International Internships for Science Students
in partnership with San Diego State University
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I pay to work?
Your money goes towards placement costs, academic credit, job training,
and language immersion. There is no better way to learn a language and
than to live and work in the culture. In addition, few paid internship
positions accept students who don't hold a degree in their field, or who
are not fluent in the native language already. Few countries allow you
to work for wages without a work visa.
Why should I go through The Science Exchange
instead of my host university?
We encourage you to shop around for internship packages that are as competitively priced as ours. We are a non-profit organization and
receive some grant funding to keep our operations going, reducing costs to you. Our market analysis shows that you get a lot for your
money through The Science Exchange, mainly because if you opt to receive credit from SDSU, we are one of the more affordable universities
in the country. Students do not pay application fees for "open university" and out of state students pay the same rates as California students.
In addition, you can choose as few as 1 unit, saving you more money.
What does The Science Exchange have that other programs don't?
Few internship abroad programs are focused on the sciences, and still fewer offer you hands-on individualized research opportunities.
Most programs offer set course dates, with group classroom experiences, where you may speak English with your classrooms. In contrast,
we offer you real-world settings, on the beaches, in the forests, on boats, in laboratories, where you will work side by side with your
mentor and his or her colleagues, taking instructions and asking questions. Even through your mentor may or may not speak English, you will
be completely immersed in the native language all other daily activities- at your home, bank, stores, restaurants, and bars. Many students
complain about the lack of "real immersion" in other study abroad programs.
Is it safe to live abroad?
Your safety is our topmost concern. We place you if safe environments
that The Science Exchange has previously screened. As in all travel
experiences, the student must be mature enough to use common sense and
act appropriately. Safety concerns are thoroughly discussed in your U.S.
and in country orientations. You may always contact your mentor or call
The Science Exchange if you have questions or concerns about safety
or culturally appropriate activities. The U.S. Embassies and consulates
are other sources of information about international safety. In general,
because of the strong communities in small Latin American towns, many
foreigners, including women, feel very safe.
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For more information on becoming an intern or hosting an intern
contact The Science
Exchange.
