Prerequisites
In order to participate in the Internship Program*, you must have

	an overall GPA (grade point average) of 2.5 in your Diploma Program
	no grade lower than a C in any Diploma Program course
	recommendation for candidacy by an internship coordinator

Internships give you an exciting opportunity to put your skills, knowledge, and experience to practical use. You learn U.S. business practices and approaches in the most direct way, giving you an advantage when you look for a new career, return to your current position, or apply to a graduate program.

IDP students participate in our school-sponsored, unpaid internships in a wide variety of San Francisco Bay Area companies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Most students are placed in small to medium-sized companies, as these firms generally offer the greatest opportunity for a varied internship experience. Student interns have worked with organizations in the fields of advertising, computing, entertainment, e-commerce, finance and banking, information systems, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, hospitality and lodging, international trade, marketing, public relations, and telecommunications. In the past, IDP interns have worked on unique projects such as

	creating a global stock presentation
	redesigning a company's Web site
	meeting with ambassadors and global leaders
	establishing contacts internationally to build a company's client base
	devising a software technology plan for a growing high-tech music database company

IDP internships last from three to four months and begin after you have successfully completed your program of study. During your initial academic program, you attend an internship orientation to learn about your opportunities, a company job fair to meet prospective employers, and workshops to help you create a resume. You also get tips on successful interview skills to assist you when you interview with company representatives for your internship.

An IDP internship is an academic program, so you maintain your status as a full-time student. You are supervised by a Diploma Program instructor to ensure you meet the program's academic requirements. In addition, a company supervisor monitors your performance as you take part in daily on-site projects. After you successfully complete an internship, you will be able to include this invaluable experience on your resume, and you may also receive recognition from your mentoring company in the form of a letter of reference. This extraordinary combination of real-world experience and professional references is just one more tool to help you stand out when you enter or return to the workforce.