Internships
Internship Program Overview
The IAFS 4930: Internship in International Affairs class offers credit for internationally-focused work with a variety of organizations in the United States and abroad. The class is offered for three credits and is open to junior and senior majors. IAFS 4930 includes an academic component, and combines the internship experience with relevant research and writing in international affairs. The university requires that students take the internship class during the semester that they are interning. Click below for a list of the approved IAFS 4930 internships to get ideas of where to do your internship.
Why do the internship class for credit?
Not only can students fulfill the Off-Campus Experience requirement through IAFS 4930, but an internship for credit also has other benefits. Some organizations require students to receive credit. Also, your internship will be part of your academic transcript for employers or graduate and professional schools. As well, the internship class allows students to reflect on their experiences in a structured way, and to connect those experiences to research that interests and motives them. Please note: all internships for IAFS 4930 must have clear international content.
Next steps:
- IAFS 4930 approved internships -- This is not a comprehensive list, but gives students a great place to start their search (if your internship is not on the approved internships list, you can seek approval from the IAFS internship director - see step three). Please note: all internships for IAFS 4930 must have clear international content. If an internship is not drawn from the approved list, students may need to provide a copy of the organization's existing internship program.
- CU in DC -- Semester- or summer-long professional internship in Washington D.C.
- CU Public Interest Internship Experience (PIIE) Program -- For summer interns, Career Services provides funding for internships focused on civic engagements.
- CU Education Abroad -- A variety of programs where students can study and intern abroad.
- CU Career Services -- Need help finding an internship, or with your resume, cover letters, or networking skills to gain an internship? Check out the resources available to you on their website, such as their Handshake postings for internships as well as Career Help on Demand.
- You can find the most recent IAFS 4930 syllabus on our Syllabi page here -- Please read the syllabus carefully to understand the purpose of the course and expectations.
- To get your internship approved and be enrolled in IAFS 4930, email IAFS Internship Director, Dr. Katherine Rousseau (katherine.rousseau@colorado.edu) to set up a meeting.
- For your meeting with Dr. Rousseau, be prepared to discuss your internship and your research project ideas.
- After the meeting, students need to submit the IAFS 4930 Internship Agreement with their signature and their internship supervisor’s signature.
- Please note: this is a DocuSign form that is automatically routed to the internship supervisor and the IAFS internship director after the students fills it out. Add your name/email and your internship supervisor name/email on the first screen, and then you'll be sent to an online form with fillable fields. Click "Finish" when all fields are filled and you're done, the form will route automatically for review and signatures.
- Once you have submitted your agreement and it is approved, the IAFS program coordinator can enroll you in IAFS 4930 for the semester or summer session.
Completing your Internship
Students should refer to the IAFS 4930 syllabus to review and understand the final steps and assignments for the class. As part of the final project for the IAFS 4930 internship, students must have their internship supervisor complete the Internship Supervisor Evaluation Form (fillable PDF). Students must ensure the evaluation is complete and submitted by the final project due date. Supervisors can email the completed form directly to the IAFS Internship Program Director, Dr. Katherine Rousseau.