Internship and Living Abroad Program Details

The purpose of the MSC Jordan Institute for International Awareness Internship and Living Abroad Programs (ILAP) is to provide an opportunity for Texas A&M University students to actively participate in another culture by living and working in a foreign country.

Here you will find more specific details about the ILAP programs, financials, eligibility, application process, and the program’s history.

Program Description

The MSC L.T. Jordan Institute Internship and Living Abroad Programs (ILAP) will arrange the following as part of the program:

  • Cross-cultural orientation to customs, society, and government of the host country during the spring semester of each year, prior to participants’ departure.
  • Living accommodations with a host family who will provide two meals daily, five days a week, and three meals daily on weekends.
  • Five to six week non-paying internships related to academic studies or career goals as available.
  • Frequent contact with a Texas A&M University staff member or in-country coordinator while in the host country.
  • Group activities, sight-seeing, and excursions during the program.
  • Air transportation to and from the host country.
  • Group ground transfers (to and from the airport) within host country.
  • After the end of this summer program, participants will be encouraged to present their cultural and professional experiences and perceptions to their classmates and other Texas A&M students during the fall semester at faculty-led lectures or on-campus seminars.

Whenever possible, ILAP dates allow participants to attend summer classes. The ILAPs in England, Spain, and Morocco are concurrent with the 1st Texas A&M summer school session and begin in the middle of May, lasting until the end of June.

Students may choose to extend their experience to 10 weeks or longer in order to receive study abroad or course credit. Students needing an extension must indicate so on their application.

Funding, Costs, and Price

This program cost covers the round-trip airfare, non-paying internship, housing, some meals, and one or two group excursions. Students will be responsible for paying approximately:

  • $6,000 (Spain, England, Morocco)

Incidental expenses not covered by the fee may include, but are not limited to:

  • All personal needs
  • Any required travel documents and/or preventative medical care needed prior to departure
  • Photographic equipment, film, and processing
  • Other food and snacks as desired
  • Personal shopping and gifts presented to the host families
  • Pleasure travel not scheduled in the group trip
  • Some in-country transportation

Students may apply for an interest-free loan from the MSC Overseas Loan Fund. Interviews for these loans are scheduled on a monthly basis. Ask the MSC Jordan Institute staff for information about scholarship sources.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled in Texas A&M University College Station campuses as undergraduate or graduate students who will have at least one semester of additional enrollment at Texas A&M University after the trip. Students graduating prior to program’s departure are ineligible to participate.
  • Undergraduate students and professional school students must have a GPA of 2.25, while graduate students must have a GPA of 3.0.
  • Preference is given to students with little or no international travel or living abroad experience but with a demonstrated interest in international affairs.
  • Students applying for the MSC Jordan Internship and Living Abroad Programs in Spain shall satisfactorily have completed at least two semester courses of the language of the host country at the college level or two years at the high school level, or must demonstrate ability in the host country’s language in another manner. Basic conversational ability is required. (Not applicable to students applying for ILAPs in English speaking countries).
  • Valid passport is required of all students prior to departure.
  • Students must have demonstrated ability to function effectively in a cross-cultural environment and to uphold the image of Texas A&M University as a world-class university.
  • The MSC Jordan Institute reserves the right to deny acceptance to applicants who have been convicted of any felony or other crimes.
  • Upon selection as a participant, student must complete a contract and release form which includes all rules, regulations, and requirements.

Application and Selection Process

  1. Interested students may submit applications on Get Involved and recommendation forms.
  2. Applications will be screened by the ILAP Selection Committee to narrow the candidates for the interview process. Applicants will be interviewed by the following officials of the MSC Jordan Institute for International Awareness:
    • Jordan Institute staff director or designee
    • Jordan Institute student chairperson or designee
    • Jordan Institute graduate assistant
    • The director of the Internship and Living Abroad Program (student)
    • Other individuals as deemed appropriate by the student committee
  3. Applicants shall be notified of the interview outcome by e-mail, within five working days after the final interview.

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