The following information aims to answer questions most frequently asked about our programs. Please read through and contact us directly should you have further questions or concerns.

Are the internships paid?

As with most internships, the vast majority of our placements are unpaid. Considering most university graduates in our host countries undertake unpaid internships to acquire practical work experience in a given field, it is often even more difficult to secure a paid position for a non-native citizen. The intent of the internships is to provide practical, applicable work experience in your career field of choice. These internships allow you to further differentiate yourself from the rest of the pack by showing that you not only have experience in a given field, but also that you have demonstrated your ability to live and work in a foreign culture. That adaptability provides a resume boost that will truly differentiate you from other applicants in the eyes of a prospective employer. In which case, the 'pay' you will receive comes in the form of international work experience, establishing contacts in your career field of choice, and adding a line to your resume that will shine above all else. Of course, this is not to mention the personal enrichment of living and traveling abroad while immersing yourself in a foreign culture.

What is included in the program fees?

Our programs vary in terms of what is actually included. Please read the details for each respective program and inquire with our program coordinators to confirm what is included for your program of interest. Click here for general information regarding what is included in all of our programs.

Can the company I intern for help me get a job once I have completed the program?

We have had interns who were offered full-time employment upon completion of their internship. This would be entirely up to the placement company and would be organized directly with you, as Global Experiences does not facilitate full-time employment beyond the internships. Most interns make excellent contacts during their program that help to open doors to future employment, so be sure to do the same.

Can I arrange university credit?

Yes, many of our program participants have secured credit from their university or college. Though we do not currently have ongoing credit-based programs, we are able to arrange credit for you on a case by case basis. We would work directly with you and your institution to arrange the credits, either issued directly by your school or through a third-party credit issuing institution. Students have earned anywhere from 3 credits for a one-month program to 13 credits for a semester long program. Please click here to learn more.

Is there any financial aid available?

There are several financial aid options available for those participating in a Global Experiences program. Please visit our Financial Aid page to learn more.

What will my accommodations be like?

For the programs where accommodations are included in the program fee, the accommodations are generally offered in private or shared rooms in shared apartments, homestays or studios depending on the program undertaken. Please review detailed information provided for your program of interest and be sure to inquire directly with our program coordinators should you have any questions. We attempt to provide accommodations as close to your language courses and/or internship placement company as possible. For those programs that do not include accommodations, we will provide assistance finding and securing accommodations during your program.

What do I need to bring with me?

Most of our accommodations options provide all of the amenities and essentials for living, including linens, pots, pans, dishes and other general home supplies. For most, the only necessity is to bring is your own towel. As the accommodations for each program differ, please be sure to confirm what to expect for your specific program. Otherwise, you will need to bring some spending cash and an open mind. You will figure out the rest!

Is the application process competitive?

Again, this is program specific. We are generally able to accept most applicants for our language/internship programs while certain intern-only positions are more competitive and based on previous experience, language proficiency or other variables. The minimum requirements for each respective program are listed clearly on the website and our other materials, so be sure to inquire there first, then contact our program coordinators should you have any further questions. Many of our programs have limits in terms of number of participants, which are generally facilitated on a first come first serve basis.

Do I have to be American or other nationality to participate?

No. Our programs are open to most all nationalities and backgrounds, with many levels of academic and professional experience. Some positions require minimum proficiency in a foreign language or work experience in a given field. Program eligibility also depends on the visa requirements specific to your country of origin. Please feel free to ask us questions regarding your background and whether it may pose a conflict for any of our programs.

Are there age limits for the programs? What is the average age?

Most programs are open to those 18 years or older. Generally speaking, the upper age limit for our language/internships program placements in Italy is 30 years of age, though exceptions are possible. We do offer special programs for those 16 years and up, so click here to learn more about those opportunities. The average age of our program participants is 22-25 years, though we have had students as old as 70 complete our Teaching English course and as young as 16 for a fashion program in Florence.

Will I have free time during my program?

Yes, you will have plenty of free time to wander during your program, particularly in the afternoons, evenings and on the weekends outside of your language courses and internships. Many of our program participants organize dinners, drinks, excursions and outings together, and there is always something going on in each location. We cannot impress upon you more to do as much, see as much, smell as much, and taste as much as possible while you are there--it may be your only chance in life.

How do I apply?

Each program carries its own application form and protocol, so be sure to download the appropriate forms for your specific program. You will find more specific information regarding the application process on our How to Apply page.

When do I need to apply?

Though each program differs in terms of deadlines, a general rule for our programs is to submit your application at least 60 days prior to the start of the program. Exceptions can be (and often are) made, so be sure to ask us before assuming you missed the date.

Why should I consider a Global Experiences program?

Most of our programs were devised by staff who have actually previously completed the same or similar programs. As such, we are able to ask that you "do as we do" rather than "do as we say." Click here for more information.