Introduction

Guiding Principles

Role of the International Alumni Clubs

Support of Collaborative Units

International Alumni Club Academic Internship Program as a Model for Other Institutions

Chronological Sequence for International Internships

Responsible Units for International Internships

 

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Introduction

One of the goals of Michigan State University is to offer an education for all students that provides an international understanding, global and foreign language competence, and experience of the world abroad to prepare them to live and work on a diverse planet, both at home and abroad. MSU will serve as a vital resource in creating and applying knowledge to help address the critical problems of the 21^st century by improving economic competitiveness and the quality of life for Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To meet that goal, MSU is encouraging students to participate in MSU Alumni International Academic Internships. The vision and mission of these internships are to provide an MSU academic-experiential learning/work partnership with an organization abroad that maximizes the cross-cultural interaction of MSU students, international alumni, practitioners, faculty and their respective institutions.

The importance of international internships cannot be underestimated. International internships stimulate career awareness of the marketplace and enhance professional development. International internships allow students to test the validity of their academic/career choices while making a contribution to an organization. Students are seeking to supplement their academic work and acquaint themselves in a practical way with opportunities available in their field of study. Other benefits of international internships include:

• Giving students a bi-cultural experience in another society.
• Developing foreign language competency since many international internships require knowledge of a foreign language.
• Increasing students' opportunities for career placement in multi-national, international companies, in government agencies, and in educational institutions.
• Establishing contacts for developing future career goals. In today’s competitive job market, knowing key individuals can be an asset.
• Preparing students for the innumerable challenges of adapting to a variety of environments. This skill will be very useful in coping with the "expect the unexpected" situations which emerge with any job.
• Identifying career-related goals based on their internship experience.
• Providing students with experience in an employment setting that will make them more desirable as employees, increasing their ability to find employment.

International internships are also increasingly significant for students to learn about America’s role in today’s world. The recognition that our society is part of a world system that includes economics, education, business, politics, etc., has led to a significant exploration of field learning experiences in other countries. This rationale motivated the Office of International Studies and Programs, MSU Alumni Association, and Service Learning Center at Michigan State University into writing a grant, which they received from the Career Services and Placement Center in 1997. The primary goal of this grant was to involve MSU international alumni clubs in establishing international internships for MSU students. The clubs help to identify and establish the internships offerings and serve as hosts for the MSU students, providing a critical link for the alumni to their alma mater while providing a valuable service to undergraduate MSU students. The first group of MSU students participated in internships in Turkey during the summer of 1999.

An important component in any international internship is evaluation. An assessment of the internship is essential if the intern is to have a unique living–learning experience. The type of internship and qualitative content must be monitored closely by the intern and appropriate personnel to preserve the integrity of the program and to ensure maximum learning experience. A post experience evaluation from internship employers, from students, and from participating alumni can provide several other quantifiable indicators.

 

Guiding Principles

The Alumni International Academic Internship program in Turkey was based on MSU’s guiding principles. The Turkish project improved access to quality education and expert knowledge by broadening educational opportunities both in numbers and in program development. The international internship program in Turkey achieved active learning through on-site experiences in contrast to classroom theoretical education. As we provided students with the opportunity to learn experientially in settings they otherwise would never experience, we generated new knowledge and scholarship. By giving them training in a "real world" setting, we assisted them to transfer their theoretical learning to a pragmatic application that will promote problem solving. In today’s world and marketplace which has truly become global, we attempted to provide the students with a world view which will transform their thinking and will certainly open them to an awareness of the diversity of their world and hence advance diversity within the community.

 

Role of the International Alumni Clubs

The clubs are primary resource in identifying internship opportunities since many international students upon graduation return to their home and become leaders in government, education, and industry. Many of these individuals express their loyalty to their alma mater by becoming members of their international alumni clubs. A primary means of contact with fellow alumni and their university is through their alumni clubs. Through their current positions and network contacts, these individuals have great potential in establishing and arranging experiential learning opportunities for students.

The clubs not only identify internships, but also serve as hosts for MSU students.

International Alumni can provide three forms of assistance:

1. Arrange internship positions which are commensurate with student interests and skills.
2. Help students find low-cost housing or they decide to house the student.
3. Give social/cultural support in adjusting to "a foreign setting."

For many students, the fear of cultural adjustment in another environment can be overwhelming. Turkish Club members alleviated this problem by including students in their MSU club events, by assisting them in meeting other MSU alumni in the region, and even providing social and cultural mentoring.

A perennial question is whether these internships are paid. Paid internships would depend on type of internship, skills involved, etc., which are contingent on the expectations of alumni club members, government agencies, and private sector organizations. Two of the three MSU students who participated in the Turkish program received stipends.

 

Support of Collaborative Units

The MSU Alumni International Academic Internship program was a collaborative effort of the following units: MSU Alumni Association, Office of Study Abroad, James Madison College, and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Each of these units was a partner in implementing, processing, College of Engineering and coordinating the internship program. The MSU Alumni Association was in close contact with the international alumni clubs in establishing undergraduate student internships abroad. The Office of Study Abroad advised and selected eligible students. In this role, the Office of Study Abroad worked closely with the James Madison college internship coordinator. The MSU Alumni Association acted as the overall liaison for the students and the international alumni clubs. In these activities, the Office of International Studies and Programs worked closely with the MSU Alumni Association and the Office of Study Abroad.The academic units involved assisted each other in resolving any questions and issues.

 

International Alumni Club Academic Internship Program as a Model For Other Institutions

The MSU Alumni International Internship Academic program involved major support service and collegial units. All of these units are interrelated with the prime purpose of assisting students with their internships. The utilization of our international alumni is a core component. Collegial units are aware of the alumni clubs as an invaluable resource. Networking possibilities will open subsequent career-related opportunities in giving jobs to our students upon graduation. Pre-departure orientation and informational materials described in subsequent chapters will assist students in preparation for their international internship experience. International internships, this manual, and other substantive informational materials are legacies of the program. The internship process, the role of international alumni clubs, the collaboration of academic units, the informational materials, and services provide a model not only for Michigan State University, but also for other universities.

The following two lists provide an outline of the activities involved in development, planning and implementing these internships. The first list provides the chronological order of events, and the second list takes those same events and breaks them down into the responsibilities of each unit. These two lists are meant to provide a guideline for other institutions that wish to duplicate this process.

 

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Chronological Sequences for International Internships

ALU: Alumni Association
AU: Academic Unit
AC: Alumni Club
CSP: Career Services and Placement/Service Learning Center
OSA: Office of Study Abroad

 

PRE-INTERNSHIP

Planning Stage

1. Send Letter #1 from President of the University - ALU
2. Send Letter #2 from Alumni Association Director and John with an Internship Placement Information (IPI) form and description of responsibilities - ALU
3. Completion of Internship Placement Information (IPI) form and identify several key persons to contact -AC
4. Start dialog to determine what will work for both sides - ALU/AC
5. Establish what type of student is needed (language, curriculum, level, experience, etc.) - AC
6. Identify and contact MSU colleges which may be interested - ALU

Administration

1. Announce availability of internship - CSP
2. Application development and receipt from student - OSA
3. Application review, clearance, interview and acceptance - AU/OSA
4. Assist with arrangements for low cost housing and meals - AC
5. Communication and written agreements between MSU and club regarding principal contact; expectations; liaison with student and internship organization; language and communication issues; on-site payments and money issues; cultural rules and regulations, etc. - AC/ALU
6. Provide logistical information such as visas, transportation, etc. - AC
7. Student communication with club members - AC/Student
8. Order study abroad course and section - AU
9. Enrollment and billing of student, inc. notification for Financial Aid - OSA
10. Orientation, including academic coordination, logistics such as visas, transportation, etc. and cross cultural preparation - OSA/AU
11. Payment of invoices, if appropriate - OSA

Internship Arrangements

1. Establish criteria for selection, including expectation of language proficiency - AU/CSP
2. Determination of learning goals and objectives; requirements for successful completion of internship; basis for grading; credit amount and type - AU/CSP
3. Communication and negotiation with organization offering internship: duties, supervision, objectives, contract agreement, whether position is observational or hands-on/co-op arrangement (supervision under a professional or performing a professional role); number of hours per week. - AU
4. Serve as liaison between student and internship organization; provide professional support when possible - AC
5. Communication with, feedback to, and mentoring for student on-site - AU
6. Communication and liaison with organization and supervisor during internship period - AU

 

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

1. Arrival pick-up - AC
2. Orientation to area facilities and services; sponsoring internship organization; Alumni club; travel and banking; health and medical needs; recreational facilities; access to student groups; social, cultural and academic events, etc. - AC
3. Assist with personal problems, adjustment issues, and general health and well-being of student - AC
4. Resolve problems related to housing - AC
5. Assist student to arrange trips and other cultural activities - AC
6. Communication with MSU and implementation of emergency procedures during crisis - AC/OSA
7. In some cases, utilize existing MSU study abroad sites for logistical/Resident Director coordination - AC/OSA

 

POST-INTERNSHIP

1. Assessment of student by supervisor and submission of grades - AU
2. Evaluation of internship by supervisor - AU/OSA/CSP
3. Evaluation of internship and program by student - Student
4. Re-entry counseling - OSA
5. Follow-up and evaluation with AC - OSA

 

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Responsible Units For International Internships

ALU: Alumni Association
AU: Academic Unit
AC: Alumni Club
CSP: Career Services and Placement/ Service Learning Center
Student: Student
OSA: Office of Study Abroad

 

Alumni Association (ALU)

1. Send Letter #1 from McPherson - ALU
2. Send Letter #2 from Keith and John with an Internship Placement Information (IPI) form and description of responsibilities - ALU
3. Start dialog to determine what will work for both sides - ALU/AC
4. Identify and contact MSU colleges which may be interested - ALU
5. Communication and written agreements between MSU and club regarding principal contact; expectations; liaison with student and internship organization; language and communication issues; on-site payments and money issues; cultural rules and regulations, etc. - AC/ALU

 

Academic Unit (AU)

1. Application review, clearance, interview and acceptance - AU/OSA
2. Orientation, including academic coordination, logistics such as visas, transportation, etc. and cross cultural preparation - AU/OSA
3. Establish criteria for selection - AU/CSP
4. Determination of learning goals and objectives; requirements for successful completion of internship; basis for grading; credit amount and type - AU/CSP
5. Communication and negotiation with organization offering internship: duties, supervision, objectives, contract agreement, whether position is observational or hands-on/co-op arrangement (supervision under a professional or performing a professional role); number of hours per week. - AU
6. Order study abroad course and section - AU
7. Communication with, feedback to, and mentoring for student on-site - AU
8. Communication and liaison with organization and supervisor during internship period - AU
9. Assessment of student and submission of grades - AU
10. Evaluation of internship - AU/OSA/CSP

 

Alumni Club (AC)

1. Completion of Internship Placement information (IPI) form and identify several key person(s) to contact - AC
2. Start dialog to determine what will work for both sides - ALU/AC
3. Establish what type of student is needed (language, curriculum, level, experience, etc.) - AC
4. Assist with arrangements for low cost housing and meals - AC
5. Communication and written agreements between MSU and club regarding principal contact; expectations; liaison with student and internship organization; language and communication issues; on-site payments and money issues; cultural rules and regulations; etc. - AC/ALU
6. Provide logistical information such as visas, transportation, etc. - AC
7. Student communication with club members - AC/Student
8. Serve as liaison between student and internship organization; provide professional support when possible - AC
9. Arrival pick-up - AC
10. Orientation to area facilities and services; sponsoring internship organization; Alumni club; travel and banking; health and medical needs; recreational facilities; access to student groups; social, cultural and academic events, etc. - AC
11. Assist with personal problems, adjustment issues, and general health and well-being of student - AC
12. Resolve problems related to housing - AC
13. Assist student to arrange trips and other cultural activities - AC
14. Communication with MSU and implementation of emergency procedures during crisis - AC/OSA
15. In some cases, utilize existing MSU study abroad sites for logistical/Resident Director coordination - AC/OSA

 

Career Services and Placement/Service Learning Center (CSP)

1. Announce availability of internship - CSP
2. Establish criteria for selection - CSP/AU
3. Determination of learning goals and objectives; requirements for successful completion of internship; basis for grading; credit amount and type - CSP/AU
4. Evaluation of internship - AU/OSA/CSP

 

Student

1. Student communication with club members - AC/Student
2. Evaluation of internship and program by student - Student

 

Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

1. Application development and receipt from student - OSA
2. Application review, clearance, interview and acceptance - OSA/AU
3. Enrollment and billing of student, inc. notification for Financial Aid - OSA
4. Orientation, including academic coordination, logistics such as visas, transportation, etc. and cross cultural preparation - OSA/AU
5. Payment of invoices, if appropriate - OSA
6. Communication with MSU and implementation of emergency procedures during crisis - OSA/AC
7. In some cases, utilize existing MSU study abroad sites for logistical/Resident Director coordination - OSA/AC
8. Evaluation of internship - OSA/AU/CSP
9. Re-entry counseling - OSA