where I will be working?

Placing a student in an internship can take anywhere from two weeks to three months, depending on the internship requested. All students will receive placement assignments during orientation. If you need to know your placement assignment in advance, for instance for credit approval purposes, you may contact EPA's US office, and they should be able to provide you with details of your internship placement. However, final confirmation of the internship normally depends on your first interview with your prospective supervisor.

How important is my application essay?

First of all, the program's site director relies on the information in the essay to determine the most appropriate placement for you. Secondly, the prospective supervisor reads your document very closely to learn about you and your abilities, including how well you write. Bear in mind that your application and supporting document are the supervisor's first impression of you, so you should write and proofread it carefully.

Who makes the transatlantic travel arrangements?

Each student is responsible for making his or her own travel arrangements. In London, EPA provides bus transfers on arrival day from Gatwick and Heathrow Airports to the orientation hotel.

What about the social life?

As an intern, your experience will naturally be different from that of most study abroad students who only take courses. You will have more regular contact with colleagues of all ages in the work place than with local students. However, EPA will make provisions for you to take part in local student life by enrolling you in local student unions and organizations. This will enable you to use the sports facilities and other amenities.

If this page does not give you an answer, then please go to the contact page.

Network with Us

  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Become a fan on Facebook
  • Follow us on LinkedIn