The Global Workforce Internship Program is an immersive, career-focused internship experience in the United States for international students, recent graduates, and partner universities. By pairing structured internships and cultural immersion with preparatory and reflective coursework, students translate hands-on experience with American employers into a foundation of globally relevant professional skills.
Students leave the program with practical, industry-relevant skills and a strong understanding of U.S. workplace culture, positioning them to compete confidently in today’s global job market.
Program at a Glance
- Paid or unpaid professional internships with U.S. employers*
- Internship durations of 3 or 6 months
- Transcripted coursework with university credit
- Cultural immersion and professional onboarding
- Dedicated advising and support throughout the program
*Internship compensation varies by employer and role.
What Students Gain
The Global Workforce Internship Program helps students stand out in a competitive international employment landscape. Through the combination of hands-on experience, academic learning, and cultural exchange, students:
- Gain real-world experience in a U.S. professional setting
- Build transferable, career-ready skills valued by global employers
- Develop cross-cultural communication and professional confidence
- Learn U.S. workplace standards, expectations, and practices
- Strengthen resumes with verified U.S. internship experience
Students are both learners and cultural ambassadors, bringing global perspectives to U.S. organizations while gaining insights they can apply throughout their careers.
Internship Experience & Support
Students receive structured, guided support at every stage of the internship experience:
- Personalized internship placement support from a dedicated placement advisor
- Ongoing advising, including documented mid-point and final evaluations
- Direct supervision in the workplace with formal performance feedback
- Coursework that integrates the internship experience into regular discussion and reflection
- Continuous access to academic and immigration advisors
NOTE: Official internship offer letters are issued prior to arrival in the U.S.
Academic & Cultural Preparation
In-Person Orientation: The program begins with a required in-person orientation at UC Riverside in Southern California, equipping students with the skills and context needed to succeed in U.S. workplaces.
Required Course: Applied Workforce Analysis and Professional Development
- 3-unit (28-hour) hybrid course
- Begins in person and continues online throughout the academic quarter
- Focuses on U.S. workplace culture, professional communication, AI tools in the workplace, and employer expectations
Students also engage in professional and cultural onboarding activities and benefit from cultural exchange opportunities within their host organizations.
Sample Internship Industries & Roles
Internship placements are aligned with students’ academic backgrounds, professional interests, and employer needs. Sample industries and roles include:
- Business & Management: Business Analyst Intern, Operations Intern, Project Coordinator
- Engineering & Technology: Engineering Intern, Product Development Intern, QA Analyst
- Hospitality & Tourism: Hotel Management, Event Planning, Tour Guide, Concierge Services
- Marketing & Communications: Digital Marketing Intern, Marketing Analyst, Social Media Intern
- Sustainability & Environmental Studies: Sustainability Intern, Program Assistant
- Life Sciences & Bioengineering: Research Support Intern, Lab Operations Intern
Program Options & Tuition
Internship Duration Options
- 3-Month Program
- Minimum of 300 internship hours
- Internship tuition: $3,700
Additional Costs
- Application fee: $100 (non-refundable)
- Additional costs may include SEVIS fee, visa fees, health insurance, housing, transportation, and living expenses
- Optional academic coursework available for an additional fee
Program Dates & Application Deadlines
Summer 2026
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
- Program Dates: July 6 - September 4, 2026
Fall 2026
- Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
- Program Dates: September 21 - December 18, 2026
Winter 2027
- Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
- Program Dates: January 4 - April 2, 2027
Spring 2027
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
- Program Dates: March 22 - June 18, 2027
Summer 2027
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2027
- Program Dates: July 6 - September 3, 2027
Who Can Apply & Prerequisites
The Global Workforce Internship Program is open to qualified international applicants who meet the following criteria:
- International undergraduate or graduate students, or recent graduates (within the past 12 months)
- Completion of at least one year of postsecondary study
-
Advanced English proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT 80
- IELTS 6.5
- Duolingo 100
Pre-program Intensive English study and Duolingo test preparation courses are available.
Dedicated Student Support
Students benefit from comprehensive support services throughout the program, including:
- Personalized academic advising
- Immigration and visa guidance
- Internship monitoring and employer coordination
- Ongoing support from UCR University Extension’s international advising team