877.429.6753

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Intrax Internships Abroad?

 Intrax is a globally-oriented company that provides a lifetime of high-quality educational, work and volunteer programs that connect people and cultures, with operations in more than 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.intraxinc.com.

Where do you offer internships?
Internships are offered in and around Barcelona and Madrid, Spain; Beijing, China; Berlin, Germany; London, UK; Paris, France;  Tokyo, Japan; Santiago, Chile.
What types of companies host students?
The companies are a mix of Fortune 500 multinationals and successful small and medium-sized companies from several major industries including: Advertising & PR agencies, financial services, technology companies, fashion, consulting, construction, entertainment, non-profit/government, start-up, hospitality and tourism firms.
How long is the program?
The summer program starts on June 11 and ends August 3, 2012. Most students will arrive on June 9 or 10 and depart August 4. The exception is our Paris program, which begins June 19 and ends August 10.
Interns in all locations spend the first two days in orientations and Global Skills Training, and the internships begin on Wednesday.

Application & Program Requirements

 

 

How do I apply?
Apply online. 
Once we receive your online application, we will contact you to schedule an Acceptance Interview.  If accepted a $500 deposit is required to enroll in the IIA program and proceed to the matching process. Students are matched by mutual consent with internships that meet the applicant’s background and career goals. 
For more information or to answer any questions on the application process, please call our Program Advisors at 877.429.6753 or e-mail info@intraxinternshipsabroad.com.
 
What do I need with the application?
You will need to submit a completed application form which includes a space for a resume/CV and professional goals.
What are the Intrax Internships Abroad requirements?
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • 18-30 years old at the time the internship commences (exceptions are made for graduate students)
  • Be of good character and in good health
  • Demonstrate the maturity and demeanor expected of a professional intern in a foreign business environment
  • Basic level of local language skill is required for France, Chile, and Spain. (Note: Both English and local language internships are offered in China, Japan, and Germany.)
  • For internships in the UK, applicants must be a full time university student or have completed their university studies within one calendar year of the internship start date. For more details, please read the eligibility requirements for BUNAC visa sponsorship here.
What are my chances of being accepted in the program?
The program is selective and the total number of students who will be accepted into the program is capped at 200 for the summer of 2012 (approximately 25 per country). Several factors will determine which candidates are accepted – language skill and GPA will play a role, as will each individual’s background, objectives, and aptitude for a global career.
Since each company’s requirements are different, we encourage all those considering a global career to review the IIA job descriptions and apply.
Do I have to choose one country at the time of application?
No. Often, we have applicants who speak more than one foreign language or are more focused on a specific type of internship than a certain country. For example, a native English and intermediate French speaker may have choice #1 in the UK, choice #2 in France, choice #3 in Germany and choice #4 in Japan. During the matching and placement process we determine which choice is the best match.
When should I apply?

The earlier the better. Although the final deadline is April 30, 2012, applications are processed and placements are made on a rolling basis. Preference will be given to those who enroll early. Please see the program details page for more information about deadlines.

How do I obtain a visa for the internship program?
  • The visa requirements vary by both the location and length of internship. Intrax will guide each student through the visa process.
  • Applicants must have a valid passport at the time of departure – apply for your passport early to avoid any complications.
  • The IIA program is primarily designed for U.S., Canadian and EU citizens, so we are familiar with the visa requirements of those passport holders.
  • Students of other nationalities must research visa requirements for their desired program location prior to entering the matching process.
  • For internships in the UK: Visas are required for all interns (excluding EU passport holders). Intrax participants will apply for a BUNAC sponsored visa. Please read the eligibility requirements for BUNAC sponsorship here. Intrax guides students through the visa application process and provides the BUNAC sponsorship. Each student is responsible for all fees to the UK Border Agency (current fees are 190 GBP, or approximately 300 USD), as well as any expediting fees that are necessary for late applicants. 
I am a recent graduate. Can I still apply?
Yes. Most placements are entry-level placements for undergraduate students and recent graduates. A few are more advanced placements for MBA and graduate students.
For internships in the UK, applicants must be a full time university student or have completed their university studies within one calendar year of the internship start date. For more details, please read the eligibility requirements for the BUNAC visa sponsorship here.
Do I need to be fluent in the local language?
For programs in France, Chile, and Spain applicants must be able to speak at a basic level or higher in the local language (French or Spanish), depending on the placement. Greater language skills provide enhanced opportunity, but a willingness to work in those languages is essential for those seeking to participate in those two countries.
Some internships in China, Japan, and Germany do not require Mandarin, Japanese, or German language skills, but language skills (at any level) will enhance an application.
Each internship position lists the required local language level from 1 (None to Basic Understanding) to 5 (Fluent).  

Placement & Program Details

Will I be paid?
For the summer internships, no. As part of this career training program, host companies are providing short-term unpaid internships. In doing so, these companies agree to ensure that the participants will engage in practical, meaningful, entry-level work experience rather than less professionally-oriented tasks.
Do I get to choose a company or an industry?
Yes. Although we cannot guarantee placement in your choice company, we want to hear your preferences. We will interview you to learn more about your goals and qualifications, and then match you based on your requests, the needs of the host company and the overall “fit.” The matching process is highly personalized and we will work closely with you to achieve a good match.
How are placements determined?
The matching process is an iterative process leading to mutual agreement. First, applicants indicate their objectives in the application and interview. Intrax then submits the resume to the identified host companies in order of preference. Typically, the host company will arrange a phone interview with the student and extend an offer if they select the candidate. No placement will be made without the mutual agreement of both the student and the host company.
Besides the internship, what else happens during the program?
The Global Skills Training course will teach practical business skills, inter-cultural competency and professional networking and feature guest speakers from host companies over the course of the program. Additionally, each program include an excursion to nearby towns or cities – the excursion schedule is specific to each country.
What kind of assistance will I receive during the program?
A local On-Site Coordinator and a nearby Intrax Program Manager will be available to personally assist you with any questions related to the internship, the culture, housing, insurance or any other concerns that arise. Our staff will monitor your progress and address communication issues to ensure that you gain the most out of your experience.
Can I receive academic credit?
Intrax does not offer credit for the program, but many students’ home universities will grant credit for the experience – check with your academic advisor. Intrax will provide any necessary documentation to facilitate this process.
Do people ever get hired by their sponsor company?
Yes. Companies exposed to the work ethic and passion of an intern who has been working on entry-level projects may decide to hire the intern, especially entrepreneurial firms where the senior executives will be directly exposed to the intern’s work style.
What are the living arrangements?
The living arrangements are different in each location, but all are centrally located, safe, clean and comfortable. Depending on the location and number of participants, accommodations may be shared or individual in an apartment or dorm. Accommodations are not confirmed until the entire group has been accepted.
Housing details for each location are listed here.
Can I remain in the accommodation when my internship finishes?
No. All interns must leave the student housing upon completion of the program.
What expenses does Intrax cover?
Intrax provides the internship placement, housing, Global Skills Training speakers and materials, student health and accident insurance, pre-departure and in-country orientations, ongoing coaching and supervision, 24-hour emergency support and excursions. Transportation, food and other expenses are the responsibility of the student.
Does Intrax offer scholarships?
Yes, Intrax will be offering will be offering $3000 Global Leaders Scholarships and $500 writing scholarships for students to blog about their experience. Applicants who apply and interview before February 15th are eligible to apply. In addition, we offer a $1000 scholarship to all students who are accepted into our Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi internship program. Visit our Scholarships page for a brief overview of the Intrax opportunities, as well as other possible financial aid options.