FAQ

General FAQs | For International Roles | 

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to apply?

  • Each job description specifies the student status eligible to apply. All applicants must be Stanford students in good academic standing at the time of application.

Will I get credit for my internship?

  • No. You will not receive any academic credit for participating in the Internship Program. However, this might fulfill the "abroad" requirement by some majors. Please check with your major department managers.

What should I write in the application? How do I prepare for an interview?

Who provides funding for my internship?

  • Internships are funded directly by the host employer, and you will be employed by that organization. You must have legal authorization to work in the country where the employer is based.
  • Stanford University does not provide a stipend or salary for these roles. However, eligible undergraduate students may qualify for up to $1,500 in dynamic financial aid from Stanford.

Will I meet the other internship participants?

  • You will meet the other internship participants during the orientation program in Spring Quarter.

Can international students apply? 

  • Yes, undergraduate international students who have declared a major and graduate students are eligible to apply. Once selected, applicants will need to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from Bechtel International Center. For more details, please visit the CPT information page. 

Who should I contact if I have questions about the internship program? 

For International Roles

What if my passport expires or I don’t have one?

  • You are required to make sure to have a passport that is valid six months after the date of departure with at least one blank page in the passport for the visa.  If you don’t have a passport, apply for one immediately.  You will need your valid passport to initiate any visa process.

Do I need a visa?

  • You are strongly advised to check out the appropriate foreign consulate website for visa requirements. You are responsible for obtaining appropriate visas on time.
  • For roles in New Zealand, we partner with an immigration company to support the visa process. Additional information will be provided once your participation is confirmed. Please note the associated costs:
    • US citizens applying from the US: NZD 100 per application
    • Non-US citizens applying from the US: NZD 1,455 per application

Do I need to get immunizations?

  • You should consult with a physician or travel clinic well in advance of your departure to inquire about immunization recommendations. Some inoculations may require a series of shots that take weeks or months to become effective.

Do I need health insurance for international internships?

  • Students are responsible for ensuring they have adequate health insurance coverage while abroad. Please check with your healthcare provider to confirm whether your plan covers medical care internationally.

What should I know if I’ve never traveled outside of the US?

  • On canvas, under commons, search for “international academy." This platform is designed to help you prepare for your time away from Stanford. You'll find important pre-departure travel information to help you prepare for your trip, as well as links to additional resources to dive deeper into topics. 

What’s the language requirement?

  • In general, there is no language requirement for students who are going to intern in other countries. NOTE:  Some positions by some companies may require certain language skills and will be listed on the job description.

If I am an international student, will an overseas internship affect my status in the U.S.?

You must check with the International Center about how traveling will affect your current US visa.

What do I do for a health emergency? 

Still have questions? Contact the SPI team.