Internship placements are available in a variety of sites, including small businesses, corporations, art facilities, sports management organizations, major hotels, government agencies, fashion houses, publishing companies, museums, broadcasting studios, and many others. Internships offer students a learning experience which integrates formal academic preparation and the culture of the work place, furthering the development of professional values, attitudes, and skills.

CAPA, the internship/program coordinator in London, will locate an internship in the student's major and general area of interest usually prior to departure. Placements depend on the major, background, training, interests, and talents of the student, as well as success in securing the internship at the time of the interview (remotely prior to departure or in person after arriving in London) with the potential internship site.

By working approximately 24 hours per week, students should easily be able to fit in the total required 140 hours. However students should not plan to have Fridays or weekends free, and commute time, which can easily be an hour each way, does not count towards internship hours.

Students will attend a weekly Internship Focus Session as well as enroll in one three-credit course, taught by Purdue or British faculty. Internship hours will be arranged around students' class schedules. Students should note that, just like on campus, there must be a minimum or maximum number of students in a class to be able to enroll in it. While students will be asked during the application process to select one of the courses below, it does not guarantee them a spot in that class. Following admission into the program, courses will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Students must take one of the three courses listed under Time Block A and should check with their academic advisor as soon as possible regarding the best class for their plan of study:

Courses for Summer 2023

Time Block: A

COM 30300: Intercultural Communication
3 credits
- Instructor: Caitlin Natt, Brian Lamb School of Communication
Intercultural Communication is designed to provide students with an immersion experience while studying the implications of interaction with diverse others in interpersonal, small group, and organizational contexts. The course will begin with an overview of the concepts and issues that frame the study of intercultural communication, such as culture as context, cultural values, and barriers to intercultural communication. Students will then analyze the relevance and practice of these concepts and issues by contrasting American perspectives with the surrounding international social, political, and business community. The course format will include mini-lectures, class discussion, group work, role playing, and video presentations. Pertinent examples from students' internship experiences will also be considered. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Time Block: B

London Internship Experience/Internship Focus Session (REQUIRED)
3 credits
- Instructor: evaluated by the student's Departmental Internship Supervisor
In order to receive credit for the internship, students must successfully complete ALL of the tasks listed below.

Prior to departure:
-- attend the mandatory advising session in February as well as the pre-departure orientation in April
-- compile a resume, cover letter, and internship questionnaire according to the instructions and standards discussed at February's mandatory advising session
-- be interviewed by the potential internship site in London
-- based on the internship site and expected duties, develop a list of goals and objectives

While in London:
-- attend a one-hour-per-week Internship Focus Session designed to increase awareness and understanding of the culture, people, and work environment in which they are training
-- keep a daily journal to reflect on and analyze internship experiences
-- intern/work 140 hours (approximately 20 hours per week)

Upon return to the USA:
-- write an Internship Analysis Paper that includes 1.) a description of the internship work setting, the purpose and structure of the host organization, and the student’s responsibilities; 2.) a description of one or more experiences which relate the student’s academic program; 3.) a review and evaluation of the student’s learning objectives; and 4.) a discussion of how the internship experience relates to concepts or theories learned in academic courses at Purdue and what was learned from the internship

Interns will also be evaluated by the on-site internship supervisor toward the end of the internship. Evaluations will be mailed to Purdue by CAPA when completed.

NOTE: Some academic departments may have additional academic requirements for their students. The internship experience will be awarded a letter grade or grade of pass/no pass, depending on the department’s policies. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss these details and requirements with his/her academic advisor and/or departmental internship supervisor!

Purdue students will be housed in self-catered flats in central London (zone one or two). Housing in London is extremely expensive, and accommodations are not spacious, so students should adjust their expectations accordingly. Depending on size, there will be multiple students in each flat with two to three students per bedroom. 

Each flat’s layout could vary greatly, but all have a bathroom, living and dining area, bedrooms with beds and small closets (storage space will be very limited!), and kitchen, which will be equipped with basic cooking/eating utensils. Wireless access will be available for web searches and email.

Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

The program costs are estimates. They are useful for planning purposes, but are subject to change due to currency exchange rate fluctuation and inflation. Students should regard these figures as approximate amounts. London is an expensive city and extensive travel on weekends will increase students' costs.

Note: The program fee covers tuition and fees for six credits, housing, internship placement, a public transportation pass, and excursions. 

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Summer 2023

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

• direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus; 
• consult website Study Abroad Financial Aid Process;
• complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Application Process for Purdue’s Summer Internship Programs: 

The preliminary application includes: the online study abroad application, a transcript, essay, two recommendations (one academic recommendation on the form that you can submit via your MyStudyAbroad page and one work-related recommendation on company letterhead from any current or previous job or internship supervisor), and a copy of your passport or proof of passport application.

The preliminary application must be submitted to Programs for Study Abroad by February 1, 2022.

**We will begin reviewing completed applications in early January; the program could potentially fill up before the deadline. It is imperative, however, that the preliminary application is complete by the deadline at the very latest!**

Once students are conditionally accepted into the program, they must attend one of the two mandatory advising sessions in February (date and location: TBD). Students must remain present for the entire session.

During the advising session students will receive further instructions on completing the rest of the internship application, including resume, cover letter, and other additional paperwork. 

Upon full acceptance into the program, students are expected to pay a non-refundable confirmation deposit to ensure their participation in the program and course choice.

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.

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• Department of State Consular Information
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• CDC Travel Information (You must find United Kingdom in list)