The International Business Internship Exchange is a unique program providing Missouri university students a total immersion experience with an internship and homestay abroad.  Students develop their language and business skills while learning in-depth about another country.

The Webster University International Business Internship Exchange in Partnership with the State of Missouri (IBIE) offers  eight week, full-time, non-paying international internships to selected American citizens attending a Missouri university while pursuing their undergraduate degree full time.  Graduate students are selected on a space available basis.

Dates

Usually mid-May to mid-July

Sponsors

The IBIE is sponsored by Webster University, Missouri Corporations and the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Eligibility

Applicants must be U.S. citizens pursuing an undergraduate degree at any college or university in Missouri.  Students must be in good standing at their institution, have intermediate proficiency in language of the host country, and must have either business experience or relevant coursework.  Graduate students are accepted on a space available basis. 

Internship

Full-time, non-paying internship for eight weeks in a business or business-related office in China, Germany, Ghana, Japan, Mexico or the United Kingdom.  Students who wish to receive college credit for this internship are responsible for making arrangements in advance with their advisor. All arrangements are exclusively between the departmental advisor and the student.

Language Development

Students get intensive practice in a foreign language through their internship, home stay and social activities.

Other Travel

Students may take up to three weeks of optional travel, independently, after completing the internship.  The program may also work in conjunction with study abroad opportunities. 

Fees

A non-refundable administrative fee of $1000 per selected student is to be paid at the first orientation.  Webster University students receive a discount.  There is no charge to apply. 

Room and Board

The program arranges room and board for each participant for the duration of the internship.  Housing is usually with a host family.  Cost varies by location. 

Personal Expenses

Students are responsible for transportation and personal costs while in their host country.  Expenses vary with amount of additional travel and lifestyle.

Travel

Students make their own travel arrangements prior to departure and should provide an itinerary to the IBIE office at least two months in advance.  Students travel at their own expense.

College Credit

Students make arrangements with their university to earn college credit for their internship.

Exchange Sponsors

Webster University
Missouri Department of Economic Development
Missouri Companies

Selection Committee Interviews

Early December 2008 and early February 2009

Mandatory Orientation Sessions

March 7, 2009 and April 4, 2009 Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri