Student View: Interning in Cape Town
Cole Johnson (IR '27) shares his experience interning abroad with the Scalabrini Institute for Human Mobility in Africa in Cape Town, South Africa.
In conjunction with MSU Education Abroad and other colleges across the university, James Madison College sponsors a variety of study abroad programs that involve internships as the sole or a significant part of the program’s activities.
Students interested in pursuing any of the following programs should meet with Field Experience Coordinator Lauren Michalak at least a full semester, and preferably two semesters, in advance. At that time, you will be asked to discuss the nature of your internship interests, the program(s) in which you’re most interested, and (where applicable) relevant language skills.
The Field Experience Coordinator will provide you with application materials and instructions, and describe the steps for securing his approval of your application. All programs fulfill the JMC Field Experience requirement, with full-time internship programs requiring enrollment in MC 400 and MC 401 and the internship + study programs transferring back courses that substitute for MC 400 and MC 401.
Gain a better understanding of the changing world of work while exploring organizational structures, communication styles and work cultures in Cape Town, South Africa.
This 10-week program is designed to engage students in a variety of internship opportunities that reflect their career interests, and provide an academic component to reflect upon their professional development.
Learn more about the Cape Town program via MSU Education Abroad
MSU’s partner, CRCC Asia, will seek out internship opportunities that match the interests and backgrounds of students for a summer internship in Tokyo, Japan. Internship placement is guaranteed on the program, and students will work with CRCC Asia on placement after identifying three professional fields of interest as part of the application. Internship placements are in English, and Japanese language proficiency is not required.
Learn more about the Tokyo program via MSU Education Abroad
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan and an economic powerhouse in the Kansai Region of the country. It is a charming port city and an efficient transport hub. It is renowned for glorious street food, modern architecture, old-world charm, top-notch shopping and friendly locals. Osaka is recognized as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in Japan. Students participating in the Osaka internship program also have the ability to intern in Kyoto, a short train commute away.
MSU’s partner, CRCC Asia, will seek out internship opportunities that match the interests and backgrounds of students for a summer internship in Osaka, Japan. Internship placement is guaranteed on the program, and students will work with CRCC Asia on placement after identifying three professional fields of interest as part of the application. Internship placements are in English, and Japanese language proficiency is not required. It is recommended that students connect with CRCC Asia before applying to determine if Tokyo or Osaka would be the best fit based on the student’s placement interests.
Learn more about the Osaka program via MSU Education Abroad
MSU’s partner, CRCC Asia, will seek out internship opportunities that match the interests and backgrounds of students for a summer internship in Seoul, South Korea. Internship placement is guaranteed on the program, and students will work with CRCC Asia on placement after identifying three professional fields of interest as part of the application. Internship placements are in English, and Korean language proficiency is not required.
Learn more about the Seoul program via MSU Education Abroad
Broaden your understanding of Irish culture while interning at an internationally-recognized company, government agency, or European organization.
This program is designed to engage students in a variety of experiential opportunities that reflect their career interests and provide an academic component to enhance their professional development as well as broaden student understanding of contemporary Irish culture.
Learn more about the Dublin program via MSU Education Abroad
Experience the sights, sounds, flavors and vibrant culture of Buenos Aires while getting work experience and enhancing your Spanish skills.
Buenos Aires is the largest city and capital of Argentina. It’s a mix of European and Latin American sights, sounds and flavors and is often referred to as the Paris of the Americas. Buenos Aires is a hub of education, business and finance in South America. Historical monuments and architecture inspired by Spanish colonialism are the backdrop of vibrant Argentine culture. This program provides a great opportunity for students to enhance their Spanish language skills and develop valuable professional experience while undertaking a full-time internship.
Language requirement: SPN 310 or equivalent
Learn more about the Buenos Aires program via MSU Education Abroad
Explore one of the most dynamic commercial and cultural centers of Europe while immersing yourself in Spanish culture by studying and interning in Barcelona.
This program is designed to engage students in a variety of experiential opportunities that reflect their career interests and provide an academic component to reflect upon their professional development as well as broaden student understanding of contemporary Spanish culture.
Intern + Study in Barcelona with CEA CAPA offers MSU students from the sponsoring colleges the opportunity to complete an internship for 20 hours a week for 9.5 weeks (180 hours total) and take an associated Global Internship Course for 3 credits.
NOTE: All credits completed on this program will be used for Field Experience (Academic Course WILL NOT be used for JMC Major Requirements)
Learn more about the Barcelona program via MSU Education Abroad
Explore an area of career interest and broaden your understanding of Australian culture by studying and interning in Sydney.
This program is designed to engage students in a variety of experiential opportunities that reflect their career interests and provide an academic component to enhance their professional development as well as broaden student understanding of contemporary Australian culture.
Intern + Study in Sydney with CEA CAPA offers MSU students from the sponsoring colleges the opportunity to complete an internship for 20 hours a week for 6 weeks (120 hours total) and take an associated Global Internship Course for 3 credits.
NOTE: All credits completed on this program will be used for Field Experience (Academic Course WILL NOT be used for JMC Major Requirements)
Learn more about the Sydney program via MSU Education Abroad
Explore an area of career interest and broaden your understanding of British culture by studying and interning in London.
This program is designed to engage students in a variety of experiential opportunities that reflect their career interests and provide an academic component to enhance their professional development as well as broaden student understanding of contemporary British culture.
Intern + Study in London with CEA CAPA offers MSU students from the sponsoring colleges the opportunity to complete an internship for 20 hours a week for 6 weeks (120 hours total) and take an associated Global Internship Course for 3 credits.
NOTE: All credits completed on this program will be used for Field Experience (Academic Course WILL NOT be used for JMC Major Requirements)
Learn more about the London program via MSU Education Abroad
Cole Johnson (IR '27) shares his experience interning abroad with the Scalabrini Institute for Human Mobility in Africa in Cape Town, South Africa.
I had the privilege of living and working abroad in Dublin, Ireland, for a non-profit called the Irish Network Against Racism. Due to the fantastic resources at JMC, I now have published journalistic contributions on an international stage for both the European Commission and Irish Policing Authority.
— Amaya Aten (CCP '25)
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Contact Lauren Michalak to begin planning your internship. Schedule an advising appointment via SIS. Students can meet with Lauren for drop-in advising on Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in 329 South Case Hall.