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home | study, work, travel | work abroad | um-based programs | miisp | faq
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that the following information will answer any questions you may have; if not, please do not hesitate to contact us at ic-abroad@umich.edu.
- What exactly is the Michigan International Internship and Service program?
- The Michigan International Internship and Service Program (MIISP) is a program for undergraduate students who are interested in doing an internship or service project abroad during the summer. The aim of the program is to prepare students for their international experience through workshops that take place over the course of the academic year. Workshops cover topics such as how to find an international internship or service project, how to find funding to help cover your costs (last year many of our participants secured funding from some of the most competitive sources on campus!), how to be an effective intern, exploring the international workplace, and more. MIISP staff and alumni facilitate workshops with special guests from across the University. All MIISP participants receive personalized advising as well as the benefits of going through the process with other internationally-interested U-M students!
MIISP participants are selected in October. Workshops take place every two or three weeks throughout the academic year. While abroad, students maintain a blog in which they report their observations from their internship or service placement. Upon returning, students will participate in a poster fair or similar session & will have the opportunity to share their experiences with the next cohort of MIISP participants at future panel presentations.
In summary, MIISP is a three phase program:
| Phase One: |
Preparing to go abroad through individual advising and workshops taking place throughout the academic year |
| Phase Two: | While abroad, participants maintain a blog about their experiences. |
| Phase Three: | Upon returning, students act as “peer advisors” for the next cohort of MIISP students! |
- What are the benefits of an internship abroad?
- The benefits of doing an internship abroad are similar to the benefits of studying abroad, but enhanced, according to studies of participants. Instead of being in a group with other American students as is often the case in study abroad, students participating in an internship interact more with members of the host community. As a result, interns gain greater knowledge of the host society and greater self-knowledge. For those who intern in a foreign-language environment, gains in the foreign language are much greater than for study abroad. In addition to the direct benefits of doing an internship abroad, MIISP participants also report benefits after the experience, such as winning competitive positions due in part to having the overseas internship on their resume. See what MIISP participants say in their own words about the benefits!
- What is the basic eligibility for MIISP?
- Ideal MIISP candidates are:
- Undergraduate Students
- Hoping to go abroad during the summer to do an internship or a service project (Note: due to the focus on internships and service work throughout the MIISP sessions, students who plan to study abroad during the summer would not find the content relevant)
- Returning to campus for at least one semester (Fall) after their summer abroad
- Interested in the community aspect of MIISP & are looking forward to getting to know other internationally-interested students on campus
- Familiar with MIISP expectations
- How many students are chosen each year?
- We do not have one set number; it depends on the number of applicants and how many might benefit from our program based on their short answer responses in the application.
- Are participants guaranteed an internship or service placement?
- No, participation in MIISP does NOT guarantee you an internship or service placement. The MIISP staff will work with you to the best of its ability to help you achieve your goal.
- Are there fees involved with participating in MIISP?
- There is no cost to participate in the on-campus program. However, there are costs associated with doing an internship abroad (e.g. transportation, lodging, food, etc). Most internship and volunteer abroad programs charge a fee to participate, though these fees usually cover living expenses. Even self-arranged internships (not through an organized program) will have similar expenses. Additionally, participants will be required to have the U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance (cost = $1.25/day + a $5 one-time application fee).
- Can I participate in MIISP if I'm planning to study abroad during the Fall or Winter semesters?
- Unfortunately, no. Attendance at MIISP sessions is mandatory and students studying abroad during the Fall or Winter semesters would end up missing almost half of the program. However, going abroad to take part in an internship or a service project is the perfect “next step” after studying abroad, so we strongly encourage returned study abroad students to apply!
- Is attendance required at the preparatory sessions that take place throughout the year?
- Yes. In addition to the valuable information imparted at MIISP sessions, one of the benefits of MIISP is going through the process with a group of peers. Please look closely at the proposed dates and times of the sessions before determining whether you'd like to be part of this program.
Last reviewed: 11/12
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