International Experience

International Experience allows RIT students to work abroad in different countries, cities, and cultures. Students grow personally and professionally as they experience work in their field of study, adapt to a different work environment, and gain perspective on living in an unfamiliar city.

Receiving a different type of work experience has its benefits.

  • Obtain co-op credit for your work experience
  • Gain valuable work experience and develop new skills
  • Understand global issues by experiencing them first-hand
  • Expand your cultural horizons
  • Develop your foreign language skills
  • Expand your professional network
  • Stand out to future employers through the interview and selection process

Explore by Country

Australia is famed for its sunny days and beautiful beaches, but each new season brings a magic of its own. Discover Australia's sparkling beaches, friendly wildlife, and natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, great ocean road, kangaroo island, blue mountains, and more.

Apply through

Discover Canada's captivating allure where welcoming metropolises meet sweeping coastlines, embodying a unique blend of wild prairies, fearless adventures, and refreshing perspectives.

Apply through

The grand story of China features a great wall, a forbidden city, and a few thousand terracotta warriors. Settings include the sci-fi skyline of Shanghai, the jutting peaks of Zhangjiajie, and the tropical beaches of Hainan.

Apply through

Colombia is a country that will thrill you with a huge range of destinations catering to all tastes. Discover the Sea of Seven Colors, explore the Lost City, and indulge in the coffee culture.

Apply through The Intern Group.

In Costa Rica, visitors enjoy lovely tropical beaches, grand adventures, the wonders of nature, and scintillating culture. Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, Guanacaste, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and more.

Apply through Global Experiences.

The Czech Republic is home to the most interesting castles and chateaux, UNESCO monuments, and also the fascinating atmosphere of ancient cities. In this small country at the heart of Europe, world-famous spas, unspoiled countryside, and legendary cuisine await.

Apply through Global Experiences.

From the lights of Paris to the relaxing countryside, France is one of the most alluring countries in the world. Discover masterful art and architecture, the French Alps, tempting cuisine, and beautiful landscapes.

Apply through

Whether you love nature or history, mountains or the sea, Germany has something to offer for everyone. Discover eight natural wonders, thousands of museums, and gorgeous scenery.

Apply through

From Dublin to Belfast, each region of Ireland has its own character, culture, and dialect. Explore the Cliffs of Moher, the Rock of Cashel, the Titanic Belfast, Blarney Castle, and more.

Apply through

Landscapes that will take your breath away, rich history, and delicious food, Italy is nothing short of unforgettable. Home to the Colosseum, the Duomo di Milano, and Venice’s canals, there is something for everyone to explore.

Apply through

for the Door to Italy Internship Program

From the great white north to the sub-tropical south—and everywhere in between, Japan has something for everybody. Discover the city of Tokyo, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, and Oze National Park.

Apply through The Intern Group.

Being one of the most visited countries in Europe, the Netherlands is known worldwide as a land of windmills, canals, and tulips. Visit the Van Gogh Museum, the famous city of Amsterdam, and indulge in Dutch cuisine.

Apply through Sage Corps

Across New Zealand, you can find everything from untamed wilderness to rich culture. Explore golden coastlines fringed with native pohutukawa trees, follow walking trails to waterfalls hidden in beech forests, or you can choose from bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving, and more.

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The Portugal experience can be many things: medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities, and golden beaches. History, great food, and idyllic scenery are just the beginning.

Apply through

From sun-drenched archipelagos and bustling urban cities to snowcapped mountains and semi-arid deserts, Spain epitomizes geographical diversity. Discover Andalucía, La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and more.

Apply through

Gleaming temples and golden Buddhas frame the landscapes in Thailand, serving as a stunning backdrop for tours of Bangkok noodle shacks and adventures along the luxurious coastline.

Apply through

Whether it’s gazing at the London skyline from the top of iconic St. Paul’s, tracing footsteps of Banksy in Bristol, discovering musical legends in Liverpool, or exploring the history of Cardiff Castle in the stunning heart of Wales, there’s something in the U.K. that’s perfect for you.

Apply through

Explore by Partner

BUNAC offers RIT students from any major the opportunity to work and travel. Its program supports work in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Learn more about BUNAC

CIS Abroad offers RIT students the opportunity to work overseas from a month to a year with customized internships. Its program provides innovative internships in Spain and Thailand. Learn more about CIS Abroad

Cultural Vistas global internship programs offer an array of customized internship placement and work abroad programs tailored to students’ specific skill sets, ambitions, and career aspirations. Its programs support work in China and Germany.​​​​​​ Learn more about the Cultural Vista Fellowship Program

Global Experiences provides RIT students the opportunity to gain practical unpaid work experience, new foreign language skills, and immersion into a new culture. Experience life as an international intern in Australia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, or the United Kingdom. Learn more about Global Experiences LLC

International Exchange of North America (IENA) offers RIT students a challenging, once-in-a-lifetime experience of living, working, and traveling overseas. International opportunities are available in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Learn more about the International Exchange of North America

Through ImmerQi's internship program, you will get a quality, international experience in China and learn invaluable skills enabling you to stand out from other job seekers. Learn more

Sage Corps is a global entrepreneurship program that allows RIT students to work abroad at tech start-ups full-time along with a stipend from the employer. In addition to the work experience, interns may also attend tech conferences, networking events, and connect with the Sage Network, a network of business leaders and program alumni who provide career mentorship and job opportunities. Find opportunities in Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Learn more about Sage Corps

The Intern Group offers internships in various career fields and with a variety of leading companies and organizations. Gain invaluable professional experience and grow your global network and resume with an international internship in Australia, China, Colombia, Ireland, Japan, Spain, Thailand, or the United Kingdom. Learn more

View The Intern Group Info Session Video

ff about The Intern Group

Getting Started

Information Sessions

Career Services hosts virtual and in-person Q&A sessions about our International Experience program. During the live Q&A, you can chat with an international experience advisor to ask questions about the program and next steps. Information sessions start after the seventh week of the fall semester. View dates and times in Career Connect.

If you cannot attend the information sessions, set up an International Experience appointment with our coordinators in Career Connect or stop by International Drop-ins. Check Career Connect for International Drop-in times each week.

Application Process

If you’re interested in working abroad, it is recommended to start looking six months before your internship/co-op target date. The process can be long in order to process paperwork correctly.

Review the countries you are interested in and the partners available. Take time to view each program to see which experience fits you best. As every partner has a different application process, you can meet with our team to make sure every step is complete.

Documents

Always be prepared for the unexpected when traveling for an international work experience. Have the following documentation prepared before departure:

Apply for a passport as soon as possible if you do not have one. A passport costs $165 for first-time applicants, $130 for renewals, and typically takes about 10-13 weeks to arrive. If you’re in a hurry, there are additional fees for expedited services to receive the passport within 7-9 weeks.

Countries require special permission for foreigners to work in their countries. For co-op students, visas may or may not be required. Check with the hiring company for more information.

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for additional information regarding passports, visas, immunizations, testing, and additional fees.

Program Costs

Cost varies depending on your destination. Through work abroad partners, work permits and service fees may be included. No programs include plane fare and very few offer room and board. Some overseas jobs may pay enough to cover living expenses but plan on taking extra spending money to travel and cover living expenses. Financial aid is not available for students working abroad.

Travel Grant Application

RIT students participating in an international co-op, internship, volunteer experience, or fellowship are eligible to apply for the Career Services Travel Grant if the experience will be registered with the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education.

Application Deadlines:

  • Fall Program: October 31
  • Spring Program: March 31
  • Summer Program: July 31

Apply for the Travel Grant

Report Your Experience

Before Experience

Report Your Experience

After you are accepted into the International Experience program, use this form to officially report your experience through the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education.

Report Your Experience

The U.S. Department of State website will allow you to check the status of a country’s travel advisory and has important tips and information for students. Register your travel abroad plans with the U.S. Department of State prior to your departure through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Gain firsthand knowledge about your destination by learning the country’s language, cultural etiquette, and national attractions. Use students on campus from that country or students who have attended a co-op program there as a resource. You can also use Interstride to research the country and city you are going to. Speaking the native language is not always a requirement for working overseas, but it is best practice to check with the employer.

Have local currency with you when you arrive to pay for transportation and other expenses. Credit cards like Visa, Master Card, and American Express are widely accepted around the world, but it’s best to notify your bank of your travels to prevent false fraud charges and confirm their global reach. Information on currency conversion is available online.

When working overseas, housing is usually the responsibility of the student or individual looking for a job. Available accommodations will vary by country and specific locality. The following organizations provide housing, at cost, to a student on internship or co-op assignment.

HousingAnywhere: HousingAnywhere is a housing platform where people can rent out rooms to international students. Find rentable spaces in more than 500 cities worldwide. Learn more about HousingAnywhere 

International Houses Worldwide: An association of International Houses from across the world, students of different nationalities have the opportunity to live and learn together in a community of mutual respect and understanding. Locations: Australia, United Kingdom, and Canada. Learn more about International Houses Worldwide 

RIT requires students studying or working abroad to have international health insurance. The vast majority of students never have to use it, but it is best to have just in case.

RIT Programs (Global Campuses, Faculty-Led, Exchange Programs, International Research)
RIT students are provided international health insurance through Chubb’s Educational Travel Assistance Program. Chubb provides assistance for finding local medical providers, coordination of illness/medical issues (including translation services if needed), coverage for medical care, doctor/hospital visits, and emergency evacuation due to accident, illness, or safety reasons.

Students will receive an email with the insurance card and an overview of the policy prior to leaving for their program. Make sure to print the card and carry it in your wallet. Remember to add the Chubb dedicated RIT phone number to your phone contacts before traveling; instructions will be provided.

Purchasing International Health Insurance
The resources below provide information on purchasing international health insurance if you are not covered under Chubb, your affiliate work abroad provider, or wish to have supplemental insurance. When shopping for international health insurance, costs vary depending on the amount of coverage you want (typically $100,000) and if you want a co-pay.

This covers you if you need to be evacuated from a foreign country due to a natural disaster, political unrest, severe illness, or accident. RIT global campuses, faculty-led, and exchange programs provide you with emergency evacuation coverage through Chubb. Many affiliate work abroad programs also provide coverage as part of their program (ask your affiliate provider).

Travel insurance is not required, but can provide peace of mind when traveling. Policies generally provide coverage due to flight delays, stolen property, unexpected medical expenses, and trip interruption (i.e. if you need to return to the U.S. because you have a death in the family or a sick relative). Always read your policy carefully, especially in terms of trip interruption coverage. There may be specific requirements you need to meet to get costs reimbursed.

InsureMyTrip allows you to compare travel insurance policies.

Consider purchasing a policy if you plan to travel with an expensive computer, phone, photography equipment, etc. RIT offers an affordable personal property insurance plan through Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

After Experience

To receive a “Satisfactory” (S) grade for co-op on your transcript, the following evaluation documents must be completed. Student work reports and employer evaluations are sent toward the end of each semester. 


Student Work Report/Evaluation

Students who complete a mandatory co-op must submit a Work Report on their experience for their academic department to review. Get Started with your report

If you need to change your supervisor information, visit www.rit.edu/supervisorupdate.


Employer Evaluation

The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education sends employers a link and directions to complete a Co-op Evaluation near the end of a student’s co-op term. View co-op evaluation(s)

Contact Us

Questions? 
Feel free to reach out to us.

International Experience
INTLEXP@mail.rit.edu
585-475-2301