IN 395 - Leading Across Cultures: Internship Seminar

This course provides an introduction to the cultural context for the internship placement by examining cultural issues in the workplace with a particular focus on preparation for entering the work environment. Writing and discussion topics also introduce the concept of skill-building in cross-cultural competencies including cross-cultural communication, teamwork, and conflict mediation. The course consists of two parts: online pre-departure modules that prepare students for culturally appropriate résumé development and interviewing skills to facilitate proper placements, and on-site classroom discussions to enable students to process what they experience at the internship host organizations.

Students must submit résumés electronically to the Internship Coordinator. The Internship Coordinator will provide feedback on students’ résumés and will also arrange for a practice Skype interview with IES staff. Once the résumé and interview coaching have been completed, the Internship Coordinator will match students with a possible host organization and arrange a Skype or telephone interview. When the student and the host organization agree to the match, both parties sign an agreement detailing the project(s) to be completed. During the internship, students will have a supervisor on site at the host organization. Students will submit weekly status reports to their supervisor and to the Internship Coordinator. The Internship Coordinator will check in with students regularly and should be contacted immediately if any issues arise at the placement site.