Written by Hidy Fu, Global Internships Officer at UCL Careers

At UCL, we are really keen to help enhance the global nature of our student experience. One of the most practical ways we thought we could help is by supporting you financially with your great effort in having secured your own internship! Interested to find out more? Read on!

We have two types of funding: The Global Internships Bursary and the Erasmus + Traineeship Grant.

Have a quick glance at some of the key elements of the funding on offer, which are two separate schemes, both under the Global Internships Programme:

* An additional grant of €20 a month is awarded to students who meet widening participation criteria (added automatically for eligible students).

If you like collecting badges, you will be glad to hear that the bursary or grant will be recognised on your Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR).

Want to apply for both to increase your chance of securing funding? Well you can! You will need to submit two separate applications and will only be able to receive one (if your application is successful) and it will be at the discretion of UCL Careers to determine which type of funding you will receive.

Follow the links below to read all the terms and conditions and start thinking about applying! Application will open next week!

Global Internships Bursary                      Erasmus + Traineeship Grant

Deadline to apply for both funding: 26^th April 2020

Questions? Not sure? Drop us an email at globalinternships@ucl.ac.uk.

If you are still looking for an internship, overseas or within the UK, why not get some ideas from our website or log in to MyUCLCareers and look at the managed opportunities we have sourced for you, under the Global Internships Programme. You will have to hurry as the deadline to apply for those is Sunday 29^th March 2020.

Thinking of undertaking an internship outside of the UK this summer? Applications have opened for UCL’s Global Internships Bursary, which provides financial support for students who have sourced their own summer internship in 2019. Grants of £500 are available and can be used to offset costs associated with working overseas such as flights, visas, vaccinations and living costs.

Applications close on 28^th April (23.59). Eligibility applies. See more details and how to apply.

Magali Medinger, intern at the United Nations in New York

Last year Magali Medinger travelled to New York to complete an internship at an NGO. She told us more about her experience…

“My global internship was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Although it was nerve-wracking at first and sometimes challenging, if you want to learn more about the world, other people and most importantly yourself, I highly recommend taking on an opportunity like this. Breaking out of your comfort zone is key for growing as a person, so pack your bags and off you go.”

Why did you choose to undertake an international internship?

My main criteria for an international internship was to be able to work at the UN. I did not choose the country per se, as there are only two permanent Missions of Luxembourg to the UN in the world, and the spot in New York was open. Yet the fact that the internship was international, and in a new country, made the experience much more valuable. Hard work and responsibility at the workplace, combined with the immersion into a new culture and city also made it unforgettable.

What did you do doing your internship?

My tasks were many and varied, including general assistance to the diplomatic agents of the mission: assistance in report writing of meetings, tracking the activities of the different bodies of the UN, and daily general and specialised press screening. Moreover, I participated and assisted speechwriting in side events like “Children and Sustainable Development” and “Safer Roads and Inclusive Transportation”, and attended a number of high-level plenary meetings.

How did you immerse yourself in the culture of a new country?

Before going to New York, I had never been to the United States, nor had I ever really travelled to a new continent by myself. I think one of the most important things is planning. In order to immerse yourself in the culture of a country, you need to understand it first. Of course, it is also key that you leave space for spontaneous and unplanned moments, but you need to make sure you know enough about the country so as not to miss out on great opportunities.

What was the most useful part of your internship?

The conversations I had and the speeches I was able to listen to. Getting a grip of how the UN works and most importantly how the people inside this huge international organisation think and act is only possible by witnessing and being a part of it.  

What were some of the challenges you faced during your internship?

Adapting to a new environment, new colleagues and a new job. It was a lot to take in at the beginning, but the people I met there were very caring and helped me overcome most challenges. Being on your own is not easy, but you get the chance to learn a lot about the world and yourself.

Do you have any tips for other students thinking of doing an internship overseas?

Be open to everything and don’t let your fear of the unknown stop you. Observe and listen carefully, adapt to your role. Connect with people and experience the city and culture.